Can I Become Jewish?
All streams of Judaism have historically accepted non-Jews as full members of the Jewish People, the People of Israel, if they show commitment to the faith of Israel and the People of Israel. Full acceptance of converts is part and parcel with authentic Jewish tradition. In fact, it is the most repeated commandment in the Torah -- "and the immigrant who naturalizes unto you shall be no different to you than the native born, and you shall love them as yourself" (Leviticus 19:35); and "this is an everlasting law for all your generations - as you are, so is the immigrant before Me, says the ETERNAL" (Numbers 15:15).
Full Temple membership is open to anyone who has completed the conversion process, regardless of race or family origin, with no distinction between those born to Jewish families and those who are Jews by choice.
Please understand, however, that while there is plenty of meaningful common ground between Judaism and Christianity, the two faith traditions also have some significant differences. Jews do not believe that a person must be Christian, Muslim, or even Jewish(!) in order to have a relationship with God or forgiveness of sins (ie: to be 'saved'). Such dogmas contradict the fundamental Jewish belief that God is the most compassionate and merciful, the fair Judge. There is freedom for personal opinion on various matters in Judaism, but we must not conflate personal opinion with classical Jewish principles. A person who attempts to become Jewish while holding onto dogmas that condemn 99% of the Jewish People will find themselves very disappointed. Jews do not vilify people for having different beliefs from our own. We recognize that most people hold their personal beliefs very dearly and sincerely. We do not doubt this; however, a person who bases their beliefs on the scripture of a different religion is not ready to join the Jewish People. However, Associate Membership is open to people of all religions, with no requirement to embrace the Jewish religion or Jewish identity. Associate Membership is official recognition that you are an ally and friend of the Jewish community, regardless of your religion. It enables you to actively participate in Temple events and classes as cherished friends of the Jewish community. Those who fully embrace Jewish identity are warmly encouraged to speak with Rabbi Yosef regarding becoming Jewish. Rabbi Yosef is delighted to hear from anyone who has sincere questions regarding the Jewish faith or the Jewish People, regardless of where they are in their faith journey.
You can reach Rabbi Yosef at (318) 616-0030
or via email: [email protected]
All streams of Judaism have historically accepted non-Jews as full members of the Jewish People, the People of Israel, if they show commitment to the faith of Israel and the People of Israel. Full acceptance of converts is part and parcel with authentic Jewish tradition. In fact, it is the most repeated commandment in the Torah -- "and the immigrant who naturalizes unto you shall be no different to you than the native born, and you shall love them as yourself" (Leviticus 19:35); and "this is an everlasting law for all your generations - as you are, so is the immigrant before Me, says the ETERNAL" (Numbers 15:15).
Full Temple membership is open to anyone who has completed the conversion process, regardless of race or family origin, with no distinction between those born to Jewish families and those who are Jews by choice.
Please understand, however, that while there is plenty of meaningful common ground between Judaism and Christianity, the two faith traditions also have some significant differences. Jews do not believe that a person must be Christian, Muslim, or even Jewish(!) in order to have a relationship with God or forgiveness of sins (ie: to be 'saved'). Such dogmas contradict the fundamental Jewish belief that God is the most compassionate and merciful, the fair Judge. There is freedom for personal opinion on various matters in Judaism, but we must not conflate personal opinion with classical Jewish principles. A person who attempts to become Jewish while holding onto dogmas that condemn 99% of the Jewish People will find themselves very disappointed. Jews do not vilify people for having different beliefs from our own. We recognize that most people hold their personal beliefs very dearly and sincerely. We do not doubt this; however, a person who bases their beliefs on the scripture of a different religion is not ready to join the Jewish People. However, Associate Membership is open to people of all religions, with no requirement to embrace the Jewish religion or Jewish identity. Associate Membership is official recognition that you are an ally and friend of the Jewish community, regardless of your religion. It enables you to actively participate in Temple events and classes as cherished friends of the Jewish community. Those who fully embrace Jewish identity are warmly encouraged to speak with Rabbi Yosef regarding becoming Jewish. Rabbi Yosef is delighted to hear from anyone who has sincere questions regarding the Jewish faith or the Jewish People, regardless of where they are in their faith journey.
You can reach Rabbi Yosef at (318) 616-0030
or via email: [email protected]
KEY POINTS
- Conversion and Full Membership
- Universal Acceptance
- All streams of Judaism have historically welcomed non‑Jews as full members of the People of Israel upon genuine commitment.
- Full acceptance of converts is a fundamental of authentic Jewish tradition -- it's the most repeated Torah commandment.
- Biblical Mandates
- Leviticus 19:34: “The immigrant who naturalizes… shall be no different to you than the native born, and you shall love them as yourself.”
- Numbers 15:15: “This is an everlasting law… as you are, so is the immigrant before Me, says the ETERNAL.”
- Full Temple Membership
- Open equally to those born Jewish and those who convert, regardless of race or background.
- Universal Acceptance
- Judaism vs. Other Faiths
- Distinct Beliefs on Salvation
- Judaism does not require adherence to Christianity, Islam, or faith in any human for a relationship with God or forgiveness.
- The Jewish faith emphasizes God’s Oneness, of which His compassion, mercy, and fairness are inseparable.
- Freedom and Boundaries
- Personal beliefs are allowed, conditional upon not contradicting classical Jewish values.
- Dogmas that demand worship of humans or that condemn 99% of the Jewish People are incompatible with conversion.
- Distinct Beliefs on Salvation
- "Associate Membership"
- Who It’s For
- Anyone of any religion or belief system who respects Jews and the Jewish faith, even if they don't fully embrace it.
- Designed for allies and friends of the Jewish community.
- Benefits
- Official recognition and invitation to participate in Temple events and classes.
- No requirement to adopt Jewish identity or religious practice, but to respect Jewish beliefs, even if not espousing them.
- Who It’s For
- Invitation and Guidance
- Path to Full Conversion
- Those wishing to fully embrace Jewish identity are encouraged to consult Rabbi Yosef.
- Open Dialogue
- Rabbi Yosef welcomes sincere questions about Judaism at any stage of one’s faith journey, with or without intent to be Jewish.
- Path to Full Conversion