AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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.
