ENCOURAGING CONVERSION TO JUDAISM:

A Continuing Conversation

by Rabbi Rick Brody

In this month’s Jewish Community News (JCN) of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, I have an article in which I share my views on the importance of seeking out potential converts and encouraging them to follow through on their interest in Judaism.  I urge you all to read that article, some of which I summarize here.  I would also like to elaborate on and restate those views as they relate more specifically to us at Ami Shalom.  My goal in the JCN piece was two-fold.  Generally, I sought to advance a conversation about a fascinating phenomenon that is transforming Jewish life and may be critical to our communal survival.  More specifically, I wanted to alert those interested in exploring Judaism that Ami Shalom is an exciting place where they will be welcomed to undertake that exploration, and that I, the congregation’s rabbi, am eager to work with them.  Here’s where you all come in; but, first, a summary of the general issue.

Judaism has not always been opposed to proselytizing.  While we certainly don’t hold that all people must be Jewish, we have always benefited from the contributions of converts.  The thirteenth blessing in the weekday Amidah, traditionally recited three times a day, specifically cites the righteous converts (geirei hatzedek) among all those who should be the recipients of Divine mercy.  In earlier eras, before there were dangerous consequences for doing so, Jews were actively involved in promoting the adoption of Jewish identity among those not born Jewish.  Today, not only are the consequences not dangerous, but the risks of not pursuing this route could be disastrous.

Now, I don’t see us entering the business of luring people away from already existing religious affiliations – such tactics are anathema to the Jewish community and will remain so; I also recognize that we are not offering ourselves as a “complement” to people who already hold strong religious convictions in a different faith.  I’m thinking about those who are disappointed with their current religion or their lack of one and sincerely wish to find a new, committed way to bring enduring meaning into their lives.  To these people, I believe we have a duty to offer our path as a critical one worth considering.

It is no secret that we have a serious numbers problem in our location.  Our small population consists of wonderful people, and we are doing amazing things at Ami Shalom. However, we know that there is strength in numbers.  In order to become a stronger community and even to remain viable, we need to increase our membership.  I don’t want to imply that we abandon meeting the very real needs of those among us who have already made the commitment to be full-fledged members of our community.  There is plenty of work we can all do to maintain and reward that allegiance.  But we also must look at the bigger picture and strategize for growth.  I believe that in both the long and short run, such growth will benefit all of us.  There are two primary target populations for this growth.

Although unaffiliated Jews abound, many will remain very hard to reach.  Many hold preconceived notions about who we are and why – so they think – we’re not worth their time.  The unfortunate reality is that we (the organized Jewish community in general, and specifically our congregation) usually become of value to such people in times of crisis – when they “need us.”  I would like for us to look at the people out there who are interested in us for positive reasons – people who see in the Jewish community and way of life a dynamic and inspirational path towards spiritual fulfillment.  It is this population that can better guarantee us a healthy future.  A few disclaimers:  By no means do I suggest that we abandon efforts at reaching those non-members in our midst who are already Jewish – I actually remain hopeful about success with them.  But I am also a realist and know that many disengaged Jews have simply turned off their receivers – they are blocking out our message.  I’m also not concerned so much about non-Jewish spouses for this purpose – they are already members of our community and we are in some cases already benefiting from their contributions.  While I believe we must do everything possible to make them feel welcome and connected, they can take their time with the question of conversion and their choice not to convert is fine.  But I wonder what would happen if we just shifted some of our focus to the larger non-Jewish population.  If we shared a little bit more about the possibility of converting and let friends, colleagues,  and acquaintances know that their presence and enthusiasm is welcome, we could see a higher influx of spiritual seekers coming our way.  These are folks whose receivers are on – but we’re not transmitting to them an effective message that they’re able to understand is available to them.

Many non-Jews do not even know that conversion is a possibility.  Many are curious about Judaism and would love nothing more than to hear that they would be welcomed joyfully into a community based on the very values we endorse.  In our heritage of Torah, we have a unique and special product that is quite appealing to many who have not been raised with its riches.  Again, this applies to Jews who have not yet been blessed with a warm, stimulating, affirming Jewish environment – but it applies to non-Jews as well as.  Think about people you know who might respond positively to your mentioning that your synagogue is eager to welcome converts – that we are excited about the possibility of people coming to us to explore their sense of purpose and attain a feeling of belonging.  Bring such people along to a service, or have them get in touch with me.  I believe we can do this without looking like “missionaries.”  I believe we can reach people who simply don’t know we are an option for them but who are intellectually, ethically, and spiritually inclined towards the Jewish life that Ami Shalom promotes.  And in the process of testing this theory – of answering my challenge to us all – I believe we can all reinvigorate our own commitment to Judaism and even feel like we are coming to parts of our tradition for the very first time, meeting with awe and wonder the beauty and richness that awaits us.