Ask The Rabbi

Ask The Rabbi

category:  Family

Am I a Jew or not?

Shalom,

I have a halachic question. I was raised frum (Orthodox), but stopped observing later in life and became irreligious. Eventually, years later, I married a non-Jewish girl, and converted to Christianity for her.

I later ended up getting divorced and realized it was the wrong decision (not necessarily for the conversion, but more for the person I married). However, I would not say I didn’t believe in Christianity at the time and was “just doing it for marriage”, as I did earnestly try to convince myself and I guess at times “felt” something. I continued to go to church for a while, even well after the divorce.

I grew up in a very Christian area with not many Jews, for what’s it worth, so the pressure was always there. But now I realize the mistake.

Do I have to formally convert back to Judaism and undergo giyuros? Or is this simply “once a Jew, always a Jew”? The issue is that I don’t necessarily want to go back to observing anything (Shabbos, kosher, davening, etc), but I would like to be considered “Jewish” again.

Thank you for answering this difficult question,
Yerachmiel




Segulot for becoming pregnant:

  • First and foremost, one should be careful to practice the laws of family purity (Taharat Hamishpacha) accurately, including a review of the halachot.

  • Married women should cover their hair with a head covering such as a scarf or a hat, or ideally, a wig, according to Chabad custom.

  • In addition to the above, look back and try to remember if you offended anyone when you were dating, and if you did, appease him and ask for forgiveness.

  • Invite guests to your home.

  • Study Chassidus

  • Support places of Torah learning.

  • On the practical level, it would be advisable to get expert medical counseling and support in accordance with Jewish law from an organization that deals with this issue specifically, such as Machon Puah.



Sources