Blurb:

Jewish gatekeepers, in their numerous positionings and capacities, and again in the remarkably diverse contexts in which they operate, have customarily returned the question to the convert in the making: Can you convert to Judaism? This chapter examines the evolving nature of Jewish conversion, discussing conversion practices from the Second Temple Period to contemporary Jewish life. It highlights the role of conversion ceremonies, debates about the nature of “acceptance of the commandments,” and more contemporary issues of intermarriage and the necessities of formal conversion.