Conversion Program
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This website is dedicated to those who are considering or who are
becoming "Jews by choice." There are many who have gone before
you and want to make your journey as easy as possible. Making
a decision to convert to Judaism is a very personal commitment. We hope
your journey is a meaningful one and that this site will be helpful in
the steps ahead of you. The clergy of Temple Beth El welcome
you with open arms as do your classmates. Still thinking about whether to convert? Not sure of what's involved? If you are interested in exploring the possibility of conversion, you should set up an initial meeting with a member of the clergy and the Interfaith & Outreach Coordinator. During these meetings, you will share your religious and personal background, and discuss your motivations for conversion. We recommend that you start by taking the Taste of Judaism class. This free, three-week series explores the foundations of Jewish tradition for those who may want to reconnect or who may be searching for an entrée into Jewish life. The course covers the Jewish perspective on spirituality, values and community. Our clergy will use traditional and modern Jewish texts to discuss the ways that Judaism addresses issues in our personal and professional lives. Please contact our Membership & Outreach Director, Shari Hackman, at 704-749-3051 or email shackman@beth-el.com for additional information. STEPS TO CONVERSION 1. Initial contact: If you are interested in exploring the possibility of conversion, you should set up an initial meeting with a member of the clergy and the Interfaith & Outreach Coordinator. During these meetings, you will share your religious and personal background, and discuss your motivations for conversion. 2. Academic: Typically, study begins with the Taste of Judaism and introduction to Judaism courses offered at the Temple. From there, joining our weekly conversion class, F.I.J.I. (Finding Inner Jewish Identity) enables you to join all of those studying to convert. This class spends 12 months exploring holidays, customs, rituals, philosophy and more. The fee for the FIJI class is $180. There are several points of entry into the F.I.J.I. class throughout the year. You will receive a recommended reading list, which contains information to help you study, and live your life as a Jew. It is encouraged that you keep a journal of everything you read throughout your course of study. 3. Religious Practice & Observance: Personal: In the conversion process, learning and exploration of beliefs are compiled with the creation of a life of Jewish religious practice and fulfillment of mitzvot (commandments). Autonomy is a hallmark of Reform Judaism. We expect you to study the mitzvot and make decisions about which ones you bring into your life and home based on knowledge and commitment. Communal: We encourage you to participate in as much synagogue and broader Jewish community life as possible. We recommend attending Shabbat worship services at least twice a month, as well as High Holy Day services, holiday celebrations and other religious, educational, cultural and social offerings as often as you can in order to experience the variety of Jewish religious life. Spiritual: Throughout your course of study, you will meet monthly with Temple clergy. Each clergy member will help you explore issues that arise, answer questions and reflect on your spiritual and social journey to Judaism. 4. Mentor Program: As part of the support system for individuals who are well on the conversion track, you have the option of being paired with a mentor who will serve as support for you in your process. 5. Time Line for Conversion: Each person is unique. While some may be relatively new to Judaism as they begin the conversion process, others may have been living a Jewish life for many years. Typically, the conversion student should expect at least a year of study and preparation, however, once you are well-established on your journey and feel ready to commit to Jewish living and embracing your Jewish identity, you and your primary clergy will determine your time-line to conversion. 6. Concluding Rituals and Ceremonies: The rituals of conversion allow you to enter the covenant of Judaism by proclaiming your faith and commitment to the Jewish people. Before these final steps, you will receive a take-home exam to complete. You will then meet with your primary clergy member to review your take-home exam, as well as write a brief conversion statement, about why you have chosen Judaism at this point in your life. There are several steps to the concluding ritual: Beit Din-a panel of three clergy assemble to reflect on and assess your journey. Mikeveh-immersion in a ritual bath. Hatafat Dam Brit-this ritual, part of many men’s conversion journey, can be explained to you by the clergy. The choice of whether or not to take part in this ritual is in the hands of the Jew-by-choice. Public or Private Affirmation-receiving Torah and a Hebrew name marks the final stage in the conversion process. You may choose to do this in a private ceremony; a public ceremony during Shabbat services, however, enables the community to embrace you and celebrate with you. 7. Follow up: You are encouraged to maintain contact with the clergy and your mentor after conversion. This ensures that any unforeseen issues will be addressed, and provides an opportunity for further study and for finding additional paths of involvement in the Jewish community. Many conversion students move on to become an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Frequently Asked Questions:
Recommended Reading List for Conversion Students F.I.J.I. class reading list Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin A Concise History of Arab-Israeli Conflict by Bickerton/Klausner Liberal Judaism by Eugene Borowitz Living a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant What is a Jew? By Morris Kertzer Reform Judaism Reader by Michael Meyer/W. Gunther Plaut Maimonides The Commandments Vol. 1 translated by Charles B. Chavel publisher: Soncino Press Maimonides The Commandments Vol. 2 Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, paperback) On the Doorposts (CCAR) By Chaim Stern Night by Elie Wiesel Biblical Literacy by Joseph Telushkin What Happens After I Die? By Sonsino/Syme Finding God–Selected Responses by Sonsino/Syme Duties of the Soul–Role of Commandments in Liberal Judaism by Goldstein/Knobel Protective Custody Prisoner 34042 By Susan Spatz |
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