Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 3/3/2009

Question
Dear Rabbi,
I have heard for many years that more Christians convert to Judaism in the USA than the other way round, yet I have never been able to find any hard proof. Any help? Thanks in advance.

Answer
Dear Ovadiah,

Thanks for writing.

Unfortunately I don't know of any hard, reliable statistical data that either records the respective conversions between Christianity and Judaism, and certainly not a comparison.

All of those agencies dealing with conversion would, in my opinion, be driven by anecdotal data and experiences. And of course it is in their best interests for continued funding to have "greater success" in conversion of "them" to "us."

In addition, remember that there are sociological shifts that change the data from "yesterday" to "today." Two or three generations ago, inter-marriage was truly a taboo: either the couple broke up, had a conversion or were "outside" the community. A generation ago, in my experience, there used to be considerable conversion - mostly in the context of marriage even when sincere and reliable conversion - to Judaism, followed by a wedding and Jewish affiliation with the community in one way or another. Large  conversion classes, especially when the Jewish partner also attended and we educated both.

Today, inter-marriage, dual-faith families are possibly the largest Jewish population in our communities. There are legitimately ordained Rabbis and Cantors who will officiate at such weddings, and there is a growing diploma mill/internet "ordination" alleged clergy who will perform any kind of ceremony, for any two faiths or non-faiths, anywhere in the world.

Thus, the family concern for conversion and the rearing of a Jewish family for the children and inclusion in the larger Jewish family is considerably reduced, if not completely missing. This is said in description, not judgment, which is a different issue.

For data: I would consult the Reference Desk of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Contact Jewish Outreach Institute in NYC. These two should be able to assist you.

And, if you do find definitive data, please let me know. I share your interest.  bdlerner1@gmail.com.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov