Any non-Jew can become a Jew by converting. Once he converts, he then becomes a Jew in every regard and his relationship with God is the same level as that of every other Jew.
Unlike many other religions, Judaism does not demand that all people convert to the religion. Maimonides explains that any human being who faithfully observes the "7 Laws of Noah" earns a proper place in heaven. The Torah of Moses is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not.
As well, the Holy Temple did not just benefit Jews. When King Solomon built the Temple, he specifically asked God to heed the prayer of the non-Jew who comes to the Temple (1-Kings 8:41-43). The Jewish prophet refers to the Temple as a "House for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7). The Temple was the universal center of spirituality, a concentrated point where God-consciousness filtered down into the world.
In ancient times, the service in the Holy Temple during the week of Sukkos featured a total of 70 bull offerings. This, the Talmud explains, corresponds to each of the 70 nations of the world. In fact, the Talmud says that if the Romans (who destroyed the Temple) would have realized how much benefit they themselves were benefiting from the Temple, they never would have destroyed it!
But what about the non-Jew who does wish to convert to Judaism? According to the Code of Jewish Law (the "Shulchan Aruch"), there are three requirements for a valid conversion. The requirements are:
1) Mitzvahs ― He must believe in God and the divinity of the Torah, as well as accept upon himself to observe all 613 mitzvahs (commandments) of the Torah.2) Milah ― Male converts must undergo circumcision by a qualified "Mohel." If he was previously circumcised by a doctor, he then undergoes a ritual called "hatafas dam".
3) Mikveh ― All converts must immerse in the Mikveh ― a ritual bath linked to a reservoir of rain water.
All of the above must be done before a court of three Jewish men who themselves believe in God, accept the divinity of the Torah, and observe the mitzvahs.
The conversion must be motivated for the sole purpose of getting close to God and His Torah, and not for ulterior motives such as money or marriage.
It is inadvisable for anyone to convert until he is able to accept the responsibilities a true conversion would entail.
There are two excellent books on the topic of conversion:
- To Be a Jew by Chaim Halevi Donin
- Becoming a Jew by Maurice Lamm
There are two excellent books which are helpful for conversion:
- Migrant Soul by Avi Shafran
- The Bamboo Cradle by Avraham Schwartzbaum
(28) Herman, June 16, 2020 4:20 PM
animal sacrifices
I have studied Judaism for a while know and I came to the conclusion that the temple was destroid so that the animal sacrifices ceased
(27) Deborah, December 14, 2016 4:11 PM
Great Article
For sure, conversion is not to be taken lightly. But I honestly feel Judaism is the one religion that speaks to me on a very personal level, with a sound theology and meaningful Scriptures. I would not dream of converting for selfish benefits like marriage, money or freebies.
(26) Nicole, April 6, 2015 1:41 AM
Wanting to Convert
I'm 20 and have wanted to convert for the last 5 years. We recently moved to a town that actually has a synagogue (previously, the closest one was an hour away). I don't drive, so I haven't had a chance to visit it, and I'm a little concerned about how I might be perceived there. I'm learning as much as I can, but I still know I'd really stick out, and I don't know how I'd be accepted. In my heart I feel like a Jew - I was lead on this path through years of intensive prayer, and I know it's right for me, but I've never known a Jewish person in real life, and I'm really afraid of how I might be perceived. Any tips? Thanks!
(25) james, May 14, 2013 11:43 PM
learning torah
to become a jew !
there is so much to read and learn -that's why your article suggest's thinking deep before you enter to become a jew ! but saying that -as a non jew im very interested in judaism--torah !
(24) Judith, June 22, 2011 8:54 AM
My question -
In Israel many FSU immigrants convert to judaism with yes, the wrong drive, they are already civil-married to a jew, or the younger ones who serve in the army want to fit into Israeli society. I personally know N americans, europeans ect, who converted Ordothox and with time became lax with commandments to the point of ignoring shabbat and other basics. Are they still Jewish?
Mordechai, March 4, 2012 6:51 PM
Answer to the Question
Yes, those converts or still Jews. They, by not following all the commandments like they pledge to in front of a Beis Din, have become apostates, but they remain with the status of a Jew.
Anonymous, November 20, 2012 12:11 PM
Answer
Of course. Once they convert to Judaism, they are just as Jewish as any Jew born into the faith. But they are secular Jews. There are many born Jews who are the same way. They are only Jewish in name.
(23) Menucha W., June 21, 2011 8:44 PM
must read and learn
I would like to suggest the reading and learning of "Pirke Avot", The Ethics of the Fathers to every one, specifically to potential concerts. The rest of the Jews, eat, bread and grow with that gem of knowledge, and if not learnt, they miss out a lot. I should really be a required reading for potential converts. Behatzlacha for those who search only the Truth.
(22) s, October 15, 2010 4:35 AM
great information
(21) s, May 17, 2009 3:52 PM
excellent
Great information
(20) Ryan, March 11, 2009 5:39 PM
"Loving Leah did not portray conversion to judaism.
The hallmark film did not portray a conversion to Judaism. Instead, the film showed a hatzliyah, a ceremonial release from a levirate marriage. Levirate marriage is a practice done in orthodox Judaism where a woman marries her husbands brother if her husband dies. In order to get out of a levirate marriage, the ceremony shown in the movie must be performed. Hatzliyah is usually done because the brother is already married, too young to marry, or simply because neither party wants to marry each other. I hope this clarifies what you saw in the movie.
(19) Charles, January 25, 2009 9:01 PM
Why is the Hallmark Film cofusing converts?
I am currently viewing the the Hallmark presentation about "Loving Leah." They have portrayed converting to Juaism as denying a family member's existance and throwing a shoe across the room? With rituals like that being necessary, who would want to become a jew. This portrayal is misguiding to any candidate. This is wrong, because the Jewish religion has always welcomed any Christian to convert, without much ado, except to believe in the religion, study and take a small test, go to the mikvah and be circumcised if male. I cannot believe my eyes and ears tonight. The Jewish race needs any and all friends, and would never make conversion too difficult. Why would we? Hallmark and it's writers should be ashamed of themselves in suggesting conversion to be as complicated as they have.
(18) Terry Cribb, December 29, 2008 10:51 PM
Finally! Some straight answers without agendas.
I have found that I have searched for the answers for my life with God and Judaism held them all the time. Wish me mazel tov in my conversion.
(17) Aryeh, September 9, 2008 7:31 AM
Great Conversion Group
Anyone considering conversion should look for Orthodox Conversion to Judaism, a yahoo group with over 1300 members and some great resources.
(16) Anonymous, September 5, 2008 8:47 PM
This is Wonderful
I plan to convert as soon as possible and this will help me to do it the right way. i have wanted to convert for a very long time, but was married and my husband and I were Catholic, as were our parents. The only difference was my parents had planned to convert too after years of talking about it. However my dad got sick and my moms thoughts turned to him and when he died a few years later, she had a heart attack at his funeral and died too. This made me get closer to our Creator and want to fulfill their and my dream, but Robert, my husband stood in the way. Now i'm a widow and can make decissions for myself and my kids as head of the family, and we will all convert now. My whole family including my parents parents have always been Kosher, and said we came from an area on the Jordon, so I think I was born to be Jewish.
(15) Ron, July 8, 2008 4:27 PM
I'm on my way
I'm gradually working my way through to conversion. I'm working with a local rabbi and I'm a little scared. Oh, I've read a lot, sure, but this is a huge step. I need something like this site to help me get thru this.
(14) Carlos Sorto, January 8, 2008 11:39 PM
Like Home
Aish.com has been like home to me
My source for wisdom and reaffirmed my conviction to fallow my path to formalize my relation to the Creator .
Inside my self for one reason or the other is Jew living, something hard to understand and everyday is a constant struggle, when need to clarify something arrive Aish.com the
Only logical answer .
Thanks for been here for us . ( the non born or convert Jews)
(13) Mary Jane, November 26, 2005 12:00 AM
Shalom
My spiritual jouney has brought me to Judaism. I am now at peace with myself and with G_d. In my heart I am already a Jew, now I am going to formally convert to Judaism. My classes start in December 2005.
Your site is fantastic, and contains a wealth of information. Thank you!
(12) Anonymous, June 16, 2005 12:00 AM
This site is a source of wealth for me. I am grateful for the information. I have been attending a synagogue, but have been embarrassed to asked some questions. Your site has begun to answer those questions for me.
Thank you so much.
(11) Anonymous, December 13, 2004 12:00 AM
Thanks
I am thinking of converting. I am looking into who my birth mother is, as there is a chance that I am Jewish already.
During this time I am using your site to learn more about..well everything.
Thanks very much.
S.
(10) Gregory Phillips, December 6, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you
thank you for this site, the one moment movies, bring me to tears at times. I feel closer to G-d the more I learn, and am moving closer to accepting the responsibilty of conversion.
(9) Anonymous, November 7, 2004 12:00 AM
thank you
Dear Aish.com,
You can't imagine how grateful I am for all that great articles, clear explanations and wonderful stories.
Soon I will -with Gods help- start my official conversion process and your website is a great resource for Jewish wishdom.
Thank you so much, Toda raba!
(8) Arthur, September 18, 2004 12:00 AM
Thank you very much!
It helped a lot!
Toda!
(7) , April 15, 2004 12:00 AM
epiphanies galore
Like many of the other posters, I am in the process of conversion, and like many of the other posters, I feel a sense of euphoria in the way Judaism gives me the perspective on my life which was previously absent. With each new mitzvah I learn it becomes more clear that this is the fulfillment I have been so fervently seeking all these years. G-d is truly great!
Thank you to Aish for all of your wonderful resources! You are truly a blessing!
Shalom, Erica
(6) sande, April 9, 2004 12:00 AM
In the conversion process
This is my first visit to your website and I am in the process of conversion. God is leading me in my conversion and I already feel like I am home and at peace. I am excited to learn as much as I can and I know Hebrew will be a challenge but God will see me through. Your website is very helpful and I will plan to visit it again.
(5) jennifer, March 24, 2004 12:00 AM
This site has been such a source of inspiration and comfort for me. I am glad to converse with people who understand me, and to whom I can identify. It's like finding a soulmate.
(4) Jessica Hernandez, December 9, 2003 12:00 AM
Helpful info.
B"H
I too am in the process of conversion and let me say I know that It's hard trying to understand and read Hebrew, but I've also got to say I have never felt this way before. Such a peace and knowing that this is where G-d is leading me. Thanks again Aish for you wonderful article and for such an awesome website.
Shalom,
Jessica
(3) C. Robert CRM, October 16, 2003 12:00 AM
You can help me???????
I just discover your site and finally I can read of other people that say almost words for words what I feel in my heart. I am in the process of converting. There is so much to learn and my biggest problem is learn to read hebrew. I get discouraged some time but I am holding on. My frustation is that I am so very alone. This is the most difficult part but, again I am holding on. I follow almost to 99% because home is not where I am free to practice what I am lerarning.
I enter your site as a favorite and will come back to read as much as I can
Thank you
Shalom
C. Robert
(2) Valentina, June 29, 2003 12:00 AM
Thanks for a great article
Thank you. It is helpful for those of us who want to convert more than anything!
(1) Thomas Gaffney-Watson, May 27, 2003 12:00 AM
Beginning to process of Conversion
I found your first statement on Conversion very meaningful to me, THAT THE CONVERSION MUST BE MOTIVATED BY THE SOLE PURPOSE OF GETTING CLOSE TO GOD AND HIS TORAH. After all my years of searching for God, I am finally feeling I am home at last, such peace of soul for the first time in my life.
I feel I am standing at the ocean and realizing there is so much to learn. I read of one Rabbi saying, One must take one spoonful at a time. With so much to learn and study where does one start.
Thanking you in advance for your time, I remain Sincerely,
Tom Gaffney-Watson
I