Can you start the process of conversion to Judaism if you are pregnant but unmarried?

Question

By the way, I'm not converting because of my fiance. I WANT to be Jewish, I have wanted to for many years but I want to raise my children as Jews from their birth.

Answer 1

You can start it, but you probably won't be able to finish it in time prior to your child's birth.  The child will have to decide for themselves when they come of age, 12 for girls, 13 for boys.

Here's a fun fact, even if you fully believe in Judaism, you *don't* need to convert if you want to go to heaven.  Of course our terminology and explanation of 'heaven' is distinctly different from most other religions.  You can be a perfectly good non-Jew, and all you'd have to follow is 7 rules instead of 613.  

In case you're wondering the 7 are:

1) No  idols

2) No adultory

3) No Murder

4) Don't steal

5) No Blasphemy

6) Don't eat the flesh of a living animal (once it's dead enjoy it to it's fullest)

7) Make Laws - this one is more for nations that believe in Judaism but don't want to convert, they have to make just laws to uphold the first 6 and maintain socciety as a whole.

In its translated form, these rules are known as the 7 Noahide laws, while a more literal version is 'The 7 Commandments to the Children of Noah'.

Why make yourself and your children Jewish?  Its rather difficult after all, just be a good non-Jew and reap the rewards without the problems.

Answer 2

Yes, absolutely.  Being married is not a requirement.  Be aware, however, that you don't have enough time to convert before you give birth, so I don't think the child would be considered Jewish by Orthodox standards--s/he will have to convert when s/he reaches 18.  I don't know how Reform and Conservative Judaism would handle this--best talk to a rabbi.

Answer 3

You can raise your children jewish even if you were not converted when they were born. When they reach the age of 12/girl 13/boy, they have to convert if they want to be jewish.

Depending on how you convert, reform, conservative, orthodox, they will  guide you in every step.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Yes. I wouldn't say necessarily that you won't have time to convert--but you shouldn't delay. You need to take classes and such.