My conversion catalogue of mitzvot that prospective converts should undertake as part of the process includes the following responsibilities organized in the form of a to-do checklist:
1) Choose a Hebrew name with great care. It may derive from your own non-Hebrew name (like Stav, meaning autumn, from Steve and Keren meaning ray from Karen and Rae); a deceased family member or friend; or a biblical name such as Ruth, Sarah, Abraham or Joel.
2) Select the conversion site. It may be a lake, stream, pond, ocean or other body of water. Or you may prefer a Jewish community’s mikvah, a ritual bath carefully and aesthetically designed to enhance the sense of the importance of the occasion.
3) Before the open Ark the convert is publicly blessed, and the chosen Hebrew name conferred. You, the convert, are encouraged to bring family and dearest friends as witnesses of the event. And you should regard the occasion as a profoundly significant milestone in your life and the life of your loved ones. Make plans to celebrate.
4) Go to temple or synagogue that night or soon thereafter – as an authentic, irrefutable and fully qualified Jew, one of the minyan, the quorum of ten adult Jews. For the first time, count yourself among them.
5) Consider sponsoring a kiddush (special festive collation) in honor of the occurrence marking your personal transformation and membership “in the tribe” either that night if the conversion is on a Friday or at a subsequent Sabbath evening.
6) Consider an appropriate generous contribution to charity in honor of the experience and your new-born-like status.
7) Prepare in advance your study regimen for the next three years including books, magazines and course work for your ever-increasing knowledge and intellectual growth as a Jew.
8 ) Join a congregation that is in accord with your thinking: Egalitarian, Equalineal, etc.
9) Meet with your rabbi to review your ceremony and your participation in it as well as the public affirmations and declarations you are to proclaim in connection with your conversion.
10) Start saving significant dollars with which to educate yourself and your family jewishly.
A prospective convert should be expected to answer the following questions in the affirmative:
Questions to be asked the Convert:
1) Is it of your own free will that you seek admittance into the Jewish fold?
2) Do you renounce your former faith?
3) Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism?
4) Do you promise to cast in your lot with the people of Israel amid all circumstances and conditions?
5) Do you promise to lead a Jewish life?
6) Should you be blessed with children, do you agree to rear your children according to the Jewish faith?
7) Do you also agree to have male children circumcised?
When all these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the convert is to take the following pledge:
I do herewith declare in the presence of God and the witnesses here assembled, that I, of my own free will, seek the fellowship of Israel and that I fully accept the faith of Israel.