My sister's boyfriend is Jewish, but wasn't born into a Jewish family. He studied different religions and decided that was that one for him...so he studies and practices being Jewish, he's told me some about what he has studied. He celebrates Hannakah and everything (I don't know much about Judaism...so I don't know what else he does) Anyway...My real question -> He's only 16 and my husband says that in order to be really Jewish, he has to go to the synagogue and study books and take a special Jewish test. But, I thought that was only for Catholics. I consider myself Christian...but I never had to go a take a special "Jesus test"...what do you all think - Jewish or not??
2007-01-12 13:43:12 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is not easy to be Jewish. It is even harder for a non-Jew to BECOME Jewish!
A candidate for conversion must demonstrate that he wishes to become Jewish in a sincere manner, and not just to marry one of the Jewish faith.
He must study the basic texts of Judaism, undergo testing, immersion and circumcision. But most of all, he must accept the commandments and commit himself to fully observing them.
2007-01-15 03:35:22 · answer #1 · answered by Ivri_Anokhi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He would have to get a rabbi to sponsor and mentor him. After that, there is much studying involved (sometimes years, it depends on how fast you go) and when your rabbi thinks you are ready, he will send you before the beit din, which is a court made up of 3 qualified rabbis. They'll probably ask you (him) some questions, reaffirm that this is really what he wants to do, and give him their blessing. Then he goes to the mikveh (ritual bath) where he is completely immersed to purify himself and start his Jewish life anew, and if he is not circumcised he must become so, and if he is, there is a symbolic circumcision: the drawing of the drop of blood. After his conversion it may be announced at his synagogue and he may be given an aliyah, which means that he will get to go up and hold the Torah while it is read: a great honor.
Keep in mind no rabbi will convert a minor: if he does, something's probably not kosher with that rabbi. Your sister's boyfriend can start studying now so that he'll be ready to convert as soon as he becomes an adult, but many rabbis will try to discourage him. Keep in mind if he has decided that this is what he wants to do, it is in his very heart and soul. Becoming Jewish is not at all easy. Just because he might not have gone through the process yet physically does not mean he is a spiritual Jew.
2007-01-12 14:02:29 · answer #2 · answered by LadySuri 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
the only way i will verify out it is: "So i'm questioning of changing right into a liar." have been you born Jewish? there's no longer something you're able to do which will ever make you Jewish different than for changing under a rabbi that would require you to provide up Jesus. do no longer YOU get it? Christians - no remember what their e book says - don't get to alter the policies for yet another faith. Judaism says that there is a conversion technique - you do no longer opt to stick to it. that's like strolling as much as the degree at a school commencement ceremony and annoying a level and the final suited to call your self an alumni even even with the indisputable fact which you on no account took a single classification there.
2016-10-07 02:03:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to be considered Jewish by most Jews, you'd have to have a Jewish mother. And yes, there is a lot of studying involved if you seek to convert.
2007-01-12 13:59:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask a Rabbi. That's the best thing to do, when you have questions about Judaism.
But what branch of Judaism is he now, Orthodox, Conservative or reform? If I knew that I would probably be able to tell you.
But yes in Judaism their is a lot of studying & tests.
2007-01-12 13:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by *~SoL~ * Pashaa del Ñuñcaa. 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I hear that there is a lot of studying required! Yeah, you'd have to go and see a rabbi and ask him to teach you about Judaism...well, I know that the Beit Din tests you to see if you would be able to be a Jew!
2007-01-12 13:48:52 · answer #6 · answered by -♦One-♦-Love♦- 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is not properly converted by appearing before a Beit Din, undergoing the Brit Milah, and immersing himself in a mikveh, he cannot call himself a Jew. He is a gentile.
2007-01-15 01:28:55 · answer #7 · answered by MaryBridget G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to save all your money. Grow a gay set of sideburns, Wear a top hat. watch Sienfeld.
I don"t know Ive never met a Jew.
2007-01-12 13:47:37 · answer #8 · answered by spils 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think you need to stay where your at as a christian. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. What more can you ask for and its so simple.
2007-01-12 13:48:14 · answer #9 · answered by Angela F 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
go see a rabbi. Do NOT trust what people tell you here.
2007-01-12 13:46:16 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋