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Jewish Conversion

Answered by Rabbi Gershon LittFurther responses from Rabbi Meir Goldberg and Rabbi Eliahu Levenson

Question

What is the Jewish approach to conversion?

Answer

Throughout Jewish history there have always been people who want to be part of the Jewish people, who were not born into the nation. Jews are not proseletizers in the least. As a matter of fact, we do not encourage someone to convert to Judaism unless we are absolutely sure that they are doing it for the right reasons and that they will follow through with their obligations.

Becoming a Jew involves a long period of learning and devotion. At the end is a ceremony, but that only takes a few minutes. The self development and learning can sometimes take years. The end result is often that people who convert, and do it right, are some of the most righteous individuals in the Jewish nation.

Thanks,
Rabbi Gershon Litt

Follow-up questions (2)

Question

I have heard from some source that Jews who are disconnected with their Jewishness should undergo conversion. Is this right ? What might be the process for the lost tribe of Israel? Is there any specific criteria where you can identify the lost tribes of Israel? Is there any authority who could possibly do that?

Answer

We won’t be able to identify the lost tribes until the Messiah comes. We have no way to tell who they are right now. The various groups who claim Jewish identity, such as the Ethiopians, Bnai Menashe (India), etc. are generally required to undergo conversion to assure that they are Jewish.

Rabbi Meir Goldberg

Question

Regarding the Lost Tribes could gentiles who have been drawn to the Torah and Judaism without having any Jewish background be part of the lost tribes?

Answer

Yes, it is possible, but there is no way to be certain. As to the lost tribes, they were lost, but they were never COMPLETELY lost. That is, not everyone from the tribes were taken away, and all the tribes remain represented throughout the Jewish Nation to this very day.

Regards, Eliahu Levenson