Conservative Judaism/Jewish Baptism

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Expert: - 2/3/2005


Question
Dear Sir,
I am a 43 year old Baptist. I understand that baptism is not a Christian invention. I have read verses in the Hebrew scriptures which speak of ceremonial washings. I believe it is in the Book of Numbers where it speaks of the Levites being ceremonially washed by 'sprinkling'. I have also read (not in the bible) that ceremonial immersion was common. Can you shed any light on what you think would have been the norm for a convert to Judaism under the Mosaic Law.

Thank you.

Answer
Dear John,

Thanks for writing.

Yes, full immersion in a natural pool of water that was not "piped" in but was rainwater or a spring-fed lake or pool is an ancient Jewish practice. It was used after any contact with death, after any form of pollution and after the menstrual cycle before sexual relations resume between husband and wife.

It is still used today under various circumstances, and I for one have used this experience for spiritual purposes. It is very moving.

Conversion to Judaism has probably used the "mikveh" or immersion for at least 1500 years in my estimation if not for the past2500 years. It would make very good sense that John the Baptist would have turned to immersion for religious purposes of spiritual connection.

While we know very little about conversion under the time of Moses, by the time of the Second Temple we know that people were converting to Judaism via circumcision, acceptance of the Jewish way of life and probably immersion.

With best wishes

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

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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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