Wanting to Convert
Question
I have been wanting to convert to Judaism for around 2 years now. About a year ago I discovered that I have Ashkenazi ancestry, while it’s not a lot, it makes me feel like I should become more connected with my ancestors through converting. I don’t know how to trace back my heritage though, and I would like to know more about who my ancestors were, as well as whether it really is a good idea to convert.
Answers
The first concrete step towards conversion is to make arrangements for a qualified Orthodox Rabbi to oversee, in a personal way, the entire conversion process from beginning to end because the Orthodox community only recognizes an Orthodox conversion. However, each country, and sometimes even each city, has it’s own set of prerequisites in order to qualify as a candidate for conversion.
To take refuge under the wings of the Almighty is a process which has far reaching significance to one’s spiritual soul both in this world and in the hereafter. It has both spiritual advantages and spiritual obligations, which if not fulfilled can end up in a net loss. More importantly, if the conversion is not done with the proper preparation on the part of the potential convert, it just does not work.
In the meantime, I would recommend that you try a wonderful book called Gateway to Judaism by Rabbi Mordechai Becher, published by ArtScroll. It is a fascinating and very easy to read “mini-encyclopedia”. It is written in an informative and humorous style and it covers the spectrum of Judaism, both the practical side and the philosophical/theological side.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team