Who needs the Conversion To Judaism Program?
When we think of conversion, we often think of going from one religion or faith tradition to another. Consider someone who was raised Catholic and choose to become a Buddhist for example — they were once “this,” and then they became “that.”
For some, conversion to Judaism works this way. You were raised with one religious identity, say Hinduism, and now, you wish to become Jewish. This is a traditional idea of a convert — a person with no Jewish ancestry but a desire to become part of the Jewish peoplehood.
For those people, our Conversion to Judaism program is the right approach.
What about everyone else?
There are others who have some kind of Jewish ancestry and not having been raised Jewish, would like to become in a sense “more Jewish.” For these people, the Affirmation Program is a better fit. This can include:
- People who were raised with some sense of Jewish identity, but essentially non-practicing (example: you lit a menorah next to a Christmas tree, but that’s about it)
- Patrilineal Jews who want to confirm to Conservative and Orthodox halacha (see the rule of patrilineal descent)
- Someone who is technically Jewish (with a biological maternal Jewish grandmother and mother, regardless of the religion they practiced in the home) and who was raised in a different religion
- Someone adopted from Jewish parents raised in a different religion
- Anyone with a historical connection to Jewish life (such as descendants of Holocaust survivors) who wish to reclaim their dormant Jewish identity
So, how do we work with these students who feel not-really-Jewish but are technically Jewish?
A person who fits into the “already-technically-Jewish” criteria does not need to convert. However, you may want to go through a similar process to what a convert might with the goal of having the spiritual experience of affirming your Jewish identity. It’s important to know that you do not have to do this, but you are welcome to do so. Darshan Yeshiva’s mentors will work with you to develop a plan of study and confirmation of your personal, Jewish identity in a way that is meaningful to you.
How is this program different than conversion?
Ultimately, the learning is the same, because you are starting from the same knowledge level as someone with no Jewish background. However, if you are technically Jewish by your mother’s side, you would not need to do any of the final ritual components unless you want to. If you are technically Jewish on your father’s side, and wish to conform to Conservative and Orthodox religious standards, you would need to do the final ritual components of a conversion.
How do I join this program?
Apply on our conversion to Judaism page. It will ask you why you want to convert to Judaism. Simply answer that you are seeking affirmation instead, and tell us why you want to affirm a Jewish identity.
You’ll need to choose a mentor who will guide you through the educational (and if needed) final rituals. If you are a Patrilineal Jew who wants to conform to the Conservative halacha, you’ll need to choose a Conservative rabbi or cantor.