Sunday, 17 March 2013

Demands To Adhere To During Conversion To Judaism Way Of Life

By Rabbi Celso Cukierkorn


Conversion to Judaism requires commitment to following this tradition and religious belief. This is possible through in-depth research on their customs, traditions, laws and history. This is important in helping you understand what you are getting into and how to remain rooted. It is a commitment that will spread all through your life. There are laws and commandments to follow and you will be expected to pass that knowledge to your children.

You are advised to talk to other Jews and your family about the step you are about to take. They will understand your intentions, desires and reasoning and begin to get comfortable with it. You should be clear on why you have chosen to leave your previous religion.

It is also important to have a word with your partner in marriage if this is the reason you are converting. This will prevent a scenario where someone has to tell you that Im a rabbi, but will not take you through conversion if it is just for marriage purposes. The decision must be personal and genuine. It is not just a public decision.

Making a decision on conversion to Judaism is followed by a visit to the Rabbi. He is the person to complete the process. It is common to have him persuade you out of converting in order to test your resolve. This process must be passed successfully. It is a mark of a greater desire to complete the change.

It is mandatory for you to attend classes . This is where the learner is taken through the traditions, beliefs and customs of the Jews. The classes are normally delivered in Hebrew. You will sit for a test when learning sessions end in a court referred to as Beit Din. They seek to examine how well you understand Judaism.

The process of conversion to Judaism is followed by the organization of a ceremony involving iimmersion of the entire body in Mikveh. Those who have not undergone circumcision must be circumcised first. All that is required is a small drop of blood to mark the ceremony. This is a requirement for all males.

The children who benefit from the conversion must not have been born before the end of the conversion ceremony. Some authorities are stricter and will disregard even a child conceived before the parent converted. They include the Orthodox and those following higher hierarchies. They demand that these children must convert on their own when they are of age.

Those children born after a woman has converted to Judaism are considered part of the family. The others have to take their classes and have their ceremonies organized once they reach the age of thirteen. This makes the decision more personal other than a hereditary idea.

It takes understanding and knowledge to complete conversion to Judaism. Clarity of desire, reasons and intention is demanded. You must make a personal decision. You will be under the guidance of a competent rabbi to take you through the motions. There are various stages, each of which makes you a better Jew. The effect of conversion will be seen in your entire life.




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