ADOPTION AND CONVERSION OF A NON-JEWISH CHILD

Orthodox:

The early Hebrews of the Bible, along with their other Semitic and Mesopotamian neighbors, lived in a "man's" world. It was "from a man's loins" that came offspring, and the tribe or clan continued. When the Hebrews lost their land, and they became refugees in other lands, they lost their ability to defend themselves, becoming prone to all kinds of abuse. Therefore, there was a practical change for purpose of religious verification. Whereas paternity might sometimes be in question, there was certainly no doubt as to whom the mother was. Hence the rule was established: If the mother is Jewish, the child is Jewish.

A child born to a non-Jewish mother, regardless of who the father is, has the status of a non Jew, according with Halakha (Jewish Law). A formal conversion is then necessary.

Even if the child is raised to be a devout Jew, whose Jewish beliefs or behaviors are without question, his legal status as a Jew is denied him unless he has gone through a proper conversion rite. The civil or legal adoption by a Jewish couple does not automatically render that child Jewish.

Just giving a Jewish name in a synagogue or making-up some ritual and prayer does not make the child Jewish. According to Halakha ( Jewish Law), if a boy, the child must be circumcised by a mohel or some drops of blood must be drawn to affirm the BRIT, the covenant between Israel and G’d . Then he must be immersed in the Mikvah and the Bet-Din (three rabbis ) recite the appropriate benedictions. When the child is a girl only the last part is needed for conversion.

The formal rite of conversion must be followed by a Jewish education and training in the observance of the commandments , so the child can grow-up to behave, think and be a Jew.