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Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Reform Judaism (10/12)
Previous Document: Question 18.4.2: Fallacy: Either patrilineal or matrilineal descent is accepted
Next Document: Question 18.4.4: Fallacy: Reform Judaism encourages intermarriage
Question 18.4.3: Fallacy: Reform Conversions take no study, and are for convenience only
Answer:
Reform Judaism welcomes all sincere converts without regard to racial
or national origin or to their former religious faith. In Reform
Judaism, it is sufficient for the prospective convert (ger) to
declare, orally and in writing, in the presence of a rabbi and no less
than two lay leaders of the congregation and community, acceptance of
the Jewish faith and the intention to live in accordance with its
mitzvot. This declaration takes place after a preparatory period of
study. The length of the period of preparation is determined by the
rabbi, taking into consideration the time needed by the candidate for
conversion to obtain the necessary understanding and appreciation of
Judaism in order to make a free-will decision with respect to his/her
acceptance of the Jewish faith and identification with the Jewish
people.
Reform recommends that the period of study be reinforced by requiring
and assisting the prospective convert's active participation in the
various celebrations, observances, and worship services of Judaism and
the Jewish people. It recommends that regular attendance at synagogue
worship, as well as evidence of concern for Jewish values and causes
in the home and community, should be required. The intent of this is
to enable the rabbi and his/her associates to satisfy themselves not
only that the candidate has a sufficient knowledge of Judaism, but of
even greater importance, that the candidate is a person of sincere and
responsible character, who is genuinely desirous of making a
wholehearted commitment to synagogue affiliation and to the Jewish
faith and people.
Note that the above items (study, attendance at services) are only
recommendations. While the authors of the Reform teshuva affirm that
such items should theoretically be considered a necessity, this is not
necessary in practice if one claims to already have been living a
Jewish life. The Reform rabbinate may presume that if such a claim is
made, then the person doesn't need such a course.
Reform does not require male converts to undergo b'rit milah
(circumcision) or hatafat dam b'rit (the drawing of blood); nor does
it require converts to have tevilah (ritual immersion). However, it
recognizes that there are social, psychological, and religious values
associated with these rituals, and it recommends that the rabbi
acquaint prospective gerim with the halachic background and rationale
for b'rit milah, hatafat dam b'rit, and tevilah, and offer them the
opportunity, if they so desire, to observe these additional rites. In
the UK, the ULPS requires circumcision for male converts, but does
accept a pre-existing medical circumcision.
Reform does not require kabbalaot al mitvot (accepting Jewish law as
normative), especially as "Jewish law" is interpreted by the
traditional communities. Reform does require an understanding of the
ten commandments, the ethical mitvot, and a general understanding of
other Jewish religious obligations.
Note that, outside of the US, procedures may be even stricter. For
example, in Vancouver CANADA, students study for a year before being
considered for conversion. Converts undergo the mikvah, in the
presence of three (3) rabbis. Men are required to to be circumsized,
and are also required to undergo the ritual circumcision (letting of
the blood).
Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Reform Judaism (10/12)
Previous Document: Question 18.4.2: Fallacy: Either patrilineal or matrilineal descent is accepted
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