Converting While Already a Practicing Jew
Question
My father is Jewish from birth, but my mother had a reformed conversation. I was raised as a Jew, going to temple every Shabbat and to Hebrew school. I have always considered myself a Jew. Only after I grew up did I learn the truth that I am not officially a Jew because the conversion my mother had is invalid. I very badly want an Orthodox conversion as soon as possible. I spent a lot of time around Orthodox Jews growing up and I already know how to practice Orthodox Judaism. But I have some questions.
1.) Do I get a head start in the conversion process, such as in the amount of time it takes? Or are the rules exactly the same for me and all other prospective converts?
2.) I had a bris when I was 8 days. Does this bris count? Or do I have to be circumcised again?
Answers
In most circumstances, the Bet Din converting you will take your situation into account. This means that there is a very good chance that they will speed up the process. How long will it take? I do not know – that is something that the Dayanim on the Bet Din will decide as they speak with you and ascertain your level of Jewish knowledge. The best thing is to have a local Rabbi be in touch with the Bet Din, to explain your circumstances and to describe your sincerity, and then let the Dayanim meet with you.
Because your are circumcised, you will not need a surgical circumcision. There is a concept called “Hatafas Dam Bris,” which is when a very thin needle is inserted into the skin of the reproductive organ to draw a drop of blood, which is in place of a bris. It is painless and takes no time to heal.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team