Israel: Information on the conversion of Christians to Judaism
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ISR9676 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Israel: Information on the conversion of Christians to Judaism, 1 November 1991, ISR9676, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aaec3.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Published information on this subject is currently unavailable to the IRBDC in Ottawa.
According to a member of the Rabbinical Council in Montreal, it is possible for a Christian to convert to Judaism (19 Nov. 1991). This source added that the person who wants to convert to Judaism must meet with a Rabbinical Tribunal of three Rabbi who will evaluate the motivation for such a conversion (Ibid.). The person must show a genuine desire to become a Jew based on faith and spiritual awareness. After the meeting, the Rabbi will organize a learning program about Jewish laws, rules and history. This learning process can last for one to five years in Israel. However, there is no guarantee that a person who embarks on such a learning process will be successful. In his meeting with the would-be convert, the Rabbi will ask questions to highlight some potential contradiction between a person's way of life (work schedule that does not respect the Sabbath, food, etc.) and the rigorous religious requirements of Judaism. The candidate must be converted by an Orthodox Rabbi in order to be officially recognized in Israel. After successful completion of these steps, a formal ceremony called "Mikveh" is performed. This involves a ritual immersion in water after which the Rabbi recite a prayer, gives his blessing and the candidate re-affirms his willingness to become a member of the Jewish religious community. According to Jewish law, the new convert must not be discriminated against by those who were born Jews, i.e., those whose mother was of Jewish origin.
Further sources are currently unavailable to the IRBDC in Ottawa.
Bibliography
Rabbinical Council, Montreal. 19 November 1991. Telephone Conversation with a Member.