Orthodox conversion to Judaism: 10 common myths
Myth number one: Judaism does not allow converts.
Reality: 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, one can continue to be a righteous Gentile by practicing the seven laws of Noah.
Orthodox conversion to Judaism is not an option for a person with ulterior motives, such as for the sake of marriage.
The conversion candidate must move to 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 you can learn from many different sources and read many books, it is not the same as having someone who can guide and accompany you every step of the way. Reading books and obtaining academic information is important, but one can 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 their own, even if they have a mentor who will teach and guide them, that does not exclude being part of a community.
The Jewish community can offer the support and encouragement that the conversion candidate needs, especially when the family may not understand their choices.
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 receive guidance from a qualified beige din, less than 20% of all candidates actually complete the process. Even after one has lived in a community and taken many classes with due rabbinical authority, the beige din has its own criteria of what it is looking for and will determine when that candidate is ready to finish conversion.
Myth number five: Every Jewish community is very welcoming and makes it comfortable for the prospective convert.
Fact: Although it is written in the Torah more than 30 times to love the convert, many communities are skeptical of converts even after the convert has been 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, that will solve all their problems.
Reality: Orthodox conversion to Judaism or religion does not mean that life is easier. The fact that one has found the right path for oneself in no way means that life from now on will be trouble free.
Surely one will 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 “Mitzvot costs gelt!”
In other words, moving to an Orthodox community has varied expenses including higher prices for housing, kosher food, and school tuition, not to mention food for Shabbat, holidays … If a person wants to become and become a Jew Orthodox, you have to be willing to pay the price!
Myth number eight: Now that I have started my journey to conversion, 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 do their best to help you and “save” you from your wrong ideas! This can create 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 holidays if I haven’t converted yet.
Reality: Depending on how understanding your boss is, it can be difficult for him to understand why you need to observe Judaism if you have not yet converted.
In fact, you probably have non-Jewish co-workers who don’t ask for time off, so why should you? This can be a great challenge too!
Myth number ten: Orthodox conversion to Judaism will be great for my children.
Reality: it may or may not be. It will depend on the age of the children and how well Judaism is integrated into their lives. They may not want to participate and it is very difficult for parents to accept.
The reality is that the younger children are, the easier it is. But even if they convert at a young age, when they come of age, at 12 or 13, they will be asked whether they want to remain Jewish or not.