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Originally posted by honeychile
Thank you for the kind answer. My mother remembers her aunt going through a ceremony, with a special bath and getting her hair cut (? She's not sure about that - she was about 4!), so that she could convert.
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The conversion process involves several steps. I'll share some of my conversion story.
First and foremost, you must study, and work with a rabbi for a period of time, generally at least a year. I studied with a rabbi for a total of about 18 months, including a formal Intro to Judaism course and some private study.
You must go before a bet din, which is a rabbinic court consisting of 3 rabbis. The rabbi with whom I studied was on the court. They question you, mainly on why you want to become Jewish. In the Reform movement, once the bet din gives the green light, you are officially Jewish.
You should go to the mikveh, which is a ritual bath. If you are converting into the Orthodox or Conservative movement, this is required; if you are converting into the Reform movement, it's optional. You go into a pool of warm water, naked, and immerse yourself completely, and say a blessing. For an Orthodox or Conservative conversion, this is the point where you officially are Jewish.
And lastly, your synagogue may have a conversion ceremony as a formal welcome to the Jewish community.
There is no requirement that you have your hair cut.
Side note: Going to the mikveh, in February, in Boston, is an excellent way to catch a cold.
