“Ashley has my support to do whatever she needs to do to be happy,” Chrystie tells us.
But while Ashley has the emotional support she needs to go through with it, converting is going to be a lengthy process that will take a year of dedication and commitment to make it happen.
“The studying period is usually about a year,” explains Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier, President of the New York Board of Rabbis in NYC. It’s a “rigorous period of study and a concurrent acceptance of Jewish ritual. It not only requires book knowledge, but incorporating Jewish observance — like Sabbath traditions and prayer — into their lives.”
Ashley will have a sponsoring Rabbi at her synagogue, says Rabbi Daniel Alder of Brotherhood Synagogue in NYC. If Ashley studies with a group, she will most likely attend “one class per week for a couple of hours” — but if Ashley goes one-on-one with her Rabbi, she will only have to meet with him once a week for an hour.
The course of study covers Jewish beliefs and practices. “There would be study of the Old Testament, the prayer book, learning to read in Hebrew, an overview of Jewish history, customs of various holidays and life cycle events [like birth, bar mitzvah, weddings and funerals],” shares Rabbi Alder.
After Ashley completes this process, she will have to meet with a “beth din” — religious court composed of three rabbis — who will test her knowledge of the religion and decide if she’s committed enough to convert.
If Ashley is found ready, she will next “immerse in ‘mikveh,’ which is a Jewish ritual bath,” shares Rabbi Kermaier. “That is the completion of the conversion process.”
Both rabbis agree that it’s normal for Ashley to be converting to be with J.P. “Very often at the early stages, the interest in converting is for a future spouse,” notes Rabbi Kermaier. “However, by the time the person is appearing before the beth din, that commitment has to be independent of the relationship.”
Rabbi Kermaier also reveals that in order for Ashley and J.P.’s marriage to be recognized by the Jewish religion, Ashley must convert.
– Lindsey DiMattina and Jessica Krampe
Can’t Get Enough ‘Bachelorette’ News? Read More!
- J.P. Rosenbaum Dumped ‘Bachelorette’ Ashley Hebert For A Short Time Prior To The Finale!
- J.P. Was Tortured By Bentley!
- ‘Bachelorette’ Ashley Hebert & J.P. Rosenbaum Are Waiting To Get Married After Ali & Roberto!
- Bonnie Says: J.P. & Ashley Will Last Forever!
- Ashley & J.P. Waiting To Get Married Till Next Fall!