History of the methodology of conversion to Judaism throughout history??
Posted by admin | Under Judaism Friday Aug 15, 2008Just wondering if the process of conversion to Judaism has changed throughout history. Is it easier now? Harder now? Is it any different at all?
Besides reading about this from a Jewish history perspective, that I will list below in texts I believe will help you understand this from a larger view I'm going to recommend something I RARELY do..to read a text written by a Christian Oxford scholar on the history of how Christianity spread through Europe, especially Chapter 9, titled "Rival Monotheisms". He addresses that at one time, Judaism was more open in seeking converts and it was not until it became a capitol offense once Christianity was embraced by certain rulers, that this practice appears to have stopped.
Richard Fletcher, an award winning scholar, whose work titled, "The Barbarian Conversion: From Paganism To Christianity" is as the cover blurb states: "splendid scholarship that often reads like a detective story"
Good Jewish scholarly references include " Great Ages and Ideas of the Jewish People by ( a whole list of authors..Baron, Cohen, Halkin, Kaufmann, Marcus, Roth )
Jews, God and History by Max I Dimont, This is My God by Herman Wouk and also some links I'll give below.
I'll briefly state only a few items I remember..In the time of the Temple, the convert brought a special sacrifice as a part of the conversion process. The Pharisees, while having a reputation as "hypocrites" among Christians, actually promoted education for all no matter the social class and eagerly welcomed converts, some actively proselytizing. This is where the origin of that word comes from in fact, during the age when the Pharisees were converting Greeks to Judaism, a proselyte referred specifically to them.
The immersion in a mikvah or ritual bath in a ceremony called tevillah also originated in very ancient times. That is still a part of the conversion process for Jews except that some Reform rabbis don't require it now. In ancient days the custom of turning away a convert ( I believe it began during the early Talmudic days ) three times was observed a little more rigidly to ensure that one was sincere in wishing to convert their life to the path of the covenant of Torah.
Interesting question. I don't imagine it has changed dramatically. There are two ways in which a person can be/become Jewish:
- they are born to a Jewish mother
- they convert to Judaism
Conversion is not encouraged, because in Judaism it is forbidden to try and 'recruit' others
Traditionally, when a would-be convert approaches a Rabbi for guidance, they are turned away three times - this is a test of their sincerity.
Once the potential convert has found a Rabbi to help them, they have to study and learn about the religion; they must also experience all the Jewish festivals at least once. Thus in reality, it will take a minimum of a year to convert.
Once someone converts, then they are Jewish, full stop. There is no question of them being a 'former Christian who is now a Jew' or anything like that. They are 100% kosher!!!
It gets a bit more complicated only in that there are several 'sects' within Judaism: orthodox, reform, conservative, and others. An orthodox conversion involves more studying etc, and this conversion will be recognised by all sects and synagogues. A reform conversion won't be recognised by the orthodox movement.
In the Talmud, it says that converts to Judaism are held in special regard by G-d, because they have consciously chosen the religion, as opposed to being born into it.
Hope this helps to answer your question a bit. Shalom
References :
It has gotten easier over time–it used to involve a great deal of study, and the 3 times being turned away was serious. They really discouraged you. Nowadays, when so many are converting, it has become a lot easier, and there are classes, and the three times being turned away is usually more formulaic.
References :
Besides reading about this from a Jewish history perspective, that I will list below in texts I believe will help you understand this from a larger view I'm going to recommend something I RARELY do..to read a text written by a Christian Oxford scholar on the history of how Christianity spread through Europe, especially Chapter 9, titled "Rival Monotheisms". He addresses that at one time, Judaism was more open in seeking converts and it was not until it became a capitol offense once Christianity was embraced by certain rulers, that this practice appears to have stopped.
Richard Fletcher, an award winning scholar, whose work titled, "The Barbarian Conversion: From Paganism To Christianity" is as the cover blurb states: "splendid scholarship that often reads like a detective story"
Good Jewish scholarly references include " Great Ages and Ideas of the Jewish People by ( a whole list of authors..Baron, Cohen, Halkin, Kaufmann, Marcus, Roth )
Jews, God and History by Max I Dimont, This is My God by Herman Wouk and also some links I'll give below.
I'll briefly state only a few items I remember..In the time of the Temple, the convert brought a special sacrifice as a part of the conversion process. The Pharisees, while having a reputation as "hypocrites" among Christians, actually promoted education for all no matter the social class and eagerly welcomed converts, some actively proselytizing. This is where the origin of that word comes from in fact, during the age when the Pharisees were converting Greeks to Judaism, a proselyte referred specifically to them.
The immersion in a mikvah or ritual bath in a ceremony called tevillah also originated in very ancient times. That is still a part of the conversion process for Jews except that some Reform rabbis don't require it now. In ancient days the custom of turning away a convert ( I believe it began during the early Talmudic days ) three times was observed a little more rigidly to ensure that one was sincere in wishing to convert their life to the path of the covenant of Torah.
References :
http://www.jewfaq.org/
http://www.aish.com/literacy/judaism123/Conversion_to_Judaism.asp