essay and questions

ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY to be written AFTER you finish the course of study
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Gail at ehntedu@yahoo.com or call 847-331-4406. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
Your paper will be shared with the two other members of the Bet Din (Rabbinical Court).


Final Questions Bet Din will ask you
Rabbi to Ger/Gioret
1. Are you converting to Judaism by your own free will and volition, without coercion or undue external influence?
2. Do you renounce all beliefs you may once have had in any other religion?
3. In becoming Jewish, are you giving up all religious practices, holidays, and life cycle events such as baptism and communion that might be associated with your former religion?
4. Do you accept the God of Israel as the one universal and indivisible God?
5. Do you commit yourself to observing the mitzvoth of Judaism, as defined by Jewish law, to the best of your ability and knowledge?
6. Do you commit yourself to the further study of Judaism and to continued growth in the observance of its mitzvoth?
7. Will you support all those who seek to reestablish and revitalize our Jewish homeland by making the land and State of Israel a part of your life and the life of your family?
8. If blessed with children, do you pledge to raise them exclusively in the Jewish religion by providing them with a quality Jewish education and timely involvement in Jewish life-cycle events?
9. Do you commit yourself to associating with the Jewish community by joining a synagogue?
10. Do you bind your personal destiny to the destiny of the Jewish people?
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