Question: How do I convert to Judaism? Will I be considered Jewish or a convert?
Dear Rabbi Erkin,
Even though I was raised in a Christian home, I have always been drawn to the Jewish faith. I am now 51 and have been seriously considering conversion for the last two years. I am also a college student with a major in History and a minor in Jewish Studies. I plan to be taking a course in Biblical Hebrew Language in the fall. My question is how do I convert. After the conversion will I be considered jewish, or will I always be considered a convert. Thank you for your time,
Annie
Answer: Dear Annie,
First of all, congratulations on your perseverance for truth and meaning in your life. May there be many others like you.
Unlike Christianity, which essentially believes that one who don't accept Jesus is not following the 'true' path and therefore will not be 'saved', Judaism teaches that Heaven's doors are open to all - even non-Jews. Judaism does not seek converts - we believe that any God fearing human being who lives justly and does good is *assured* a place in the world to come.(Talmud Sanhedrin 105a)
That being said, there are still those individuals, who for whatever reason, believe that they are called upon to follow Judaism. A person who properly converts to Judaism is considered as a Jew in all respects - so much so, that even if the convert was to later reject Judaism - they would still be considered Jewish! There is no way out. :)
My advice - no need to convert- all you need to do to make God happy is be a good person.
For more information on this see Wikipedia: Noahide Laws.
Be blessed,
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
