If I want to convert to Judaism, must I learn Hebrew?

Question

I wanted to check out a Reform or Conservative synagogue but I thought the service might be in Hebrew. Are there some services in English?

Answer 1

Preacher is very misinformed. It is amazing how many non-Jews think you can not become a Jew. While Judaism is not a prostlatizing religion (in fact potential converts are turned away three times before acceptance) conversion to Judaism is often done.

The other comments are more accurate. You will not need to learn Hebrew - most Jews do not know Hebrew as a fluent language. However it is likely you will need to know some prayers and phrases in Hebrew as well as the names of some objects, holidays and rituals in Hebrew - for instance the Sabbath is "Shabbat" in Hebrew.

In general, Reform will require the least amount of Hebrew. Some Reform services are almost entirely in English. Conservative services will have mostly Hebrew.

Most communities require converts to take a class and pass an exaime in addition to rituals. To know for sure what is required, just gve a call to a local synagogue and ask to speak with the Rabbi. Remember you may be turned away a few times with phrases like "why don't you take some time to think about it, etc."

Good luck.

Answer 2

Reform will do many parts in english and probably will not require that you learn hebrew. Conservatives will probably do the vast majority of the service in hebrew although they may not make it a requirement for conversion. I would recommend taking classes anyway. You will understand much more of the bible if you read it in hebrew instead of some terrible translation.

Answer 3

It would be helpful to at least learn to read Hebrew, even if you don't understand it.

But before you do this, ask yourself why? If your reason is because you want to marry you significant other and he or she insists on you becoming a Jew, know that this is a terrible reason to convert and should not be pursued. I've seen too many such marriages fall apart with the convert renouncing their Judaism. It's a tragedy waiting to happen.

Answer 4

if the congregation doesn't include at least basic hebrew lessons in your conversion study, then you need to pick a different congregation, one that takes judaism seriously. hebrew is the language of the jewish religion, it is the thing that unifies all jews everywhere, it is the language of jewish prayer and the language of study of G-d's torah, the foundation of the jewish faith.

but don't worry, hebrew is pretty easy to learn. you should get yourself a copy of "the 3rd hebrew primer" which comes with a workbook. thats what i am using to help me learn it better. it takes things nice and easy, but still progresses fast enough so you feel like you are learning something. if you want to hear what hebrew sounds like you should go into my yahoo 360 blog because i have a whole bunch of songs in hebrew posted that you can listen to. its a very beautiful language.

Answer 5

It is not required but it is strongly encouraged.

Reform services have English and Hebrew mixed throughout the service.

Answer 6

oops, i accidently poste an aswer to a different question in here

but the other answers are prettty solid

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Why go backwards? It`s like graduating from high school and going back to gradeschool. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life.

Answer 9

If you were not born a Jew, the3n you are out of luck. It would be like a white woman deciding that she wanted to become black-----it cannot happen.