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  • What scripture backs up this belief?
  • What do prominent Jewish authorities say in this area?
  • Does this happen regularly within the community?
  • If it is possible for someone to convert, what disadvantages are there for converted Gentiles who weren't born Jewish? (by disadvantages, I mean do they miss out on other benefits following death, etc.)
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up vote 42 down vote accepted





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  • Does this happen regularly within the community?



In a word: readily.


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the answer is yes on the surface but in actuality the answer is no when you look a little closer. The language that the Talmud uses to describe a convert is a convert who converts. This strange double usage of the expression "convert" doesn't seem to make sense. What it means is that a person who goes through all of the stages of a conversion was already a convert meaning they already had within them a Jewish soul which was hidden and the conversion process uncovers that. Someone who doesn't have this who tries to convert won't be able to stay Jewish and live a Jewish lifestyle. A person who is an actual "convert" is someone that for whatever reason was placed in the scenario in which they had to struggle through the process of converting in order to fulfill their life mission.(from the teachings of the Rebbe) There is an expression in chassidus that there is a descent before every ascent. A person's soul coming into this world is a descent from holiness but also the opportunity to accomplishment what the soul could not on its own without a body in the physical world in terms of making our physical world a dwelling place for G-d. A person who has their neshama sent down into a non Jewish body has a particular descant and challenge they must face to accomplish their ascent.

The steps of a conversion according to the Torah...

1) acceptance of all the Torah both in practice and in belief. -Within this step today all Rabbis will require a person who wishes to convert to spend time learning how to live as a Jewish person but also try to dissuade them as this is not a choice in which one just changes their mind. It must be understood to be a serious life time commitment

-usually on the day of the conversion the bes din will ask the candidate a number of questions to ascertain step one is really complete. Almost always yes as there will be a rabbi from the court who will be in touch with you along the way as well.

2)Bris Milah (circumcision) If the candidate is male -if the person is completely uncercumsised they will have the opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah in its completion -if a person received one from a hospital oranothernon observant moyhel they will need to be checked by the moyhel aproved by the Jewish court observing the conversion process to determine if it is complete. Often hospitals only remov mostof the fourskin and some may still need to be removed. -if a person is checked by the moyhel and all of the four-skin is already removed there can't be another circumcision but will require a small drop of blood to be removed at the time the conversion takes place

3) Mikvah. step 2 is skipped if the candidate is female but all regardless of gender go to the mikvah. before the mikvah one showers, cuts nails, and removes anything considereda "chatzitza" one will be asked if they are absolutely sure they wish to continue and that there will be no hard feelings if they change their mind now. also that they must understand the Jewish people are often persecuted and if that may change their mind as well. If they wish to continue they will go under the water once. come up make a bracha then go under again. after resurfacing they will be wished mozel tov. Most prepare a special meal with close friends. Some make a big celebration. That depends on your preference.

4) sacrifice. In the time when there is a beis hamikdash there is a sacrifice brought by converts. Today that is not only not possible but not permissible. When the time comes for moshiach and the beis hamikdash is rebuilt all converts will be able to bring a sacrifice.

5) Not part of conversion but important to understand that in life we won't always be inspired and that a big component of Jewish life is continuing to do what is right even when we don't feel inspired to do so.

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