Q&A for How to Convert to Judaism

No, you do not. Judaism welcomes all races.

Yes. If you have the desire, you can convert.

Of course! Judaism teaches that all people are made equal in God's eyes, regardless of any physical or mental disability.

Keeping the Shabbat, keeping Kashrut (kosher), prayer three times every day (plus modeh ani upon waking up and bedtime shema before going to sleep). Dressing and behaving modestly and righteously. Studying Torah is stressed a lot and would be considered a basic rule.

If you convert, without a doubt. If you practice and believe in it, most Reform will take you either way.

The Torah itself does not mention abortion, but the oral law (the Mishna) and the discussion of that (Gemara) does. Specifically, the ancient rabbis discussed that if two men are fighting and one of them accidentally strikes a pregnant woman and she loses the baby, that he owes damages (money) to her. In the same instance where she is not pregnant, he does not owe damages. The general view is that a fetus in the womb isn't human yet until life attaches. The ancient view was that life did not attach until the baby breathed, but many rabbis now say fetal viability (about 24-25 weeks). All rabbis agree that where a woman's health is at risk that an abortion is acceptable.

No Jews in your whole country? That is unlikely. Try searching for synagogues near you online.

You can certanly convert. You must meet with a rabbi to discuss the process, and if they feel you are ready, you can follow the steps to convert.

Hasidic and Orthodox Jews see this as problematic, but Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Jews are more lenient about that sort of thing. If you are going to be married, it is important you have a conversation with your rabbi about your relationship.

Pigs are not kosher, so they are prohibited. There are some types of wine that are kosher and some that aren't, so you will have to check those carefully before consuming them.

Of course, it's your choice what religion you are and as long as you are passionate, you can do it.

You certainly can. It would be wise to speak to a rabbi about what it really means to convert, and you will want to talk to your parents about this before you do so. But age should not stop you, and if nothing else, you can always practice even without converting.

Most countries have Chabad Lubavitch, which is a Chasidic Dynasty. You can visit the one in your country and talk to the rabbis about what to do.

In order to convert to Judaism according to the Halacha, in orthodox conversion the convert must do "circumcision" if not circumcised yet . Otherwise he cannot convert. How about talking to the doctor about the process, to understand what is involved and to get some reassurance about the process?

Absolutely, we'll take anyone who believes in G-d. Talk to a Rabbi, and he'll tell you more about the tenets of Judaism.

Seek out an orthodox Jewish synagogue and talk to the rabbi about starting your conversion. Be persistent, as you are likely to be turned down several times.

Depending on where your urethral hole is, you will still have to be circumcised. Whether the circumcision scar will affect your hypospadias is another matter.

Yes! Most Jews don't care at all if you are gay. Particularly in reform Judaism, we don't think there will ever be any issue if you are gay. If you're worried about it, talk to a rabbi. They'd be happy to help you.

The "difficulty" depends on your drive and commitment to Judaism and your passion to join the Jewish people and to take on more Mitzvot. It is best to start off as a Noahide, which is a form of Orthodox Judaism with restrictions, but regardless the practices, etc., are of Orthodox Judaism and guided by the Torah with Hasidic rabbis as the guides and mentors, just as they are for the Jewish people. Try being a Noahide first and if you feel you want more responsibility, then take on it by conversion.

Well, Jews believe that Jesus existed, as he was a Rabbi. However, we don't believe in him as a messiah or the son of G-d. So we don't support him at all really, any more than we would any other Rabbi. Also, Jews believe everyone will be saved -- we don't really have much of a hell.

That depends on the branch of Judaism you choose. If you're becoming Orthodox or Conservative, the answer is NO!

No. The Torah forbids a man from entering the covenant if he is uncircumcised. The Hebrew name for circumcision (b'rit milah) literally means Covenant of the Flesh (circumcision).

Of course. The process is a little challenging, though, depending on which branch you're converting to.

It's not clear what you mean by "can't fully accept being totally Jewish." There are different branches of Judaism, some stricter than others. Maybe you can find one that works for you. If none of them work for you, then just don't be Jewish? It's up to you to make up your mind. You can self-identify however you want, but you probably won't be accepted as Jewish by the Jewish community if you don't adhere to the beliefs and practices they deem essential to Judaism.

Probably, yes. You might need a reform Rabbi to perform the conversion for you, but you should be able to convert.

13 for a boy, 12 for a girl. However, if someone's parents convert when they are underage, the children are converted with them, then when they turn 12 or 13, they will be asked if they'd like to continue being Jewish or not.

No. It is never too late to convert.

Yes, definitely. Avraham was 99 years of age when he was circumcised. So you are still young! If you have been circumcised before, the Beth Din will have to draw a drop of blood before you go through the mikveh.

Ask a Rabbi. You will most likely have to study for a while, but you should be fine!

There is no official requirement, but it could help you connect more if you know Hebrew.