How to Convert to Judaism

Question

I am a minor (17) who was raised as Christian the majority of my life. At 12 I started to distance myself, and researched many religions for a few years. I really want to know the process or steps on conversion and try to begin this process, though for now I can't really do physical things as I don't drive. I've wanted to for about 2 years now, this religion has attracted me the most.

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

While Christianity believes that one must be a Christian to find favor with God and go to heaven, and Islam believes that one must become a Muslin to find favor with God and go to heaven, Judaism has no such belief. Judaism doesn’t believe in seeking converts.

Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).

There is no need to convert to Judaism, 

Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws.” They are called “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).

The 7 laws are:

1. Don’t murder.

2. Don’t steal.

3. Don’t worship false gods.

4. Don’t be sexually immoral.

5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.

6. Don’t curse God.

7. Establish a system of justice.

Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven. There is no need to follow any other religion. You can pray to God in your own words and your own language. Take a look at the website https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!

With blessings.


Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category
Conversion to Judaism
Conversion to Judaism
Disposing of holy texts and objects