Conversions
Dearer to God is the convert who has come of his own accord than all the crowds of Israelites who stood before Mount Sinai
If you are visiting this page, you’re interested in learning more about the conversion process at Romemu. It’s important to remember that each step in the conversion process is tailored to the individual and their experience; as such, no two conversions will be identical. Please see below for a description of the process, required reading materials to learn more about Judaism, and what conversion entails.
Process
Conversion requires a number of seemingly overwhelming steps, but rest assured that Romemu clergy will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you have everything you need to enter the Jewish covenant with love and community.
Meeting With Clergy
Each individual will meet with a member of the clergy a minimum of 6 times to connect on topics relevant to the conversion process. The goals of these sessions are to:
- Connect with clergy/teacher thereby connecting with the Romemu community
- Prepare for a Jewish life
- Go deeper into big Jewish questions
- Set intentions for conversion process.
Ongoing Study and Practice
This part of the process can take a year or more and usually begins by establishing a relationship with a rabbi who becomes a primary teacher and guide. The rabbi may require regular meeting with him / her, attendance at a formal class, readings about Jewish history and theology, “trying on” Jewish customs, rituals, prayers, and holidays, and other ways of connecting to Jewish community.
The major Jewish denominations vary in their requirements, but in fact, every rabbi has his / her own process.
The Rituals of Conversion
When you and your rabbi agree that you are ready, the rabbi will schedule conversion rituals, which include meeting with a beit din (a “court” of three knowledgeable Jews, typically rabbis), hatafat dam brit (symbolic circumcision) for men and boys, and mikveh. Not all rabbis require all of these rituals for every convert; however, these three are typical and widely used. It is also the custom of rabbis and congregations to acknowledge conversions with a ceremony and/or blessings of welcome within the context of a synagogue service.
Beit Din
The beit din is a rabbinic “court” of 3 learned Jews, usually clergy, who meet with a candidate for conversion.
The beit din meeting is not a test but a conversation to ascertain the sincerity of the candidate. Questions tend to focus on her / his Jewish journey, hopes and expectations for his / her Jewish future, and plans for further engagement and learning. Once all of the rituals are completed, the members of the beit din sign a conversion certificate that includes the new Jew’s Hebrew name.
Circumcision / Hatafat Dam Brit
Ritual circumcision is a sign of the covenant between each individual man and the people of Israel. For men who have already been medically circumcised, this ritual involves the drawing of a drop of blood, hatafat dam brit, which is usually performed by a mohel, one who is trained in this practice and recites a blessing as he/she performs it. Your rabbi should be able to answer questions about this practice and will either engage or refer you to a mohel.
Mikveh
Immersion in a mikveh is the final ritual in the process of conversion. An act of rebirth – and the precursor / source of Christian baptism — the mikveh does not “wash away” one’s past life. It enacts a beginning and a promise.
As a mitzvah, or commanded action, immersion for conversion requires the recitation of a Hebrew blessing and the testimony of a witness, whose responsibility is to support the candidate and make sure that he / she has submerged every part of the body.
The ceremony is under the supervision of the sponsoring rabbi, who almost never serves as the witness. In all cases, women are witnessed by women; men by other men. At Mayyim Hayyim, the blessing is displayed for easy reading in Hebrew, English, and Hebrew transliteration. Special readings and kavanot are available.
When the new Jew dresses and returns to his / her rabbi, family, and friends, they are typically greeted with smiles, applause and the singing of Siman Tov U’ Mazal Tov, a song of congratulations.
Suggested Readings
There are a number of wonderful resources available to help you get better aquainted with the beautiful, vibrant, and expansive Jewish tradition.
Online Resources:
- General Jewish Learning: My Jewish Learning | Jewish Virtual Library
- Parsha (Torah portion) learning: My Jewish Learning | Union for Reform Judaism
- Ritual Life (lifecycle, creative liturgy): Ritual Well
- Blogs/on-line magazines: Tablet Magazine | Hey Alma | eJewishPhilanthropy
- Online news sites: Haaretz | The Forward | The Times of Israel
- Jewish Print Publications: The Forward, Tikkun, Sh’ma, Commentary, Moment Magazine
Suggested Books:
HEBREW
Alef Bet Tracing and Practice: Learn to write the letters of the Hebrew alphabet
Learn to Read Hebrew in 6 Weeks
Hebrew Flashcards