converting to judaism?

Question

I am going to be converting to judaism . My great great grandmother is a Holocaust survivor but when some of the other family members moved to the US identities were changed and so it was lost . I now want to follow in her ancestry and convert . My question is when converting do you change your name or take on a hebrew name ? Also since I have judaism in my ancestry is the process different for me when converting ?

Answer 1

answer: It wasn't difficult for me with NO Jewish ancestry. It was long, detailed and there was a LOT of study and a lot to learn but I enjoyed every bit of it.



You can take on a Hebrew name, that's the name that would be used if you're called to read from the Torah (in Reform synagogues). You can legally change your name if you wish. Many don't. I have a Hebrew name in addition to my mundane/legal name.



here's what my process was



determine which branch of Judaism is calling to you – Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist or Reform. Find a synagogue of that branch near you and talk with the rabbi.



Typically, there is an Intro to Judaism class that can last 16 lessons (with a break in the winter or spring, depending on when the class starts). During that time you’ll be expected to attend Shabbat services and holiday observances at the synagogue and bringing more and more of the mitzvot (commandments) into your life, moving closer and closer to living life as a Jew.



After the class you’ll work one-on-one with the rabbi or an elder on any areas you might need more study. When the rabbi considers you are ready, you will be referred to a rabbinical court (who aren’t out to sink anyone). They determine if the candidate understands enough about Judaism and is living life as a Jew (except for saying the blessings on Shabbat).



If the candidate is male and approved, they will have to been circumcised or a ritual drop of blood drawn from the genitals (with appropriate numbing agent applied). Men and women converts then go to a mikvah, a ritual immersion in water with appropriate prayers. When one emerges, they are considered 100% Jewish.



Now, the different branches don’t all recognize conversions by other branches (much like some Christian denominations don’t consider other denominations as REAL Christians).



Orthodox – recognize only Orthodox conversions.

Conservative – recognize Conservative and Orthodox conversions

Reconstructionist – recognize all conversions

Reform – recognize all conversions.



The State of Israel recognizes all conversions as legitimate but only Orthodox Jews can marry in Israel or be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Non-Orthodox go to another country, get married and their marriage is then recognized in Israel.



Orthodox = 2 – 3 years to convert

Conservative = 2 – 2 1/2 years

Reconstructionist – 2 – 2 1/2 years

Reform – 1 – 1 1/2 years



Side note: “Messianic Jews” are NOT Jewish and are NOT accepted in any branch of Judaism. They are Christian sects with Christian beliefs and some are intentionally deceptive in their attempts to convert Jews. “Messianics” are NOT recognized as Jewish by any Jewish branch nor by Israel nor by the US military. They are Christians despite calling their churches synagogues and their ministers “rabbis”



Recommended books: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism (a real book by a rabbi); Choosing Judaism; Living Judaism; Jewish Literacy; What is Special about Judaism; What is a Jew; The Jewish Home (Amazon.com used books is a great resource - odds are these or most of these will be required in your class and the synagogue can order them for you)



D Aravah, Jew by Choice

Answer 2

Many people choose a Hebrew name, but that is in addition to the name you are used to. A rabbi or Jewish friend will probably be more than willing to help you decide which one you like :) some of the names are beautiful.

Every Orthodox conversion is the same, no matter who in your family was/is Jewish.

Answer 3

I don't think you have to change your complete name but you can *add* a Hebrew name. I think the process is the same for everyone in a single branch. Have any of your maternal ancestors converted to another religion? if not, then I don't think you need to convert. Also, you should only convert if you believe the religion is true.



Best wishes :)

Answer 4

If you know and have proof that it is your matrinical all the way up, then you won't have to convert at all.



Otherwise, you will have to convert just as anyone else would have to. But contact your local rabbi first to find out.



People who convert almost always take on a Hebrew name.

Answer 5

you should convert to a religion because you believe in its truth and the message it gives not because your ancestry belonged to it and you somehow want to embrace it.



You can embrace your Jewish heritage without exactly converting to Judaism

Answer 6

Lemme get this straight, you are just converting because it is your heritage? What if your parents were from a long line of criminals, would you want to continue that legacy? My advice to you, ask God for help with this, research the religions first, then after you have made a decision that best suits you, then go for it. Just don't go to it because it is part of your family heritage.

Answer 7

You have to sell some real estate at an inflated price, ripping off a gentile before you can be accepted into Judaism.

Answer 8

Mazel tov and welcome back to the Tribe!

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