‘Do you accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious faiths?’

‘I do.’

‘Do you accept Judaism and all its laws?’

‘I do.’

‘Do you commit to establishing a Jewish home and raising a Jewish family?’

‘I do.’

As you might expect, not quite a wedding ceremony, but almost, as this is typical of part of the Jewish ceremony, you can anticipate if you decide to convert to Judaism.

Because converting from another religion or from an atheist's stance is no easy feat for someone wanting to convert to Judaism. There’s a whole myriad of complicated issues and choices that the intended convert will have to confront before the conversion becomes an actual reality.

Why?

So, the real question is, why do you want to convert?

What do you know about Judaism and its rituals, gestures, customs, and its language that dates back to over 4,000 years ago?

Because even Jews born into the faith have, throughout history, pondered on what being a Jew actually means as an identity, it is an incredibly complex issue.

Religion, culture, history, ethnicity, and language are all aspects of the Jewish factor that have to be considered, whether one is born into it or converted.

Converting to Judaism is a long journey, and there are many paths to explore before the conversion happens, which will bring you challenges, rewards, and an inner understanding before the final day. 

There are many complex reasons as to why people decide they want to convert to Judaism – perhaps you’ve fallen in love with a Jewish person, and for that reason, you want to give your children a single religious identity, maybe you’ve already had a significantly religious upbringing, or perhaps you have had none – whatever the reason, it is a different personal and spiritual journey for each individual.

What defines a Jew?

So, suppose you are thinking about converting to Judaism but don’t know where to start to begin the process. In that case, there are many essential things you need to know about what it entails but perhaps the most important thing for you to remember is you will be searching for and hopefully finding new meaning.

For a start, there are many different strands of Judaism that have different requirements and standards, and that requires research. If you are considering strict Orthodox Judaism, for example, then you’ll have to be prepared for some profound life changes, including strict dietary laws.

Converting often requires dedication and discipline, especially if you have a Rabbi who requires you to learn Hebrew!

When converting to Judaism, you talk about things being beshert or destiny.

And what follows your decision is a few years of intense study, immeasurable patience, and immense love of your new community as a conversion to Judaism helps you learn and live all aspects of Jewish life. 

But there is no masking the fact that converting is a huge transition. 

However, you won’t be alone as converts are in the thousands, and in recent years, they include Elizabeth Taylor, Ivanka Trump, and Isla Fisher.

It is now believed that anyone who believes the central belief of Judaism and Shema, which is God is one, can be a convert…

So, if you think you have got what it takes to pursue this spiritual journey, then you’ll be in great company…