How observant must a convert be to maintain his Jewish status?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

Library » Jewish Identity » Conversion | Subscribe | What is RSS? PRINT EMAIL COMMENT If when the person converted s/he sincerely accepted to observe all the Mitzvahs of the Torah, the conversion is valid and can never be undone. A convert becomes a full-fledged Jew. Just like a born-Jew can never lose his or her Jewishness, so, too, a convert can never lose the Jewish soul attained in the Mikvah. A Jewish soul cannot be relinquished even if the person so desires. Needless to say, this perpetual state of Jewishness doesn't exempt the convert from his obligations; rather it engages him in an eternal obligation to fulfill the laws of Judaism. Conversion is a serious commitment. Commitments must be honored. [However, if at the moment of conversion the convert never really meant to accept to observe all the Mitzvahs—then the entire conversion was meaningless.1] Also read abour Why should I choose an Orthodox conversion? Footnotes 1. The status of this conversion would have to be determined by a qualified rabbinical court. It is not up to the individual to decide the conversion was invalid. ADD A COMMENT Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in). COMMENTS How long? Posted by: Anonymous, LA on May 15, 2005 What if a person has a halachic conversion, lives a completely observant life for ten years, then one day feels that certain things should be open to progression, modernization, or done away with because of one reason or another? The person is still Jewish because they accepted all the mitzvot at the time of conversion, right? I mean, it is logical to assume that a situation such as this might arrise because people do change, yes? Editor's Comment You are correct. In such an instance, the person remains Jewish, and remains obligated to fulfill the laws of Judaism (regardless of his/her agreement with them). read more less Email to a friend Post a comment cancel Loading...