Gerim (Jewish religious category)
 | A request that this article title be changed to Gerim is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
גרים | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| Unknown | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Worldwide | |
| Languages | |
| Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, other Jewish languages, and various other native languages. | |
| Religion | |
| Judaism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Jews |
Gerim (Hebrew: גרים) are converts to Judaism whom are considered full members of the Jewish nation.[1][2]
History
[edit]Non-Jews have been joining the Jewish people for thousands of years, with one of the earliest instances being Ruth, an ancestor of King David.[3]
It is estimated that a significant portion of the genome of diaspora Jewish groups is of non-Israelite genetic descent, indicating that these communities accepted in many converts following the expulsion of Jews from Israel by the Romans.[4][5]
Process
[edit]Prospective Jewish converts must undergo a rigorous process which bears similarity to both naturalization and a religious conversion. Traditionally, this involves moving into a Jewish community, a year or more of Jewish education under a rabbi, meeting with a beit din (Jewish court), and going through with the final rites (which differ between males and females slightly).[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Broyde, Michael (2012-11-18). "Who Is A Ger?". Torah Musings. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "You Don't Have to Be Jewish to Be Jewish: On Conversion to Judaism | Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel". www.beki.org. 2014-07-09. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Ruth, The First Convert: A Model of Welcome - Reconstructing Judaism". 2017-02-01. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "Ancient DNA Provides New Insights into Ashkenazi Jewish History". hms.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Stephanie Pappas (2012-08-06). "Genes Tell Intricate Tale of Jewish Diaspora". livescience.com. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "How to Convert to Judaism". My Jewish Learning. Retrieved 2024-11-10.