- Family and Society
- Conversion
Conversion
Question
Shalom!
Thank you very much for taking my question. I am a teenager who wants very much to convert to Judaism. I live in the United States. My town only has a reform synagogue. I believe that only Orthodox Judaism is real Judaism, but the nearest Orthodox shul is two hours away. I cant move on my own. Should I just wait until I am old enough to move out? Should I go to the Reform synagogue? Also, I have heard that the Orthodox dont welcome converts. Is this true? I hope not because I am very sincere in my desire to become a Jew.
Thank you,
Answer
Since you are not yet Jewish there is nothing wrong in your driving or taking a bus to the Orthodox synagogue. Let people there know that you are not Jewish and are considering converting. The halacha doesn't seek out people and try to convert them. A gentile who keeps the seven Noachide laws is a fine person. If, however, someone of his own free will genuinely wants to convert, the halacha, after ascertaining that the desire to convert is genuine, requires the Jewish community to accept the convert with open arms and an open heart.

Kashering before conversion
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 9 Nisan 5767

Do you get your fathers tribe if you convert?
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 24, 5781

Conversion of an Arab
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 4 Tammuz 5763

Convert Changing Nusah
Various Rabbis | 2 Av 5764

Rabbi Jonathan Blass
Rabbi of Neve Tzuf and Rosh Kollel "Ratzon Yehuda".

Sinai
28 Tishrei 5763

A Rabbi for Hashkafa
23 Tishrei 5763

Zimun Alone II
23 Tishrei 5763

Tzitzit for women
23 Tishrei 5763

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

On which day may one start wishing "Shabbat Shalom"?
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 9, 5780

Shaitels for non-married women
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 29, 5779

How can someone change their community?
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 11, 5783

Follow-up question on names
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 9, 5783
Praying with people placing Tefillin on forehead?
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
