The Conversion Option

One of the solutions that are proposed to solve the problem of intermarriage is to convert the non-Jewish partner to Judaism. "Why lose two souls, when we can gain one?…"

Is conversion a valid option?

We find that Judaism does recognize the possibility of a non-Jew converting to Judaism. The proper conversion process, known as Giyur, is very simple. It consists of three steps: 1) Circumcision (in the case of a male); 2) Immersion in the Mikve (ritual bath); 3) Acceptance of the 613 precepts in their totality. These three steps must take place in the presence of a valid Rabbinic tribunal. (A valid Rabbinic tribunal consists of three Rabbis that accept the Torah as the word of G-d and their fulfilling the 613 precepts in their personal day-to-day life.)

Judaism does not believe in proselytism, because not everybody needs to be Jewish in order to find grace in the eyes of G-d and have his place in the world-to-come. For the non-Jew it is sufficient to respect the Code of Laws known as the Seven Noahide Laws in order to deserve the choicest spot in Paradise. In the event that a non-Jew sincerely desires to become a Jew and live a life in accordance with the norms delineated in the Torah for the Jew, we accept him with open arms, once he or she has undergone a proper Giyur.

It is obvious, though, that in the event that one wants to convert to Judaism as a result of his or her desire to marry a Jew or Jewess, it is highly unlikely that the motives for conversion are sincere.

I am reminded of a story in which a Jewish boy decides to marry a non-Jewish girl. The boy’s parents insist that she study the basics of Judaism before agreeing to the marriage. The girl accepts the condition and goes to study in a religious girls’ school. Even though her original motive was in order to satisfy the request of her boyfriend’s parents, as time went on, she discovered a new world and became genuinely interested in Judaism. After several months transpired, the boy called her to make the arrangements for the wedding. "Are you serious?" she asked, "do you think I intend to marry a boy who was willing to marry a non-Jewish girl?"

Regarding the argument that if we do not accept all types of conversion or mixed marriages, we will end up alienating the young Jews who marry non-Jewish partners or those that have undergone cosmetic conversions, however, if we accept them as Jews, we will be winning souls for the Jewish people:

First of all, Judaism is not a business, especially when based on lies and dishonesty. Judaism is based on trying to fulfill to the maximum of our capacity that which G-d asks of us. We do not have to be more concerned about the future of the Jewish People than G-d himself is. G-d is as "aware" as we are of this argument and its supposed benefits for the future of these couples and the future of the Jewish People. Nevertheless, the Bible clearly states (Deut. 7:7), that G-d did not choose the Jewish People because of their superiority in numbers or power, but because of their humility and because of the pact that he made with our forefather, Abraham. The Jews have survived and outlived all of their oppressors not because of their intelligence, wealth or political power, but because of their sincerity, authenticity and self-sacrifice in order to preserve and defend their pact with G-d.

Moreover: However much we would like to or however much it may seem that it "pays" to accept these type of conversions, we do not have the ability to deny nor change the facts. It is not within our power to do anybody this "favor," the same way we are powerless to help a couple that wanted a baby boy and G-d blessed them instead with a baby girl. We do have the power to make cosmetic changes, but that does not change the fact that what was accomplished was nothing but a cruel and dishonest mutilation and distortion.