The Path of Jews by Choice- Part 2

As mentioned in Part 1 of this article, the process of converting to Judaism is usually long and intense. Although the duration and format vary by the religious movement (i.e. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, etc.), the program usually lasts close to one year. During this time, the potential convert studies all of the rituals, observances, history, and beliefs of the Jewish people.

Since conversion to Judaism represents a major commitment for a lifetime, the individual must be completely informed of the situation into which he or she is entering. For the same reason, many rabbis will initially try to discourage a potential convert from entering the process; the Jewish religion discourages proselytization and rabbis usually want to make sure that the individual is electing to convert of his or her own accord and for the right reasons. Converting in name only in order to marry a desired spouse is one example of a bad reason to convert to Judaism. Converts must love and observe the religion for their own spiritual benefit and on account of their own personal beliefs.

During the time of study, the convert should be observing all of the Jewish rituals and traditions, while becoming a comfortable with the Jewish community of the synagogue. By the time the year of study concludes, the convert will be ready to make the decision final and official.

A male convert who is uncircumcised must then be circumcised. A convert who is already circumcised will undergo the act of Hatafat Dam B'rit, which is the extraction of a drop of blood from the original place of circumcision. This act offers religious significance to the ritual that binds all Jewish males to the covenant.

Both male and female converts face a rabbinical panel called the Bet Din. Here, the rabbis ask questions of the individual, to assure that he or she possesses significant knowledge of the Jewish religion.

Both male and female converts immerse themselves in a ritual bath called a Mikvah. This ceremony represents a spiritual cleansing and rebirth. After emerging from the water, a Hebrew blessing is recited and the person is now officially a Jew. The final part of the ceremony comes when the convert is given a new Hebrew name.

After this eventful day of traditional ceremonies, the new Jew is considered a Jew in every sense of the word. In fact, according to tradition, it is considered a sin to remind a "Jew-by-choice" that they used to be a gentile. The individual is welcomed fully into the Jewish community, with all of the joy and responsibility that comes along with this position.

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