Conversion to Judaism
Question
Shalom rabbi. I hope this message finds you well. I am a 13 years old boy, Hindu right now, from Jharkhand, India. There are no synagogues in my entire state, and I want to become haredi Jewish, my parents have also agreed to become Jewish. Can you please help us rabbi? Baruch HaShem.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
It is not possible to convert in your area. In order to convert to Judaism, one must live in a Jewish community and within walking distance of a synagogue.
However, Judaism does not see any advantage in you converting. I will explain.
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.