Shona's Tumbles

A Potential Convert to Judaism’s Guide to Jewish Denominations

I’ve been reading a lot on Jewish conversion recently. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s depression and my need to feel like my presence on this planet has a purpose. Anyway, I’ve come across a lot of posts and messages written from those who are thinking about converting to Judaism. Boy does my heart go out to these people!

Anyway, because this is Tumblr (and I don’t want to make this too long), let me get right to it:

Reform

Of all of the Jewish denominations, Reform Judaism is the most open and welcoming to converts. Keep in mind, the majority of conversions that occur within the Reform movement are gentiles who are married to or romantically involved with a born Jew. So if you are young, single and just looking to convert for primarily spiritual reasons, you may feel like the odd person out. That’s how I felt anyway.

Synagogue & Ritual: Reform synagogue services are relatively easy to follow along with. There is a lot of English in the service and usually a lot of congregational singing. Many congregations will let you fully participate in the service (i.e. opening the ark, lifting the Torah, being called up to the Torah) even before you convert.

The People: In my experience, Reform Jews are very diverse in terms of lifestyle. Some are more spiritual than others. Some are just there while their children are in their formative years (for Hebrew school…they’ll stop coming once they are bar/bat mitzvah). Some are very liberal socially and politically and that carries over to them being a Reform Jew. While they may say that it’s praiseworthy to study, only 20-25% of Reform Jews are very knowledgeable about Torah and halacha. Instead for them, major holiday observance and community participation comprise the bulk of Judaism.

Pros: Reform rabbis are usually very open and welcoming to potential converts. Just about any lifestyle situation is ok and will not immediately invalidate you as a conversion candidate. The conversion process itself is not too demanding and can be customized to some extent by either you or your rabbi. Reform shuls are more commonplace and there is a good chance that you already live relatively close to one.

Cons: If you are big into Jewish spirituality and learning, you may be the odd person out. The same goes if you are observant of Jewish rituals. Chances are 90% of you congregational peers will not be. Also Reform conversions are not accepted by the other Jewish denominations (generally) except for maybe Reconstructionist.

website: http://www.reformjudaism.org/practice/lifecycle-and-rituals/conversion

Conservative

Conservative Judaism and Jews are more traditional that Reform. However it depends on the congregation just how more traditional (it can vary). Historically, Conservative Judaism didn’t do too much in regards to formally extending a welcoming hand to potential converts. However, due to the dwindling population, Conservative Rabbis are beginning to be more encouraging.

Synagogue & Ritual: Conservative services tend to have a good amount of Hebrew included. Some congregations may explain more to the congregants, others may not (making for a steep learning curve). It depends on the congregation as to whether or not there is a lot of congregational singing. Service participation is usually not offered to non-Jews, although there are certainly exceptions.

The People: Conservative Jews usually come from families with a rich Jewish heritage. Many may have had Orthodox parents and Grandparents. Since Conservative synagogues are not as quite as commonplace as Reform, so many Conservative synagogues have large memberships. This may make a convert feel marginalized and not able to connect well with the host Jewish community.

Pros: Many Conservative congregations are well-established, and provide a good community. Clergy and lay leaders promote more in regards to Jewish observance. Is more flexible than Orthodoxy in regards to personal lifestyle choices and observance level. A Conservative conversion usually contains all of the halachaic requirements to make it kosher (however don’t count on Orthodox Jews accepting your conversion, since they don’t recognize the authority of Conservative Beis Din members).

Cons: There can be a lot of variance in observance, custom, and outlook from congregation to congregation. Often times these differences are not clear to newcomers (unlike Orthodox congregations, where their history/worship style/customs are usually clearly differentiated). Conservative rabbis may be a bit elusive to converts. Some Conservative congregations are experiencing a bit of turmoil as members and/or clergy move towards tackling issues such as inclusion of the LGBT community and interfaith households.

website: http://www.uscj.org/JewishLivingandLearning/ApproachingtheIntermarried/AboutConversiontoJudaism.aspx

(to be continued…)