Interfaith Marriages: Should I Convert? By Art Gib
Do you have a spouse who is Jewish and you are not? When couples choose to enter into an interfaith marriage, they don't always think through the repercussions that may occur down the road. They are in love, they may not be very religious themselves, or think their differences will all just magically resolve themselves somehow once they make the commitment to each other. Big decisions about the religious nature of a home are often not faced or even talked about until the first child comes.
Partly for the sake of unity in your home, you may choose to convert to Judaism. If you are considering taking that big step, it's important to know that the process is one of commitment and faith.
There are specific requirements involved in the process; these requirements help a potential convert to explore his or her beliefs and feelings and develop a relationship with God if one did not exist before. A commitment to Judaism should be done whole heartedly, with a solid knowledge of what it means to be a Jew, and with the free will to make an informed choice without pressure or duress.
-- You and your spouse will be asked to take an Introduction to Judaism course, where all of the basic aspects of the faith are covered: history, tenets, beliefs, practices, and so on. Your willingness to take the time to learn about your potential new religion is vital to your being able to make an informed decision.
-- You will submerge yourself in Jewish culture and the ins and outs of daily Jewish life. This includes attending regular worship, participating in weekly rituals, observing Jewish holidays, and being a part of a wide variety of different types of gatherings. Being able to participate and enjoying experiencing a faithful Jewish style of living will immerse you in the daily commitments which come with conversion.
-- Regular question and answer sessions with a Rabbi are essential for both you and your spouse. The meetings will allow for the free flow of questions and discussion of any issues you may be having.
-- If you decide you truly want to convert to Judaism, you will participate in a series of conversion rituals where you will be asked to give voice to specific commitments to God.
Interfaith marriages are difficult to sustain over the long term, particularly if one spouse is set on raising a child in the Jewish tradition. Parents who share religious practices are much more likely to raise religious children and have harmony in their home. If you think conversion might in your future, do your homework, and contact your local Rabbi.Author Resource:- For more information about interfaith marriages and creating an eternal Jewish family, contact the good folks at Eternal Jewish Family (http://getsatisfaction.com/eternaljewishfamily). Art Gib is a freelance writer.