Aliyah after giyur

Giyur is the proceeding of acceptance the Jewish faith, which enables people to become part of the Jewish people. In this context, changeover is not only a religious step, but also an important social and cultural act that emphasises a person’s desire to belong to the Jewish fellowship. Changeover is open to individuals who sincerely wish to embrace Judaism and are willing to follow its statutes and customs.

What is giyur and who is eligible

The changing proceeding involves learning the fundamentals of Judaism, practising Jewish commandments and, in most cases, the ritual of circumcision for men. The proceeding takes time, fellowship support and a deep understanding of new responsibilities and values.

Giyur changeover

Conversion is the proceeding for a person who is not Jewish by birth to convert to Judaism. The changeover proceeding involves several stages and can take several months or even years, depending on the individual circumstances and the degree of prepping of the nominee:

• Prepping for changeover: The first stage of changeover is a preparatory period during which the nominee learns the fundamentals of Judaism, its beliefs, customs and customs. The nominee must receive training from a rabbi or other qualified teacher of the Jewish religion. During the course of study, the nominee must demonstrate a deep understanding and acceptance of the basic principles of Judaism, such as belief in one God, observance of the commandments of the Torah, and maintenance of the Jewish fellowship.
• Heter Geterah: Once the nominee has demonstrated his or her willingness to embrace Judaism, he or she must undergo the heter geterah proceeding, which is the first official step on the path to changeover. During this proceeding, the nominee renounces his previous religion and declares his desire to convert to Judaism. This proceeding takes place in the presence of three witnesses and is recorded in a special document.
• Mikveh: After the heter geterah, the nominee must undergo a ritual washing in a mikveh, a special pool of natural or well water. The mikveh symbolises the cleansing of the past and the acceptance of a new life as a Jew. The nominee must go through the mikveh three times to complete this stage of changeover.
• Circumcision: If the nominee is a male, he must undergo the proceeding of circumcision, which is mandatory for all male Jews. Circumcision is performed according to the rituals of Judaism and symbolises the conclusion of the covenant between God and the people.
• Hezkatut gerit: The final stage of changeover is called hezkatut gerit, which means ‘consent to changeover.’ During this proceeding, the nominee repeats, in front of three witnesses and a rabbi, an oath to accept Judaism and observe its commandments. The nominee then officially becomes a Jew and can participate in the life of the Jewish fellowship on an equal footing with born Jews.

After the changing proceeding is completed, the new Jew must undergo a period of adaptation and adjustment to the new life in accordance with the commandments of the Torah. He must observe kashrut, pray three times a day, observe Shabbat and other Jewish holidays, and participate in the life of the fellowship.

Eligibility for aliyah after changing

After undergoing the proceeding of changing to Judaism, one becomes eligible for aliyah to Israel under the same conditions as any other Jew. This right is based on the Statute of Return, which was passed by the Knesset in 1950.

The aliyah proceeding for Jews who have undergone changing is the same as for other Jews. It involves gathering documents, passing a medical board, registering with an absorption agency (an organisation dedicated to helping repatriates) and going through the immigration proceeding through the Israeli Ministry of Absorption. Upon arrival a converted immigrant is entitled to the same benefits and advantages as any other immigrant, such as assistance in finding housing, employment, Hebrew training and education.

However, it is worth noting that the changing proceeding can be complicated and lengthy, and not all Conservative and Reform communities recognise changeovers performed in other communities. Therefore, if a person plans to make aliyah after changing, he or she should consult a rabbi or other authorised organisation beforehand to ensure that his or her changing will be recognised.

Law of return

The Statute of Return to Israel, enacted in 1950, is the fundamental piece of legislation that ensures the right of Jews and their descendants to repatriation to Israel and nationality. This statute was designed to restore the historical connection of the Jewish people to their homeland, which was particularly relevant in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the mass immigration of Jews in the post-war years. You can learn more about the Law of Return here.

Aliyah requirements for Jewish converts

In order to make aliyah after changing, it is essential to fulfil certain claims and prepare the essential documents. It is important to have a certificate of completion of the changing proceeding issued by a rabbinical court, which certifies that you belong to the Jewish people. This can be a changing certificate or a rabbinical certificate.

Steps to make aliyah after transition

After undergoing the proceeding of transition to Judaism, a person can begin the proceeding of Aliyah. Here is a detailed description of the steps of aliyah after transition:

1. Preparing for Aliyah: Before beginning the aliyah proceeding, it is important to prepare thoroughly. This includes learning Hebrew, gathering information about life in Israel, finding a job and housing, and determining where you want to settle.
2. Registering with an Absorption Agency: After gathering the essential documents, the next step is to register with the Israeli Absorption Agency. The absorption agency will assist you in finding housing, employment, Hebrew tongue training and other issues related to adjusting to your new life.
3. Medical Commission: Before you leave, you will need to undergo a medical commission to ensure that you do not have a medical condition that could pose a health risk to other residents. The medical commission is conducted at the Israeli embassy or consulate.
4. Receiving a visa: Once you have passed the medical board, you will need to receive a visa to enter Israel. The visa is issued by the Israeli embassy or consulate.
5. Moving to Israel: Once you have received your visa, you can start planning your move. This includes packing your belongings, finding accommodation, registering with the municipality upon arrival, and other organisational matters.
6. Integration into Israeli society: Once you arrive in Israel, it is important to begin the proceeding of integrating into Israeli society. This includes learning Hebrew, finding a job, participating in local fellowship activities, and other steps to adjust to your new life.

These stages of aliyah after transition may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as marital status, occupation, age, and other factors. It is important to consult with authorised organisations, such as absorption agency or local Jewish communities, for more detailed information and assistance at every stage of the aliyah proceeding.

Documents needed for Aliyah application

You will need these documents for aliyah:

• Passport: You will need a valid passport that will be valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of repatriation.
• Jewish transition certificate: If you have been converted to Judaism, you will need a certificate issued by an authorised religious organisation confirming your status as a Jew.
• Birth certificate (for minor children): If you are repatriating with children under the age of 18, you will need every child’s birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if available): If you are repatriating with a spouse, you will need a marriage certificate.
• Documents proving your profession and qualifications (if available): If you have a profession or qualification, you will need to grant documents proving this to facilitate your job search.

This list of documents may vary depending on individual circumstances and your country of residence.

Israeli citizenship for Jewish converts

Upon completion of the change proceeding, a person becomes a full member of the Jewish people and is eligible for Israeli citizenship. This is done through the Statute of Return, which grants the right of aliyah to all Jews and their descendants. After successfully completing change and living in Israel, the convert can apply for Israeli nationality.

The proceeding involves several steps. Firstly, it is essential to register with the local public department and enter oneself in the nationality register. The prepping of documents and an interview with representatives of the rabbinate are also important steps. Depending on the situation, it is sometimes essential to grant proof of your Jewish identity or origin.