Is circumcision necessary for Progressive Jews and conversions?

1. Why does Progressive Judaism insist on circumcision, and particularly for adult conversions?
2. Rabbi Jonathan responds: Originally, the leaders of 'Liberale' in Germany felt it was not necessary - what has foreskin got to do with God? But the weight of Jewish tradition insisted, and 'what would teh orthodox say' is a powerful concern about legitimacy, so it was never abolished.  However I would say we do not always insist on it so strictly.  I suspect that in some parts (eg US) it probably goes by the way in some cases, and even in Australia, if someone put a cogent case, I'd be swayed by it (though the decision would be made by the Bet Din - Jewish Court of three people).  Also we will waive it for good medical reasons (and that includes psychological).  Finally, I would argue that if we treat girls and boys the same, and a girl and woman can be a perfectly good Jew without any physical alteration, then why can't a man?  But at the end of the day, we are balancing emotion, feeling, logic and tradition. Circumcision is biblically introduced (starting with Abraham) and described as 'a sign of the Covenant between God and 'man'). It's a tough one! 

I spent time on kibbutz and would like to become Jewish but my husband is Christian

I am 29 years old and I was brought up in the Uniting Church but stopped believing a long time ago. My husband is an Anglican and we have a 2 year old son. I have read many books over the years on all sorts of topics including Judaism. I have previously spent many years in industry. I live in XXXX and have visited the nearby synagogue though I have not been to a synagogue on shabbat before. I have been interested in Judaism for many years and used to be a country member of the Makor Jewish library.  I can read a little hebrew and when i was 18 I stayed on a kibbutz in Israel for an adventure which had a lasting impression.

Hi Annie,

Thanks for your background information.  

Let me say from the outset though that the Introduction to Judaism course is not the same as converting.  The synagogue near you is Chabad - which means not just orthodox but very orthodox in their practice and belief. They will not recognise me as a Rabbi, or any of our converts as Jews.  The nearest regular Progressive synagogue can be located by visiting UPJ.org.au.  To convert you'd need to have established a relationship with a community who would recognise and support your journey.  You'd also need a 'Sponsoring Rabbi' (which could potentially be me as course supervisor) and learn to read hebrew, and if you were male you'd need to be circumcised.

You should also take any opportunity to go along to any synagogue, for example when you are travelling or on holiday, to widen your experiences - though it is advisable to contact them in advance during the week, and bring along a drivers licence or other proof of identity as, sadly, we all have to be very security-conscious these days.

When starting this journey, it is important to understand that, whilst our underlying belief in One unique, caring, loving, forgiving Creator, and our obligations to God and to each other as human beings, and to God's world, are common between orthodox and Progressive Judaism, in practice, expectation and belief we vary widely.  The difference goes a long way back, and stems from our understanding of Torah.  'Orthodox' belief is that God gave the Torah, word by word, and it is therefore fundamentally true and inerrant.

Progressive Jews (Reform, Liberal, Reconstructionist etc) believe that humans wrote the Torah, albeit 'divinely inspired' and trying to answer the questions 'What does God want of us? How should we act, behave, practice and raise our children?'

The last point, on raising children, is particularly pertinent in your case.  You say your husband is Anglican, but not whether he is practicing.  We have a problem in creating 'mixed families', in part because of the different traditions and expectations, and in part because of the confusion it can cause to children.  Whilst we wouldn't want to stand in the way of any individual developing their personal framework for life and relationship with God - and ultimately becoming Jewish - we would want to be confident that it was going to work for the household.   For example we may want to talk to your partner or at least have a letter to state that they are supportive of the journey to you becoming Jewish - and we'd want clarity about how the children are to be brought up - will it be as Jews, who know they have a Jewish parent and a Christian one, or as Anglicans who know they have a Jewish parent and a Christian one, or as 'both', so they can 'choose for themselves' (we don't think the latter is really likely or even possible).  

I hope that these responses are helpful and informative, and will no doubt give you food for further thought.  However, I'd like to conclude by reiterating that we believe Progressive Judaism offers a rich and wonderful framework for a modern and meaningful spiritual life, and we'll do all we can to assist if you do wish to continue on this path.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan 

Can I become Jewish in Alice Springs?

Hello,
My name is Jeremy and I live in Alice Springs. I am interested in converting to Judaism. Would it be possible for me to do this through your community although I live far away from Melbourne?

I noticed you have an online conversion program with 7 modules, how much does each module cost?

Does the program include a beth din and immersion in a mikva, presentation of a hebrew name and a form saying that I've converted to Judaism? Would I need to travel to Melbourne to receive this?

I hope to hear from you soon and please ask me any questions if necessary

Rabbi Jonathan responds:

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for contacting us.  The Introduction to Judaism Course is a comprehensive introduction to Progressive Judaism - a great framework for modern Jewish life - but it is not a conversion course on its own.  It is very difficult - even for someone already Jewish - to live a fulfilling Jewish life away from other Jews and community.  Sadly, in Alice, you are indeed a very long way from any regular Jewish community.  If you are interested, Rabbi Raymond Apple has written a fascinating summary of (the lack of) Jewish life in the NT at: http://www.oztorah.com/2010/02/northern-territory-the-jewish-community-that-never-was/

For conversion to Judaism we require:

i) Good general knowledge (Intro course)

ii) Ability to read (decode) Hebrew

iii) Relationship with a Rabbi (the 'Sponsoring Rabbi')

iv) Relationship with a congregation which will accept you

v) Circumcision for a male (except in special circumstances).

Until we can find an effective way to link people in to a 'virtual community' therefore, I do not see how we will be able to help you to become Jewish.  The Introduction course, though, will certainly give a very good understanding and overview of Judaism from a Progressive perspective, and be an excellent grounding should you at a later time move to be within reach of a community.  You will find locations for all Progressive Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Asia at: http://upj.org.au/index.php/community/constituents

I can however answer your questions.  The seven modules currently cost $145 each (including personal tutor support and marking).  A Bet Din (Jewish court) and Mikveh (ritual immersion) are not part of the Introduction Course - as explained above, the conversion is an additional stage and there is a moderate additional cost for the Bet Din and Mikveh.  You would need to come to either Melbourne or Sydney where the Bet Din sits regularly.  On successfully completing the Bet Din and Mikveh, you would be presented with a certificate recognising your conversion and joining the Jewish people - and it would include the Jewish name that you have chosen.  Although this conversion certificate would be acceptable across the Progressive (Reform/Liberal/Reconstructionist) Jewish world (the majority of synagogues in the world), and by Israel for Aliyah, it would not be acceptable by most orthodox communities or Rabbis (including in Israel).

I do hope that makes the situation clearer and will be very happy to discuss your situation further.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan