Conversion

Proposed Law of Return amendment sparks debate over conversion standards in Israel

Religious coalition lawmakers frame the bill as a return to halachic conversion standards, while opponents say it would hand the religious establishment greater control over Jewish identity

 THE EXPECTATION that citizens should roam the length and breadth of the country in order to find an appointment slot somewhere to renew a passport is preposterous.
RAISING THE flag before prayer services in the field.

Making it official: Inside the Nativ program training IDF soldiers to 'join the tribe'

Kidist Mengistu, a lone soldier from Ethiopia, was surprised by her mother at the Western Wall for bat mitzvah ceremony, Februrary 23, 2026.

IDF lone soldiers mark bar and bat mitzvah at Western Wall, including some family surprises

 New immigrants from USA and Canada arrive on a special " Aliyah Flight 2016" on behalf of Nefesh B'Nefesh organization, at Ben Gurion airport in central Israel on August 17, 2016,

Israel’s conversion crisis is becoming an aliyah crisis - opinion


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

Sicily’s Jews have their first rabbi in 500 years, but aren't accepted

In an ongoing point of frustration, the formal organization representing Italian Jewry (UCEI), does not recognize them as Jews.

 A view of Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, crater of Sud-Est on the island of Sicily, Italy, June 11, 2022.

'Being a Nation State': Evolution of Israel's Jewish, democratic balance - review

Tensions have moved along two interrelated axes in Israeli society: between Jewishness as a national identity and democracy; and Judaism as a religion and democracy.

 A MARCH from Ramat Gan to Bnei Brak in protest of the haredi community’s monetary demands for the upcoming budget, last month.

Shavuot: 7 things converts can teach us about Judaism

Just as our sages learned about Jewish affirmations from Ruth, so I have found through my work with converts that we can learn much about Judaism from them.

 FOR MANY converts, the original impetus was not actually a Jewish partner. Pictured: Huppa in Cape Town, 1979.