How do you become a Jew?

Question

I heard you need to have the corrtect parentage and geneology to become one, and one just can't convert.

Answer 1

Say, "I am Jewish." three times. LOL!

Make your children feel guilty for not eating all their food.

Answer 2

You heard wrong, dear. Christians will discourage you in any way possible.

It is traditional to turn away converts three times so one must be persistent. However... I would suggest you do some reading before contacting a rabbi. Then contact a rabbi and ask for his advice on what to study, etc. Becoming a Jew is a matter of taking on many obligations to God and to your neighbor. Judaism is not like Christianity in that it is a religion of action. It is not enough to love your neighbor in your heart, you must demonstrate that you love your neighbor. Judaism is not about peace of mind, it is about peace on earth which takes much work, determination, self-restraint, moderation, and discipline. That is what you will learn in Judaism.

Before considering conversion, learn as much as you can about the people/religion. My favorite book is "To Life" by Harold Kushner. But visit your library or bookstore and read everything you can find. In the end, it's not really necessary to convert as Jews believe that all the righteous of the nations have a share in the world to come.

I recently converted and find that the more I read, the more I realize how little I know about Judaism. But at the same time, the more I learn, the more I realize how much there is to love about the people/religion.

After conversion you will be a Jew just the same as a born Jew. Those whose mother is a Jew do not have to study prior to becoming a Jew because it is assumed the mother will raise her children in the Jewish tradition herself. A child born to a Jewish mother, but raised by an adoptive non-Jewish family can still be required to go through the conversion process. It is the Roman Catholic Church that determined that Judaism is passed by blood.

(Judaism is no more a "race" than Christianity. However, one might call it a "nation" since it is a close-knit community all working together for the common good. We have a common language, Hebrew, and traditions.) The only thing we ask of Christians is to leave us in peace.

Shalom

Answer 3

Talk with a Rabbi. You can convert. You questions will be answered and you will be told of the options available and how long a typical conversion may take. Jewish heritage is passed through the mother, not the father, and I don't know if the children of a convert are automatically considered Jews. Best of Luck to you.

Answer 4

I'm in the process of converting to Judaism (reformed) and yes it is possible. In most branches of Judaism you are refused three times in order to prove that you are serious about converting. Once you have completed this, you then go through Hebrew classes to familiarise yourself with the Torah and the 613 mitzvot. If you are converting to one of the stricter sects then you will be required to follow all of the mitzvot to the letter. If you are male you will be required to go through the brit milah, which is circumcision. If you are already circumcised then a small amount of blood will be drawn to signal the covenant with G-d. At the end of the process you are signalled as being a Jew through the mikvah, or immersion in water.

Answer 5

Judaism is a religion. No one is born Jewish.

You can convert by either claiming to be a Jew or paying a rabbi lots of money to wave his magic wand over you and call you a Jew. In either case, nothing will change except if a rabbi waves his magic wand it will cost you lots of money.


Sammy Davis, Jr. was a converted Jew. And, he was not a blonde female. Elizabeth Taylor converted to Judaism after her marriage to Eddie Fisher.


Jews have this really quaint notion that a person born Jewish is no longer Jewish if he converts to another religion. Which means he wasn't born Jewish in the first place.

Answer 6

Anyone can convert into Judaism. In any branch of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative or Reform)

It is usually a year long process were you learn about being a Jew and culminates at the Mikvah (ritual bath)

Answer 7

You are correct. If your parents were Jewish, particularly your mother, then you can be a religious Jew. Otherwise, forget it, unless you are a thin blonde woman quite young. Then you can marry a rich Jewish man, and all the Jews will let you convert so that the children of this marriage will be Jewish.

These are the only people I have ever met who have become Jews.

Answer 8

Yes, you can convert. Find a Reformed congregation and speak to the Rabbi.

Answer 9

Donate a million dollars to the B'nai Brith organization, than
hold a seance, bring back the ghost of Henny Youngman
and Golda Meir, spin around three times, say "there's no place like home" and clap twice....

Answer 10

You can be converted by an Orthodox rabbi; it requires study, a ritual bath, and males must be circumcised.

Answer 11

Not true. Classes you can take. I am not Jewish but I know someone that converted because they married one.