Expert: Ovadiah ben Avraham - 3/26/2007

Question
QUESTION: Q-If a person who is “considering” conversion one day based on his/her learning, studying, observing and sojourning amongst the Jewish people “committed” in some way
Spiritually or otherwise once they observe or partake in the Pesach ceremony? Is there a “statement” per se that this “potential convert” is stating amongst the Jewish people?

ANSWER: When the Passover offering was made, only Jews (either native-born or convert) could partake in it. It seems to have been a fine time to convert and the Torah uses the event to bring the convert into the fold. Of course conversion is possible throughout the year. Now that we no longer perform the sacrifice, it is permitted for non-Jews to participate in the seder. I hope I've answered your question. If not, let me know. Shalom!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The Torah "does" seem to indicate that participation in the Seder was a form of the particpant making a statement..to
Hashem as well as to the nation as a whole.  Why isn't this used today as a means of conversion as the Torah states, AND who/when/why was this mandate changed against Hashem written Word..or was it?

Answer
As I said, it seems like it was considered a choice time to convert and certainly becoming circumcised and eating the Passover feast would be a great way to enter the fold. Passover is the most important annual Holy Day to Judaism. However, since the Passover feast could only be done in the Temple after it was established this is not applicable today. Shalom!