how do you become a jew?

Answer 1

Do you mean a cultural Jew or a true Jew?

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.


The latter, as you can understand, is not so easy to become.

Answer 2

1) Judaism allows conversion, but does not encourage it. Why? Simply put- we do not think we are doing the person a favour by converting them. A non-Jew only has to follow the seven Noahide laws to be righteous- a Jew has 613 laws. This is then combined with one of those laws- "do not put a stumbling block before the blind" which iaside from its literal meaning also is interpreted as meaning "do not cause a person to err through your actions". So, converting someone is a huge responsibility for the person doiing the conversion, as well as for the teacher! If the person is insincere, they are going to sin greatly once the conversion is completed- if the teacher teaches them wrong, or accpets them knowing they are insincere, they have sinned! So, Rabbis are not keen to convert people until they are certain they are sincere. This has traditionally been taken as rejecting them outright at least three times.
2) If you do go want to go ahead- speak to your local Orthodox Rabbi (this is not just parochialism on my part. An Orthodox conversion will be accepted by all denominations of Judaism. Conversion by the liberal movements are never accepted by Orthodox and are often even rejected by some of the other liberal movements. Thus, if you want all jews to accept you as Jewish, you need to convert via Orthodox Judaism). Your Rabbi will most likely direct you to the local Beis Din (Rabbinical Court) which overseas conversions. They are the ones you have to convince tp let you convert- and they will guide you to a teacher who will take you through the process.

The process is not quick or easy (for why not- see point 1). It involves learning enough about Judaism so you can observe the shabbos, festivals and the laws of daily life without trasngressing them. You need to learn about Kashrus and dietary laws, how to pray, the core beliefs etc. In short- enought to live as a Jew, though not enough to be considered an expert in anything- that can come later. This course can last anything from a year to five years- depending on your level of prior knowledge, the speed at which you learn, the exact syllabus that the local Beis Din uses and the time and comitment the student puts in.

Once you have completed the course, the next stage varies:
For a man, he is circumcised (as an adult this is done in theatre under anaesthetic)- if already circumcised- a symbolic drop of blood is drawn.
For both men and women- the convert immerses in a mikveh (ritual bath) in front of kosher witnesses and the final stage is that a Rabbinical court, with a minimum of three judges, issues the conversion document

A convert is considered 100% Jewish and it is forbidden for others to deride them for their past ot ro bring it up in order to embarass them. The only restriction on converts is that they may not marry a Kohen (a descendant of Aaron), though their children can.

Answer 3

Either be born to a Jewish mother, or convert.
In order to convert, you need to find an orthodox rabbi to study with. Don't be offended if he attempts to dissuade you- that is out of respect for Judaism, and for you. When he decides you have sufficient knowledge, he'll arrange for you to go before a beit din where you will examined on your knowledge of Judaism, your reasons for converting, etc. once that is done you will go to the Mikveh (if you're a male there's another step in here, whether or not you've been circumcised secularly). And once THAT is done, you are as much a Jew as myself or anyone else born of a Jewish mother.
One note- you can find reform and conservative rabbi's to convert you, but that conversion will not be recognized by Orthodox Judaism or in Israel. Some people say that wouldn't matter to them, but what it means is if you have children, they will NOT be considered Jews, nor could YOU have a Jewish wedding, burial, etc.

Answer 4

It is possible to convert to Judaism, there are many examples of this in the old testament....... but, it is not encouraged and you should think a lot about it before proceeding. Unless you have a "burning desire", it would be better if you stuck with your present religion (as long as you don't worship idols). Others who believe in one god, such as Christians and Moslems have belief systems, which in the eyes of even the most orthodox Jewish authorities, are as valid and meaningful to them as Judaism is to the Jews. Only the Jews are obligated to observe all 613 commandments of the old testament..... and as long as everyone else just observes the 7 Noahide commandments (look it up), they are just as praiseworthy and just as deserving as a place in the world to come. So, be happy in your own religion, eat cheeseburgers and spare ribs in peace and we'll be happy to meet each other in respect and goodwill here and in the everafter.

Answer 5

You have to be born a Jew or convert through a ritual performed by the Rabbi.

Answer 6

You can never really become a Jew as Judaism is not only a religion but more important for them it is a national identity.

Answer 7

Convert to the religion. Speak to someone who is Jewish.

Answer 8

First you borrow a big hat

Answer 9

grow out the sideburns, trade in your money for sheckles and find a nice jewish girl to settle down with.

Honestly though...see a rabbi.

Answer 10

You cannot change your ethnicity.

Rather ask "how do I get into Judaism"?