How to Convert to Judaism

Author Info

Last Updated: October 12, 2024 Approved

Judaism is among the seminal religions of the world, and is the first known monotheistic religion (in which only one god is worshiped). It preceded Islam in tracing its shared roots back to Abraham, a patriarch of the Torah, the holiest book in Judaism. It preceded Christianity by as much as two thousand years and; Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish according to Christian theology. What Christians refer to as the "Old Testament" is actually an edited version of the original Hebrew Tanach. If, after deep consideration, you decide to convert to Judaism, follow these steps.

1

Consider the big step you’re taking.

Download Article

Do you believe in and worship your god in some way, shape, or form? If so, you're part way there! If not, take the first step. It's okay, friend, take all the time you need — this article will be waiting for you when you get back.

2

Get familiar with Jewish customs, laws, and history.

Download Article

Figure out what you are getting into, and determine why you want to do it. Be aware that Judaism is a major commitment which will affect every part of your life, will last as long as you live, and will even transfer to your children. Judaism is based on the commandments (of which there are 613 in total, though many are not applicable today) and Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith. They should be your first step and the foundation of your Jewish faith.

3

Tell your family that you want to convert to Judaism.

Download Article

Speak with your family about your intention to convert. This can often be a touchy subject among families, so be sure to explain your reasoning and desire to become Jewish. Make sure that you are comfortable with your decision to leave your former religion, if you had one. In order for your family to allow you to convert, you can start to drop subtle hints, bring up conversations about the Jewish religion, etc, to at least see their views on the Jewish religion and people.
- Your family, friends, and people that you know could turn you down or have a negative attitude towards you if you convert. While this of course is no reason not to convert, you should be prepared for this outcome.

4

Speak with your partner about converting to the religion.

Download Article

This can help you determine the best course of action, including what denomination you will join. Not many rabbis will convert people just because of marriage; the potential convert must be sincere and want to convert because of spiritual feelings and not just because of marriage. There are 3 main branches, all with differing levels of observance and ritual. Generally speaking, from most to least traditional, these are: (a) Orthodox, (b) Conservative (called 'Reform' or 'Masorti' in Europe), and (c) Reform (called 'Progressive' or 'Liberal' in Europe).

5

Talk to a rabbi about the conversion process.

Download Article

Make an appointment with a rabbi to discuss conversion. Be prepared for the rabbi to try to dissuade you, or turn you away, 3 times or more. Many rabbis consider this part of their job. The goal is not to prevent honest seekers from converting, but to test the individual's commitment, and to make sure that becoming a Jew is truly what he or she wants. If you are persistent, show that you know what you're getting into, and are still committed to doing it, the rabbi may eventually decide to start you on the path to conversion.

6

Commit to studying Judaism for at least 1 year.

Download Article

You will need to spend at least 1 year (sometimes 2 or more) studying (many organizations offer night classes) and living a Jewish life before your conversion is finalized. Your studies will cover the basics of Jewish law, history, and culture, and you will also receive some instruction in the Hebrew language. If you are a teen or child who would like to convert to Judaism, realize that very few rabbis will let you convert, and you also have the obstacle of family not allowing you to practice your faith. If you are in this position, it is recommended that you get Jewish books, study Judaism as much as you can, and maybe even try living Jewish traditions, such as not eating leavened bread during Passover. However, it is forbidden for non-Jews to keep the Sabbath. When you are aged 16-18, go to a rabbi and start talking to him or her about conversion. Remember that you don't need to officially convert to join a Jewish community, you can go to services anyway. However, certain aspects, such as reading from the Torah scroll or wearing a prayer shall and Tefillin, may only be done by a Jewish person.

7

Get tested on your knowledge.

Download Article

You will also be questioned before a Jewish court (called a Beit Din, consisting of 3 authorities) about adherence to the Halacha (Jewish Law), as part of the conversion proceedings.

8

Set a date for your conversion ceremony.

Download Article

It will involve 3 things: acceptance of all The Commandments of the Torah and Rabbinic Enactments (at least for an Orthodox conversion), a ritual bath (full-body immersion in a Mikva), and if you're an uncircumcised male, you will also need to be circumcised. In the cases where the man has already been circumcised, creating a small drop of blood is sufficient.

9

Understand the rules about children.

Download Article

Some authorities (often Orthodox and those of higher levels of observance) have stricter rules, considering a child conceived before her conversion as not being Halachically Jewish. If they want to be Jewish, they will have to go through conversion themselves after they reach the age of 13. Children born to a Jewish woman after her conversion are Jewish automatically, since Jewish lineage is passed through the mother.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do I have to be a certain race to be a Jew?

Community Answer

No, you do not. Judaism welcomes all races.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 20 Helpful 129
Question

Can I still convert if I do not have any Hebrew heritage?

Community Answer

Yes. If you have the desire, you can convert.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 189
Question

Can Judaism accept those who are disabled?

Community Answer

Of course! Judaism teaches that all people are made equal in God's eyes, regardless of any physical or mental disability.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 33 Helpful 169

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Although not necessary, some choose to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Son or Daughter of the commandments) ceremony. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is when a boy (age thirteen) or a girl (age twelve or thirteen) reaches the age of maturity under Jewish law. As an adult under Jewish law, one is considered old enough to read from the Torah. They are required to perform Mitzvot (commandments derived from the Torah and expanded through both the Talmud and continued discussions known as Responsa, often mistranslated as 'good deeds'; though this is what they usually are, this is not the literal translation). It is a "Minhag" (custom which is accepted by the community as law but not an official commandment) in some communities to lead a Torah reading service soon after you become Bar-Mitzvah (usually within a month). Most Bar or Bat Mitzvahs nowadays are followed by a big party, although the party is strictly optional, has no bearing on the Mitzvah being performed, and can be customized to your religious and financial level.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
When one becomes a Jew, they will acquire a Jewish name, by which they will be called for important Jewish rituals (such as being called to the Torah or getting married). Jewish babies are given Jewish names at their bris (circumcision), for boys or at a naming ceremony, for girls. Some popular Jewish names are Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya'akov (for boys), and Sarah, Rivka, Leah, and Rachel (for girls).

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If you decide not to convert Orthodox, keep in mind that: 1) An Orthodox conversion is accepted by all other groups (Reform, Conservative, etc.) while a Reform or Conservative conversion is not at all accepted by the Orthodox as valid. 2) If you are a woman and you convert non-Orthodox, any children you have before or after the conversion will not be considered Jewish by Orthodox Jews and may have difficulty getting into Orthodox Jewish schools. 3) If your spouse becomes more religious in the future (which is happening a lot these days), you may need to reconvert and/or remarry in accordance with Jewish law. All this is according to Orthodox practice, however. A Conservative conversion will be seen as legitimate (no different than if you were born Jewish) in every capacity by Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism. Reform conversion is often accepted along similar lines, but not always. And even if you convert via Orthodox routes, it is not guaranteed that all Orthodox authorities will accept your conversion as authentic (although usually they will). If you intend to convert Orthodox, you must intend to keep with the lifestyle it entails — if you do not intend to continue the lifestyle and just want to say you converted Orthodox, this is grounds for an illegitimate conversion under the Orthodox movement and, to a larger extent, halakhah (you should only convert if you have a full intention of staying in that denomination, or of becoming more religious). To Orthodox, it is a matter of protecting the Torah.

Thanks
Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
If you intend to convert to Judaism, be aware that, unlike other religious groups, Jews do not actively seek converts, and you will be advised several times to live a moral life without being Jewish keeping only The 7 Noahide Laws. This may be the right path for you — consider it carefully.

Thanks
Helpful 84 Not Helpful 24
Be prepared for antisemitism, or anti-Jewish sentiment. Though the world has become more tolerant toward Jews, there are still many groups around the world with hatred towards those who follow the religion.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0