Conversion

Argentina's Sephardi chief rabbi reaffirms 100-year-old ruling on conversions, sparks controversy

A controversial ruling in Argentina reaffirms a 100-year-old conversion ban, fueling tensions between Orthodox and non-Orthodox movements.

Facade of Templo de la Libertad synagogue, Buenos Aires, Argentina, February 2, 2018
A supporter of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds up a portrait of him in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026.

Maduro has claimed Jewish ancestry, here is what is known - explainer

DESPITE BEING fully recognized by the Chief Rabbinate, many Orthodox converts are living in legal and social limbo, denied citizenship, as they face systemic bureaucracy and discrimination at the Interior Ministry. Here, women pray at the Western Wall.

Recognized by the rabbinate, Orthodox converts trapped in legal limbo over Israeli citizenship

Kai Balin on a journey to explore Orthodox Judaism

When is it enough?


IDF probes soldiers for mistakenly killing Palestinian convert to Judaism

The shooting incident on Thursday morning raised several questions, as the man who was shot, a Jewish convert, did not show indications of an attack.

 Israeli security forces at the scene of a suspected terror attack near Elazar, in Gush Etzion, in the West Bank, on March 21, 2024.

Conversion crisis: Israeli gov't circumcision tender delay leaves 100 in 'torture'

Only seven medical circumcisions had been performed since April 2023, according to data presented to the Knesset.

A rabbi holds an eight-day-old baby during a circumcision ceremony in Brussels, August 20, 2009.

Israeli public ready for relaxation of conversion laws - poll

The much-politicized issue of Jewish conversions has seen Israel’s left and right-wing debate the merits of halachic conversion and what should be considered a legitimate conversion for decades.

 President of the Supreme Court of Israel Esther Hayut and all fifteen justices assemble to hear petitions against the reasonableness standard law in the High Court in Jerusalem, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Thousands of Gazans will become Christian, Palestinian Evangelical predicts

"I was thinking that once again, our leaders sold us to the Jews," he continued. "That was when I decided to go and fight for our land, which I believe was ours."

Taysir "Tass" Abu Saada

Uncovering Christian missionary efforts: What's the price of support during war?

While some come with the best intentions, other organizations seem to be taking advantage of the war situation to spread the gospel in Israel.

 TRAINING MATERIAL for missionaries on how to convince Jews to accept ‘salvation’ through Jesus

Israel's High Court recognizes non-orthodox conversions for citizenship

Supreme Court President Esther Hayut said there was "no clear reason" to deny converted Jews the rights afforded by the Law of Return

 President of the Supreme Court of Israel Esther Hayut and all fifteen justices assemble to hear petitions against the reasonableness standard law in the High Court in Jerusalem, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Israelis killed on October 7 denied Jewish burials due to halachic status

The incidents came to light on Monday during a Knesset discussion about expediting the conversion process for those currently serving in the IDF.

 Alina Falahati, 21, who was murdered on October 7 and buried 'outside the fence' due to her halachic status (she had not completed the conversion process to Judaism.)

Accused antisemite Kat Von D renounces witchcraft, converts to Christianity

The famous tattoo artist shared a video of her baptism on Instagram.

Tattoo artist Kat Von D poses at the premiere of "Jackass 3D" at Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California October 13, 2010. The movie opens in the U.S. on October 15.

Phoenix Suns will retire Amar'e Stoudemire's number

The Suns announced Wednesday that Stoudemire, along with his teammate Shawn Marion, would be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor during the 2023-2024 NBA season.

 Amar'e Stoudemire, 2009.

Converting to Judaism: Is it good for the Jews? - opinion

The current hurdles to entry at many Orthodox beit dins are almost impossible for the individuals who wish to join our ranks, and the process leaves a lot to be desired.

Beit din religous court 311