Can I become Jewish or do I have to be born in a Jewish family?

Question

I've always wanted to. I have Jewish friends, but my family has no religion.

Answer 1

you can convert to judaism.

and btw, a convert is considered as fully jewish as a born jew. there always a couple of antisemties who come in whenever a question is asked about conversion to judaism and try to and spread their propaganda about how jews look down their nose at gentiles and converts. often its accompanied by them saying "you should join my religion instead." if you are going to convert, do it through the orthodox. because non-orthodox (i.e., conservative and reform) rabbis do not follow halacha (jewish law), jews who convert under them are not recognized as valid converts by many people. so if being recognized as jewish by other jews is important to you, convert orthodox.if you want to read good books about orthodox conversion to judaism you should read "to be a jew" by maurice lamm and "this is my G-d" by hermann wouk.

Answer 2

There is a matter of birth and a matter of religion. You can be born a Jew, and always be a Jew, and still not practice the Jewish religion of Judaism. You can also be born a Catholic, and convert to Judaism, and thereby become a Jew. But this is in religion only, I believe. There is a difference between birthright and religious choice. Here's a definition from webster's 1 a: a member of the tribe of Judah b: israelite 2: a member of a nation existing in Palestine from the sixth century b.c. to the first century a.d. 3: a person belonging to a continuation through descent or conversion of the ancient Jewish people 4: one whose religion is Judaism

Answer 3

How To Become Jewish

Answer 4

You do not need to be born into a Jewish family to be Jewish-----religiously or ethnically. You convert to the faith, but, you are also adopted into the family, becoming a part of the family of Abraham. If you are a man, your name will become ---so and so--Ben Abraham (son of Abraham). If a woman, your name will be ---so and so---Bat Abraham (daughter of Abraham). You are a child of Abraham; you are a child of Israel.

One thing to note--Judaism does not go out seeking converts. So, they will turn you away and try to make you change your mind, at least 3 times. If you are sincere enough, the Rabbis will start to study with you. This can take a year or two.

True, the Orthodox will not accept Conservative or Reform conversions. Conservatives will not accept Reform conversions. But, Orthodox are a smaller branch, and I would not let it bother me.

Answer 5

Of course you can. People convert to Judaism and all manner of other religions all the time. I don't know how you go about it, though. I would suggest that you ask your friends, or go to the nearest synagogue and ask the Rabbi. At the very least, you will have to undertake a course of study, just as any child born to the faith must in order to achieve their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, in which a child is then accepted as an adult in the faith, able to be fully responsible to God for becoming a better person.

P.S. Reading all that schlock about converts not being accepted is a bit daunting. I wonder if it would count in my case, that my grandmother's family converted from Judaism to Catholicism back around the 16th or 17th century?

Answer 6

It is a race and a religion, not always synonymous. YES, you can convert to Judaism. Lots of women do it to marry Jewish men because the religion is passed on through the mother...Jewish mom, Jewish Kids, Catholic mom, Catholic Kids.

Its not to be entered into lightly but go to a local synagogue and ask if you are serious.

Answer 7

Talk to a rabbi about converting. Anyone can become Jewish if they take the proper steps to convert and believe. Don't do it because your friends are jewish, do it for you and your soul.

Answer 8

You can convert at any point. You will be looked down on in the jewish community if you don't do it for spiritual clenliness. In other words, you have to be heavily committed, or you'll be looked down on.

Answer 9

You may not be culturally Jewish, but you can still convert to be religiously Jewish.

Answer 10

Yes, you can become Jewish.