Does Orthodox Judaism accept converts? Can you only get in thorugh marriage or adoption?

Answer 1

Absolutely. But we only accept those who convert in accordance with Torah Law. What it boils down to is a lot of study, under the supervision of a Beis Din (rabbinic court of three), acceptance of the Torah and all of its mitzvos (commandments), a dip in the mikveh (ritual bath - the original baptism, you could say), and for men, circumcision (or in the case a man has already been circumcised or was born without a foreskin, the symbolic drawing of a drop of blood called a "hatafat dam brit").

Conversion is discouraged, however, because according to Judaism, one doesn't need to be Jewish to get on G-d's good side. And once one is Jewish, certain things that wouldn't count against them as a non-Jew WOULD count against them as a Jew (breaking Sabbath, eating non-kosher food, etc.) So we only want the most dedicated people to convert. Someone who isn't going to keep the Torah would be doing themselves a great disservice by converting.

In any event, if one became Jewish "through marriage or adoption," both cases would simply be examples of conversion. But marrying a Jew doesn't automatically equal conversion. And in fact, though many people convert to Judaism to please the in-laws or whatever, marriage isn't really an appropriate motivation for conversion. If someone converts to Judaism, it's supposed to be because they have decided that Judaism is right for them - no ulterior motives, not even love. This of course, is the ideal, not the reality.

Again, Orthodox Judaism does and always has accepted converts. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Abraham, the first Hebrew, was a convert. The famed biblical commentator Onkelos was a Jew-by-choice. Also, the sage Rabbi Akiva was the son of Jews-by-choice. Ruth was a Jew-by-choice, and she was the Great Grandmother to David, King of the Jewish People, from whose line will come the Moshiach. In other words, the Messiah, the pinnacle of Jewish and all human potential realized, will be the direct descendant of a convert to Orthodox Judaism. Pretty neat, huh?

Hope this helps clear things up for you.

Answer 2

Yes, all the time. I know several examples of converts who converted neither through marriage nor adoption.

For the record, the idea of "I want to marry a Jew so I'll convert" is really frowned upon in Orthodoxy and most rabbis will not perform such a conversion since the motive is not wholy for the sake of conversion. However, if an Orthodox Beth Din (court of Jewish Law) did perform such a conversion then it is still valid. (Disclaimer: The previous statement is a generalization and not to be taken as the final word.)

Answer 3

They accept converts as long as it's done done according to Halachah. Non-halachic conversions are not recognized as valid by Orthodox Jews. Within the Haredi movement, some (maybe all) Hasidic sects will consider someone not born Hasidic to be of lower standing in the community which would make the person a less desirable spouse, etc..

Answer 4

Sammy Davis Jr. and Elizabeth Taylor were converts. So why not anyone else? Christians also accept converts.

Answer 5

yes, but they are very picky. there is a tradition of turning a potential convert away three times in order to make sure that person is truly committed. they don't want to risk converting a person and then having them eventually go back to their former religion. its better for the person's soul if they just don't convert in the first place.

Answer 6

Yes. Though the prosses is very long and they only want people who are genuinely committed.

FYI it is much easyer to convert if your not married or plan to be married to a Jew.

Answer 7

Of course they do. Ruth was a convert and through her we have David and the Messiah.

Answer 8

Of course. One must however observe Torah.
That includes circumcision, kosher observance, shabbat etc.