Conversion: Bill of Rights
A convert in Washington drew up a “bill of rights for Jewish converts”. In this piece, she outlines ten issues which face conversion candidates or those in the process, claiming they are afraid of the rabbis, feel victimized, threatened and judged. I personally think she’s right on and have heard similar claims from women in the process. Are you involved in conversion and what is your opinion on what she claims?
Conversion: Children
We are somewhat confused and flustered. We adopted our two beautiful sons from Russia when each one was under a year old, and have raised them as Jews ever since. We were under the impression that if a child is adopted and raised by Jews then the children are considered Jewish. However, during a recent visit to Israel, our cousins told us that the children aren’t considered technically Jewish until they convert. This was difficult for us to swallow and want to find out if it’s true. Also, how is it possible to convert small children if they don’t have the maturity and understanding to accept upon themselves whatever being Jewish entails?
Conversion: Personality Change?
I underwent an Orthodox conversion just under a year ago and have a couple of questions which my rabbi there wasn’t sure what to answer. First of all, I was taught that a convert receives a new, Jewish soul. If so, what happens to the “old” gentile soul I had before? On one hand, it’s invigorating to know I’m receiving something new, which makes me into a “new person”, but it’s also somewhat disconcerting to think that there’s nothing left of my old self. After all, it was my “old self” that was first inspired to take the steps to convert; is that “original me” who made that decision gone forever? It doesn’t seem to be fair!
Secondly, a practical question: Every morning should I be reciting the blessing “shelo asani goy”, …who has not created me a gentile? On one hand, I was “created” a gentile, on the other hand, if I have a new Jewish soul perhaps it’s like I’m “newly created” and could recite the blessing? Thanks for your input.
Conversion: Why?
Recently a non-Jewish friend asked me why someone would want to convert to Judaism. Although I could think of a lot of reasons, I’m not sure which one was the best. What would your answer be?
Conscience
As part of my psychology studies in college I recently heard a lecture on the relationship between the conscience and the ego. Is there a Jewish view of these topics? Are the two concepts contradictory or one in the same?