Dear Rabbi Lamm, Some time ago, you sent the Tekanoth for conversion to the “Gate of Mercy” Synagogue, through the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations in India. Some questions have arisen and we need your advice. In Rule No. 3 in the Tekanoth it is mentioned: “If a candidate who intends to be converted to the Jewish faith is married to a Jew, then the conversion cannot take place less than nine months and one day after petition for proselytisation!” Could you kindly explain what is this nine months and one day period meant for. Also, in Rule 3 of the above, it is mentioned “that the candidate should appear a year after petition for proselytisation before the Beth Din.” Why is the period less in the case when the candidate is married to a Jew? I would appreciate an early reply to these questions, and thanking you in anticipation. Yours sincerely, S. Silas Rabbi Simon Silas Assistant to the Haham