Orthodox Conversion to Judaism – 10 Common Myths
Myth number one: Judaism does not allow converts.
Fact: Judaism allows anyone who is serious and willing to do all the mitzvot to convert. There is no obligation to convert and if one chooses, he can continue to be a righteous gentile by practicing the seven Noahide laws.
Orthodox conversion to Judaism is not an option for a person with ulterior motives such as marriage.
The conversion candidate must move into a religious community and live within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue.
Myth number two: I can learn everything on my own and I don’t need a mentor to teach and guide me.
Reality: Although one can learn from many different sources and read many books, it is not the same to have someone who can guide and accompany you every step of the way. Reading books and getting academic information is important, but one can very easily get lost in the many details of Jewish law!
Myth number three: I don’t need a community. I can do everything within the confines of my own home.
Fact: Judaism is a community-based religion. As much as one learns on one’s own, even if one has a mentor to teach and guide one, it does not preclude being part of a community.
The Jewish community can offer the support and encouragement that the conversion candidate needs, especially when the family does not understand their options.
Myth number four: Once I am accepted by an orthodox Beis Din (rabbinical court) as a viable candidate, it is all downhill from there.
Fact: Although one can be accepted and mentored by a qualified beis din, less than 20% of all applicants complete the process. Even after one has lived in a community and taken many classes with a proper rabbinical authority, the beis din has his own criteria of what he is looking for and will determine when that candidate is ready to finish conversion.
Myth number five: Every Jewish community is very welcoming and comfortable for the potential convert.
Fact: Although it is written in the Torah over 30 times to love the convert, many communities are skeptical of converts even after the convert has converted!
The reason is that throughout Jewish history, converts have not given the Jewish people a great name and have caused serious damage. Therefore, many communities are skeptical of all converts, making the process even more difficult.
Myth number six: Once a person converts, it will solve all their problems.
Fact: Orthodox conversion to Judaism or becoming religious does not mean that one’s life will be easier. The fact that one has found the right path for oneself in no way means that life from now on will be free of problems.
One will surely find more meaning in their lives, but it will not automatically change one’s life.
Myth number seven: Orthodox conversion to Judaism will not change my financial situation.
Fact: There is an old Talmudic saying called “Mitzvos cost gelt!”
In other words, moving to an Orthodox community has mixed expenses including higher house prices, kosher food and school fees, not to mention food for Shabbat, holidays… If a person wants to convert and become an Orthodox Jew, he has be willing to pay the price!
Myth Number Eight: Now that I have begun my conversion journey, I will have a better relationship with my family.
Fact: Most converts inevitably have family problems in the conversion process. If the family comes from a religious background, especially Christianity, they will go to great lengths to help and “save” you from your misconceptions! This can cause additional stress and make family situations unbearable at times.
Myth number nine: It shouldn’t be that hard to explain to my boss why I have to leave early on Friday afternoon and miss a lot of vacations if I haven’t converted yet.
Fact: Depending on how understanding your boss is, it may be hard for him/her to understand why you need to observe Judaism if you haven’t converted yet.
In fact, you probably have non-Jewish co-workers who don’t ask for time off, so why should you? This can also be quite a challenge!
Myth number ten: Orthodox conversion to Judaism will be great for my children.
Reality: It may be, or it may not be. It will depend on the age of the children and the integration of Judaism in their lives. They may not want any part of it and it’s a very hard thing for parents to swallow.
The reality is that the younger the children, the easier it is. But even if they convert at a young age, when they come of age, whether it’s 12 or 13, they will be asked whether they want to remain Jewish or not.