With 6,340,600 members of the Jewish faith in Israel and a further 5,700,000 and 448,000 in the US and France, Judaism is one of the most recognised faiths in the world. But how easy is it to become a practicing Jew?
The short answer is: not very easy. Converting to Judaism is not simply a case of deciding to be a Jew; it involves a number of lifestyle changes and a prolonged period of study.
This is because the conversion is not just a religious change but a decision to become a member of the Jewish people, with the drive to embrace the Jewish history, culture and way of life.
You probably have a lot of questions, right? Well, that’s okay. There are a number of questions which should be asked if you are planning to make such a big lifestyle change.
To help you out, then, we have listed the five most frequent questions new converts ask, as well as all the answers you need to inform your decision:
Can You Practice Judaism From Scratch?
Anyone who wants to become a Jew can do so, but they need to take on all the obligations of Jewish life. As mentioned before, this involves becoming a member of the Jewish people, which means you have to embrace their lifestyle and study for around a year to fully understand the Torah and what is expected of members.
So yes, you can practice Judaism from scratch, but you need to be prepared to put the work in.
What Does It Mean To Become A Member?
Becoming a member of the Jewish faith effectively means that you are part of the community, adhering to the Jewish practices, holidays, and general way of life.
When it comes to the kind of community you join, it is necessary to note that not all communities accept new conversions, with the Orthodox community, specifically, less likely to accept a liberal conversion.
What Do You Need To Get Started?
You don’t necessarily need anything to begin your conversion. But small things, such as mezuzah, Torah scrolls, and candelabras, can help you to get adjusted to the religion and make it a constant presence in your household – visit israel judaica for a closer look.
Is It Hard To Convert?
The actual act of conversion can take different mechanisms – depending on the form of Judaism you are converting to. Essentially, however, you will need to study Jewish beliefs, practices and rituals. You will need to learn some Hebrew, believe in God and the Torah, get circumcised if you are a male and agree to live a wholly Jewish life.
As well as this, you will need to talk to a rabbi and discuss the possibilities of converting. To do this, you will first need to get involved in the Jewish community, attend synagogue services and have a strong reason to want to convert.
What are The Best Things About Judaism?
If you have done all of this – or are prepared to do all of this – then it is likely that you are ready to convert. This means that there is a lot to look forward to. After all, the Jewish faith is all about community, family and a virtuous way of life.
When it comes to Judaism, there is always a great emphasis on good morals and a drive to do good deeds, with family and community always at heart. Those are just some of the things that make the religion so special.
