The Routledge Dictionary of Judaism
Not recognized in talmudic law, which holds that a child’s status derives from the natural relationship to the parent and cannot be altered or artificially created; still, within Talmudic law, one may assume responsibility for a child’s person and estate as a guardian. An adopted child of gentile origin converts to Judaism (see GER) upon reaching the age of maturity, twelve for females, thirteen for males.
Adopted babies are immersed on the stipulation that, upon reaching maturity, they will freely opt to convert to Judaism. So too, an adopted male infant is circumcised on the stipulation that, upon reaching maturity, he will confirm that it is his will to enter Israel.
This is the complete article, containing 112 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
View More Summaries on Adoption
