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Conservative Judaism/Burial in a jewish cemetery
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Question
I have been undergoing an Orthodox conversion but stopped because my fiance could not commit to all the requirements of an Orthodox lifestyle. I was thinking of converting under the Conservative movement but had a question in regards to burial. If I convert in the Conservative movement can I be buried in a Jewish Cemetery?
Dear John,
Thanks for writing.
The essential principle in Jewish tradition is that when one converts according to the tradition of education, examination by a court=beit din, brit milah and mikveh, they are considered Jewish and no one may question that conversion.
Hence when it is your time, you would be entitled to be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Are there cemeteries which have their own rules - I know of one in Jerusalem for ultra-orthodox - yes; but I believe that is far beyond what you are asking. Correct?
Best wishes in your religious quest.
Rabbi Dov
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Rabbi 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!:-)
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