Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: Welcome. I'll be with you in a moment...what's on your mind?

Wannabe: hi, i wanted to know whether there's any chance i would be able to convert if i don't live near Shul. my finances have prevented me from moving but i really want to convert instead of waiting another few years

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: there would involve alot more then just a shul

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: but the rabbi involved in your conversion process would definately say to move closer to a shul

Wannabe: i know, he told me that i should move and then apply to the Beth Din. thing is, i moved but then i couldn't afford the place and i had to move again. I'm at uni (i've still got 2 years to go) and i don't really have any money to move again. do you think there would be any possible way to make this work if i'm not living near shul?

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: have you started the process of conversion?

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: as it is , it would take a while

Wannabe: no, the rabbi said that i won't be able to until i move and that after i move i would have to apply to the beth din. he told me that unless i can walk to shul on Shabbat that they won't take me in and start the process

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: ok, there is much prep work to do even before you start the formal process with the Beth Din.

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: living in a Jewish community is an integral part of living as a Jew, and a Beth Din usually won't accept the prospective convert until they are living in a Jewish community.

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: but before you reach that step you need to do much studying to prepare yourself for life as a Jew, and you can begin studying now.

Mrs. Tzivie Greenberg: when the time is right and you are ready to make the move into a Jewish community you will be ready to make the move into Judaism

Wannabe: thanks for your time, it's good to have someone to discuss these things with:)

Ed. note: Also read "Why should I choose an Orthodox conversion?"