Conversion to Judaism
How does one go about converting to Judaism? In this section you'll find a step-by-step guide to conversion and information about each denomination's view of the conversion process.
What Is a Ger?
A Ger is a convert to Judaism. A non-Jew who wants to convert to Judaism is first discouraged so that his/her true desire to adopt Judaism and enter the Jewish community is confirmed. Learn more about conversion to Judaism.
Conversion: Cross-Denominational Differences
The different Jewish denominations disagree about the the process of conversion to Judaism. Must a convert to Judaism immerse in a mikvah (ritual bath) and undergo circumcision (brit)? Must a convert commit to an orthodox life?
Conversion to Judaism in the Reform Movement
Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Goldwasser discusses the process of converting to Judaism in the Reform movement.
Conversion to Judaism in the Conservative Movement
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner talks about the process for converting to Judaism in the Conservative movement.
Conversion to Judaism in the Orthodox Movement
Rabbi Shraga Simmons describes the conversion process and recommends reading for those interested in conversion to Orthodox Judaism.
Ruth
According to the biblical Book of Ruth, Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and eventually converted to Judaism. She is the great-grandmother of King David and hence an ancestor of the Messiah.