Jews by Choice

A Jew by Choice is an individual not born of a Jewish parent who chooses to either formally convert to Judaism or chooses not to undergo formal conversion to Judaism at all, yet claims to be identified with the Jewish people.

While many "Jews by birth" choose to abandon the faith of their ancestors, marrying non-Jews and even undergoing conversion to another religion, the phenomenon of Jews by Choice is a reverse trend, but in many case falls short of the formal rituals required to convert to Judaism and the observance of the Jewish religion.

From the point of view of classical Judaism, certainly as far as Orthodox Judaism and Conservative Judaism are concerned, Jews by Choice are not Jewish if they do not undergo conversion as based on Jewish law (known as Halakha.)

Some prominent personalities in popular culture have been drawn to the teachings of Judaism and practice some of its rituals (mitzvot) which would make them Jews by Choice to some degree. One of the most prominent at this time is Madonna who follows the teachings of the Kabbalah Centre.

Traditionally, a Rabbi is required to turn away the prospective convert (known as a ger tzedek) three times. This is done to test the sincerity of the convert, as well as to ensure that the conversion is done of their own free will. While the Jewish community does not traditionally seek out converts, if a convert comes to be converted and is insistent, the convert is then given a series of steps that allow them to explore Judaism. Usually, a period of study is required. The convert may also be asked to observe certain rituals of the Jewish faith. Because Judaism is a faith that teaches the value of community, the convert may also be asked to observe holidays within the community during their period of study.

At the end of the period of study, if the convert still wishes to join the Jewish people, they must go before a Beit Din, a Jewish court of law. There, the prospective convert is asked questions that are designed to determine their sincerity, their readiness to enter the community as a full member, and that the commitment is being made of their free will.

Once a person has converted to Judaism, they are as Jewish as one born to the faith. The different modern streams of Judaism disagree as to the validity of the conversions of some of the other streams. See Who Is A Jew?.

According to some thinkers, all modern Jews are Jews By Choice when they choose to live a Jewish lifestyle with a Jewish identity.