Category Archives: Conversion

Can You Convert Yourself To Orthodox Judaism?

Professor Marc B. Shapiro blogs: :I refer to the Meiri’s position that be-diavad one can convert without a beit din. That is, following circumcision one can then accept the Torah and immerse all by oneself, and ex post facto it … Continue reading

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The Lenient Approach To Conversion To Orthodox Judaism

Professor Marc B. Shapiro blogs: In fact, throughout most of Jewish history a lenient approach to conversion was the mainstream approach. Now it is true that R. Herzog famously states that in earlier times one could be more lenient than … Continue reading

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I Didn’t Convert To Judaism To Be Comforted

I spoke the other day to a reporter about the conversion crisis in Israel. I said that the religion I joined was exclusivist and elitist and that I expected it to challenge me. Judaism and Jewish community can be as … Continue reading

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Taking The Jewish Thing Seriously

I email a friend who’s just moved to LA: You should live in Pico/Robertson or Fairfax/La Brea if you want to do the Jewish thing… If you end up having to drive to shul on shabbos, it is a very … Continue reading

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Claiming Your Jewish Identity In Israel

Orthodox rabbi Seth Farber writes: As Anna Gostamelsky shattered Israel’s national swimming record for the 100-meter freestyle on Sunday evening in Beijing, once again demonstrating her incredible endurance, I couldn’t help thinking about another battle she has been fighting, this … Continue reading

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