| The path towards
conversion to Judaism is one requiring substantial commitment.
Liberal Judaism welcomes all sincere converts to Judaism.
The course, usually lasting at least fifteen months, is
administered and validated centrally by Liberal Judaism,
but taught locally.An applicant is first interviewed by
a Rabbi to ascertain that the motives for conversion are
for the sake of embracing the Jewish religion and in order
to assist the applicant to make an informed decision,
we insist upon some preliminary reading and experience
of Jewish life and worship. Usually the applicant attends
Synagogue Services for at least three months before s/he
embarks upon a formal course of instruction. The course
consists of lessons in the Jewish religion, Jewish history,
Jewish literature and the Hebrew language. During the
course, the applicant is supported by the Community to
gain personal experience of all the Jewish festivals in
the annual cycle and to begin to feel themselves as part
of a Jewish Community.
When the sponsoring Rabbi is satisfied that a sufficient
basis of Jewish knowledge and experience has been acquired,
the candidate is asked to submit two essays and then appears
before the Rabbinic Board of Liberal Judaism (with three
Rabbis sitting). If they are satisfied with the sincerity
of the candidate, they sign a certificate indicating their
approval. The candidate then has an Admittance Ceremony
in their new Community at which the candidate affirms
their status as a Jew upon. The sponsoring Rabbi also
signs the certificate. Liberal Judaism strongly recommends
circumcision for male converts. If exemption is sought,
candidates are required to consult a doctor, preferably
a member of the Association of Liberal and Reform Mohalim.
All converts are advised to perform the ritual
of tevilah (ritual immersion in a Mikveh) as a valuable
and experiential way to confirm one’s change in
status.
Confirmation of Status
In some cases,
for what ever reason, a Jewish person may discover that
they are Jewish without previous knowledge of this fact,
or that after no formal Jewish upbringing or education,
they would like to affirm their Jewish identity. Working
with the local Rabbi and usually engaging in a course
of Jewish education and experience similar to that described
for the process of conversion, the applicant can apply
either for full conversion or to the Rabbinic Board for
a Certificate of Status, which confirms the person's Jewish
identity.
For information please contact
Rabbi Aaron Goldstein on 07764 192 696 or contact your local rabbi |
