The short answer
Because conversion is a public, communal act, not a private transaction. A beit din represents the community, verifies the candidate's readiness and acceptance of the mitzvot, and witnesses the required acts.
Why people ask this
Understanding the beit din's role shows why conversion cannot be self-administered and why the community's acceptance matters.
Key terms
- Beit din
- A rabbinic court of three qualified members.
Jewish perspectives
- Traditional sources require a beit din of three for the validity of the act.
- Some communities additionally require the beit din to be observant and recognized by the broader community.
Scholarly & historical context
The requirement of a court is rooted in the rabbinic framing of conversion as the people's acceptance of a new member.
What is agreed upon
Conversion is administered by a beit din representing the community.
Where the disagreement begins
What qualifications the dayanim must have, and which batei din are recognized across communities.
Practical consequences
Plan for a beit din as a required, communal step, not a formality.
Original sources
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