Dear Rabbi my question, is I have heard that to Convert to Orthodox Judaism that one must live by a Orthodox Synagogue. My question is I know that Orthodox Judaism does not accept Converts to Reform Judaism or, to Conservative Judaism I have heard stories of Converts to Reform Judaism or to Conservative Judaism that will, later Convert to Orthodox Judaism like a update. My question, is to Convert to Orthodox Judaism does it cost a lot to move by a Orthodox Synagogue must one live in a House can one live in a Apartment or Rent Housing and live by a Orthodox Synagogue ? Also my other question can, one be Poor or Lower Income or Lower Middle Class and Convert to Orthodox Judaism. I ask because I knew one Man American he, came from a, Christian Background he, Converted to Orthodox Judaism he said he is more Lower Middle Class thank you for your time today ?

Shalom, Thank you for your question. Firstly, let me, by way of an introduction, point out the pathway to conversion is not simple at all. It is a long and slow process of growth and learning, that generally takes several years. At the same time, let me stress that Judaism does not demand, nor encourage, conversion. We believe that not everybody needs to be Jewish in order to do G-d’s will, or to find favor with the L-rd. A righteous gentile is a great blessing in the world. After saying all that, if you are still interested in conversion … You are correct that an important part of Judaism is being part of a Jewish community. That will mean moving into a Jewish neighborhood, attending a synagogue, coming to Torah study classes and generally being part of a living community of religious Jews. (That’s why we all seem to live next to each other!). You are also correct that in many places in the world, these religious communities tend to be in more expensive parts of town. But that is in no way part of being Jewish. The Jewish community encompasses Jews from all economic levels of society. There are fine Jewish communities in less expensive locations. And certainly in Israel one can live in a very poor economic location and be part of some of the “richest” communities (where riches are measured in spiritual assets and not dollars). Even inside each community there are people of varying economic levels. There is absolutely no need to own a house, and one can rent. On a practical level, I advise you to make contact with a Rabbi in the closest Orthodox community to you, and arrange a meeting. Many Blessings.