DIY Humanistic Conversion
Preparation Process: Completely optional, but most do a series of self-study.
Ritual Requirements: The only requirement is that one must declare one’s Jewish identity in some way (I’ve seen several do so via social media), but many people choose to do other private or public rituals as well.
Certificate: None
Costs: None, other than the cost of books or other materials used for self-study.
Can this program be done online: Yes
Is this program bi-religious friendly? Yes, as is the broader Humanistic Jewish movement.
In what movements will this conversion be accepted:
- Humanistic: Yes
- Reform: Possibly (see CCAR responsa)
- Reconstructing Judaism: Possibly (see RRA resolution)
- Renewal: ?
- Conservative/Masorti: No.
- Orthodox: No
- Post-Denominational: Varies
Notes/Comments: This method of conversion relies upon the radically inclusive definition of Jewish identity that was adopted by the Humanistic movement in 1988: “In response to the destructive definition of a Jew now proclaimed by some Orthodox authorities, and in the name of the historic experience of the Jewish people, we, therefore, affirm that a Jew is a person of Jewish descent or any person who declares himself or herself to be a Jew and who identifies with the history, ethical values, culture, civilization, community, and fate of the Jewish people.”
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