Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Yesterday I had the honour of serving on a Beit Din for the first time. As is always the case when I work with Gerim (the Hebrew term for those undergoing conversion) I was moved and humbled by the sincerity of the candidates and was honoured to be able to hear their stories and share in their journeys. As it happened, there was a brief impromptu discussion the same day with a number of my rabbinic colleagues on the same topic. What was universally recognised was that there is a welcome increase in the percentage of people putting themselves forward for conversion, not to please future spouses or in-laws, but rather to fulfil a deeply felt need to become one with the family of Israel. This could be seen both by the increase in individuals who were putting themselves forward without a Jewish partner and by the attitudes and enthusiasm of those who were undertaking their journey with the support and companionship of a partner. This has led to my thinking once again about our responsibilities as a Holy congregation to the Ger.

The first of these responsibilities belongs to me as the Rabbi of the community. When I interview candidates it is my duty to remind them that the yoke of heaven which they seek to carry is not a light burden, nor is it likely to bring earthly reward. Non-Jews are no less loved by the Holy One than Jews. Jews are not better, richer or necessarily wiser than others. As the Midrash points out, we are enjoined not to be as the servant who serves his Master out of fear nor out of hope of reward but rather out love of the Master. It is just as important to ask the candidates questions that will lead them to explore their own feelings and ensure that the task that they are about to undertake is right for them. While most have examined themselves on this point prior to meeting with a Rabbi it is not unusual for someone to realise at that point that there are emotions coming to the fore from previously hidden depths and to decide that they need more time for reflection before committing themselves. I also have the duty as the Rabbi to try to detect whether there is an aspect of the candidate's personality or psychological make up that would cause such a step to be harmful either to the community of Israel or themselves. Once this is done the candidate becomes an Associate Member of the synagogue their training begins.

The next step consists of not only the formal learning that takes place, but just as importantly the process of the Ger integrating themselves with the community. Here the role of the individual members in welcoming and accepting the prospective members is paramount. Accepting and sharing the life of the community is key to becoming a member of the family of Israel but it is impossible for someone to do this without the acceptance, warmth and acceptance of the synagogue's members. Fortunately in our synagogue as well as those of our fellow progressive this is not an issue.

The process ends with the male Gerim undergoing Brit Milah where appropriate. The candidate then attends the Beit Din where the Rabbis present inquire of the Ger that information which they feel is needed in order to ensure themselves that the Ger is truly ready to undergo this major transformation to their lives. Having been accepted by the Beit Din the Ger then goes to the Mikve and emerges not as a Ger but as a full member of the House of Israel. This is the point at which, out of love enthusiasm and pride in their new sibling, many synagogues and individuals inadvertently fail. You see there are no Gerim in the House of Israel. Once the process described above is complete the individual who has undergone it is no longer a convert. They are as completely Jewish as Abraham and Sarah, There is no difference between one who has undergone this process and one who has not. Too often the new member finds their former status spoken of. Though this is done with the best good will it can be painful to the Jew so referenced and subtly undermines the unity of those who serve the One God.

December 2008