With this column I return to my series on the Jewish Life Cycle. During the Fall months, I explained Jewish rituals related to a newborn child. The Conversion ceremony is similar in that it is a ritual which brings a new Jewish person into the world.

Before discussing conversion, it is important to remember that being Jewish is a matter of legal definition, not a matter of opinion. A Jew is one who is born to a Jewish mother, or one who undergoes a conversion ceremony. While this definition of "Who is a Jew?" does not appear explicitly in the bible, it has been the operative law of Judaism for more than 2000 years.

The procedure of conversion, which is closely based on the talmud, is as follows: The prospective convert comes before a beit din--a Jewish court of three (usually rabbis) and declares his/her desire to become Jewish. The members of the beit din interview the candidate to determine his/her sincerity and knowledge. If the candidate is approved, he/she then proceeds to immerse in the mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) a total of three times, accompanied by the recitation of two blessings.

Male converts are also required to undergo brit milah, or if already circumcised, to have a drop of blood drawn from the area of circumcision. This latter procedure is known in Hebrew as hatafat dam brit.

Before arriving at the beit din, the potential convert participates in study and preparation for about one year. The study includes learning about the bible, siddur, Jewish history and the observance of mitzvot. The preparation includes regular attendance at synagogue services, and the observance of Shabbat, Kashrut and holiday rituals.

Interested candidates should first meet with a rabbi to learn more about the details of conversion, and the expectations involved in the process.

Up until now I have been discussing the conversion of adults. Children may also be brought before the beit din for conversion. This happens when a child is not born to a Jewish mother, including cases of adoption and interfaith marriage. The child must also undergo brit milah (in the case of boys) and immersion in the mikveh for boys and girls. Unlike an adult conversion, a child may choose to disavow the conversion, but only at the first opportunity after reaching the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

One who becomes Jewish through conversion is equally as Jewish as one who is born to a Jewish mother. A convert chooses, or is given, a Hebrew name. Formally, this Hebrew name is followed by the words ben/bat Avraham Avinu (the son, or daughter, of Abraham, the first Jew). Some also add v' Sarah Imenu (and Sarah, the first Jewish woman).