עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is There a Problem with Being in a Relationship with a Non-Jewish Woman During the Conversion Process
Question
Hello, Rabbi. I have several questions.
A. If a non-Jewish woman intends to convert, is there a problem being in a relationship with her during the conversion process?
B. What is the atonement for relations with a non-Jewish woman? Is it possible to atone for this sin?
C. After the non-Jewish woman has converted, is there no problem at all being with her?
D. If a non-Jewish woman intends to convert, does that intention itself already make her Jewish?
Thank you in advance!!
Answer
Hello and blessings
1. It is absolutely forbidden.
2. A very severe sin. The teshuvah is heartfelt and sincere regret for the past, and acceptance for the future not to be with a non-Jewish woman ever again, or even with a woman without marriage and taharah according to halacha. In addition, since this is such a severe prohibition, one must increase in acts of kindness and be very, very careful to observe Shabbat according to halacha in all its details and exactness in order to cleanse the sin from a person’s soul.
3. It is absolutely forbidden. Only after marriage and taharah according to halacha is she permitted.
4. No. Only after the actual conversion before the rabbinical court, with full acceptance of the yoke of the mitzvot and immersion in a mikveh according to halacha before the rabbinical court, does she become Jewish.
With blessing,
Binyamin Shmuali
