If you convert to judaism does that mean you have to convert your kids to judaism?

Answer 1

There are three things required of all converts:

1) Mitzvot - they must believe in G-d and accept upon himself to observe mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah.

2) Milah - Male converts must undergo circumcision by a qualified "Mohel." If he was previously circumcised by a doctor, he then undergoes a ritual circumcision.

3) Mikveh - a ritual bath linked to a reservoir of natural water.

A child under the age of 13 cannot fulfill one of the conditions: accepting upon himself to observe mitzvot. So while conversion can begin before the age of 13, it is not fully complete until their 13th birthday.

Children of proselytes complete the milah before conversion. The mikveh is completed at the same time the parent appears before the beit din and the child is given a Hebrew name. However, prior to the child's 13th birthday, they are informed that they are converts in which they are given the opportunity to renounce their conversion or demonstrate their commitment to Judaism.

The key here is choice. When an adult completes conversion to Judaism, they enter in a covenant that cannot be broken. They do not have the option to "opt out" while children under the age of 13 can. Yes they are considered Jewish when their parents are accepted by the Beit Din and all complete their milah and mikveh.

It is just important that parents realize that their children are allowed this choice ... It makes raising a convert all the more important to ensure that they end up choosing this life.

A parent can convert him/herself and lead/raise their children to a certain point, but the child must take that final step on his/her own.

Contact your sponsoring rabbi for more information.

The previous answer is not true.(See related links for the source of this article.)

The conversion of an infant or child has Jewish legal sanction. According to the Talmud (Ketubot 11a), it is permissible for a religious court (a beit din) to convert a gentile infant. The basis in Jewish law is that it is a privilege to be Jewish (Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh Deah, 268:7). Therefore, a minor can be converted even though not mature enough to understand the act because making the minor Jewish is performing a favor for that infant or child.

Jewish law also allows those people converted as an infant or child to renounce the conversion when they reach maturity. After girls reach 12 or boys 13, converted infants and children can legally reject the conversion and go back to their previous religion. If they accept Judaism or are silent, they are deemed to be considered adult converts.

One potential problem for parents seeking to convert minors is that not all movements accept conversions performed by rabbis in other movements. Thus, Orthodox rabbis, for example, do not, in general, accept conversions performed by non-Orthodox rabbis. Conservative rabbis, in general, accept all Orthodox conversions and all Reform conversions, if the Reform conversions conform to the Conservative legal requirements discussed below. Reform rabbis, in general, recognize all conversions performed by Orthodox and Conservative rabbis. Because of this confusing situation, parents ought to discuss their choice with their rabbi.

Conversion Procedure for ChildrenThe conversion of a female infant or child according to Conservative and Orthodox practices only requires tevilah(immersion in a ritual bath called a mikveh). A male child also requires immersion in the mikveh. Prior to the immersion, the male must have a brit milah (a legal circumcision ceremony performed by a mohel, traditionally an observant person trained in circumcision). If possible, this should be done on the eighth day after the birth of the boy. If a circumcision has already been performed, a drop of blood needs to be drawn in a ceremony called hatafat dam brit. A Hebrew name can then be given to the child, though some wait to give the name until after the tevilah ceremony. There is usually a wait of a couple of weeks between the circumcision and the immersion.

A beit din, usually consisting of three rabbis, is convened for the immersion. Parents can enter the mikveh. If the children are old enough, they recite the needed prayers; if not, a rabbi does so for them. After the tevilah ceremony is completed, and a name chosen if one has not already been selected, the child is declared by the beit din to be Jewish.

Reform requirements for the conversion of infants and children vary. Some rabbis may simply have a naming ceremony, while others will include some or all of the same requirements used by the Orthodox and Conservative rabbis.

For detailed explanation of all of these ceremonies, it is crucial to consult a rabbi.

The conversion of infants and children is, of course, a moment of joy for parents, but it is also such a moment for the entire Jewish community. New children add precious lives to the community and bring with them that most valuable idea of hope for the future.