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Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. ProQuest Information and Leaming 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 UMI* SOULS IN TRANSITION: THE PSYCHOSOCIAL PROCESS OF CONVERSION TO JUDAISM DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Diane M. Centolella, B.S.S.W., M.S.W. ***** The Ohio State University 2001 Dissertation Committee: Dr. Patrick McKenry, Adviser Approved by: Dr. H. Eugene Folden, Jr. Dr. Amy Zaharlick Advisor, a /' College of Human Ecology Dr. fCimberlee Whaley UMI Number: 3022458 Copyright 2001 by Centolella, Diane M. All rights reserved. UMI UMI Microform 3022458 Copyright 2001 by Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. Bell & Howell Information and Leaming Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Copyright by Diane Marie Centolella 2001 ABSTRACT Other research on conversion to Judaism has investigated who converts, why they do so, and what the outcome of conversion is in terms of religious observance, Jewish identity, ethnicity, and success in forming Jewish family life. This qualitative project focused on the “process” of conversion and what that experience is like for the convert. The goal was to answer three research questions: (I) What is the experience like for people who convert to Judaism? (2) How does conversion to Judaism occur? (3) Is there a pattern of experiences or stages that can be identified that takes place during the conversion process? Use of in-depth semi-structured interviews helped to give a “voice” to ten people who converted to Judaism. As they told their stories from their own viewpoints, this author tried to better understand their subjective experiences and the meaning they ascribed to these experiences, thus enlightening our understanding of the conversion process. A six-stage process is proposed and tasks that one must complete at each step are outlined. The steps are (I) Lack of Connection with Childhood Religion; (2) Questioning of Beliefs; (3) Exploration and “Discovery” of Judaism; (4) Commitment; (5) Adjustment to Jewish Life; and (6) Jewish Identity. This process is compared with models on how immigrants adjust to a new culture, and models on the “coming out” experiences of gay and lesbian individuals. In addition, the experiences of people who convert primarily for religious reasons are compared with people who convert primarily for marital and/or family reasons. The latter had a more difficult adjustment. Theories on developmental stages of adulthood and identity formation are utilized to help understand and “make sense” of these findings. Age at conversion clustered around two developmental stages. One was the early twenties which coincides with Erikson’s “Identity v. diffusion” crisis and the “Intimacy v. isolation” crisis. A second cluster was the late thirties, which is the beginning of the mid-life stage. It is suggested that conversion at these times assisted with resolution of developmental tasks for the research participants. Ill ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A project like this cannot be accomplished without the assistance of others. First, I would like to thank my dissertation committee, which consisted of Patrick McKenry, Kim Whaley, Amy Zaharlick, and H. Eugene Folden for their time, their conunents, and their ideas. Also thanks to Barbara Newman for helping me get started. I would also like to thank the ten people I interviewed for sharing their stories and experiences with me. This project could not have happened without them. My thanks also to Micki Seltzer for much help with this project. Also thanks to Herb Mirels, Gary Huber, Nancy Barton, Ernesto Vasquez, and Paul Centolella for their comments and support. Also thanks to Kelly Centolella, David Frye, Martha Vasquez, Diana Leigh, Barbara Krumsee, Barbara House, Ann Reves, Jane Lesley-Tecklenburg, Leslie Meyer, my mom and 3 sisters, my class and teachers at the Melton Adult Mini- School, and my Torah study group. These and many others were supportive by sharing their interest and enthusiasm for this project, by listening to me “kvetch” and encouraging me, and by occasionally feeding me when I got so engrossed in writing that I forgot to eat. Thank you, my friends and family. IV VITA March 20, 1948 ....................................Bom — Mount Vernon. Ohio 197 5 ....................................................... B.S.S.W., The Ohio State University 197 6............................................... M.S.W., The Ohio State University 1977 — 1982 ..........................................Clinical Social Worker, North Central Mental Health, Columbus, Ohio 1982 — present ...................................... Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Counselor, Private Practice PUBLICATIONS Fristad, M. A., Gavazzi, S. M.. Centolella, D. M., Soldano, K. W. (1996). Psychoeducation: A promising intervention strategy for families of children and adolescents with mood disorders. Contemporarv Familv Therapv: An International Journal. 18 (31.371-384. FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: College of Human Ecology, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences Minor Field: Psychology TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract...................................................................................................................................... ü Acknowledgments i v Vita...............................................................................................................................................V List of Tables..............................................................................................................................ix List of Figures..............................................................................................................................x Chapters: 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... I I. L Background of the Present Study ....................................................................I 1.2 Historical/political context of conversion .....................................................3 1.2.1 Europe and the Middle East ............................................................... 3 1.2.2 America.................................................................................................4 1.3 Importance of this study .................................................................................. 6 1.3.1 Limitations of the current research .................................................... 7 1.4 Research Questions ..........................................................................................10 1.5 Background of the researcher .........................................................................10 1.6 Definitions .........................................................................................................13 2. Review of the literature ....................................................................................................... 15 2.1 Background of religious conversion studies ................................................15 2.2 Studies ................................................................................................................17 2.3 Conversion to Judaism studies ......................................................................27 2.3.1 Demographics.....................................................................................29 2.3.1.1 Gender ................................................................................ 29 2.3.1.2 Age......................................................................................29 2.3.1.3 Education ...........................................................................30 2.3.1.4 Occupation ........................................................................ 30 2.3.1.5 Income levels .................................................................... 30 2.3.1.6 Marital status..................................................................... 31 2.3.1.7 Background ....................................................................... 31 2.3.1.8 Reasons for conversion