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Conversion Process

Dear rabbi,

I am a 22-year-old college student and want to convert to Judaism. I want to know how should I start and what are the processes. I have been to the synagogue near my house, but its a reform synagogue. I desire to learn everything the correct way and prefer to go to orthodox synagogue. However, I may need to move to somewhere closer to a orthodox synagogue to avoid driving on Sabbath. (I am living in Temple City, California)
I also want to know information about doing Aliyah after my conversion. Is it possible for me qualify Aliyah even if I am not coming from a Jewish family?
Sorry for asking such a long question and thank you for answering me! :)

Answer:

This is far from a long question – we’ve had to deal with much, much longer ones!

To the point, the process of conversion is not short. You are welcome to begin, and you should feel free to investigate, to read, and to make the final decision a little further down the line.

Because at the moment you are not Jewish, there’s no problem in the meantime in driving to the Orthodox synagogue, where you’ll be able to get a better impression of the Jewish prayer service and its structure. I would also recommend meeting some of the congregants and mentioning to them that you are interested in conversion. You’ll certainly get some invitations for Shabbat meals etc. and spending time with families is the best way of getting to know more about how Judaism functions in practice.

On the theoretical side I would recommend reading up on Judaism. There are many books (see here for just a few) that can be recommended, and several publishing houses whose sites you could browse a little. If you see that you are really attracted, and that it feels right for you, contact a local Orthodox rabbi (as local as you can find) and ask him how to proceed further.

Best wishes for the present, and please be in touch again if required (even with longer questions!).

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