The frequency of marriages between Jews and non-Jews has become a major challenge to those who take responsibility for thinking about the essentials of Jewish life and the core of what it means to be Jewish. This conversation has oscillated between two options: either the non-Jewish spouse chooses to become a Jew or s/he doesn’t. When the choice is made to become a Jew, the discussion again oscillates between two options: either the transition must include a commitment to practice the mitzvot by the standards of the officiating rabbi (strict) or the transition can be completed with a commitment to accepting the principle of “the yoke of the mitzvot,” which takes into account a recognition of the minimum levels of observance that most of the Jewish partners practice (conversion “light”).

Part One begins with the concerns raised by our Rebbe about our own practices in Jewish Renewal surrounding conversion to Judaism. Next, we take the responsa of three rabbis as representative of the two approaches to choosing Judaism when there are only two options. We then review the category of ger toshav as expressed in the Talmud and the Rambam and conclude this unit with a discussion of a renewed use of the category of ger toshav for our time.

Part Two consists of seven responsa written by rabbis when they were senior students in the ALEPH Ordination Program revolving on specific questions of practice and inclusivity.

Part Three is entitled "Why Become a Ger Toshav" and discusses reasons why an individual or a community would want to make this status recognized.

Part Four consists of documents, ceremonies, and rituals.