Conversion
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Jew-by-Choice here
at Temple Emanu-El. We place great value
on the integrity of the choice of becoming a Jew, and are privileged to have
the opportunity to assist you in the process of exploring developing a Jewish
identity.
The process of becoming Jewish is very individual and
personal. Our conversion to Judaism
program is flexible and organic in nature, but it does have certain specific
requirements to assist you in coming to understand Judaism and determine if it
is a choice you wish to make.
Coursework
Judaism is a religion of learning, and classes play a
critical role in preparing to enter Jewish life. Every student is encouraged to enroll in a
Taste of Judaism pre-introductory course.
Each student should also take an introductory class in Judaism, either
our Basic Judaism series or another comparable course that covers the academic
year. In addition, every student should
take a Hebrew Marathon, our two-day mini-class in Hebrew, so that Hebrew is not
a closed book. We offer many other Adult Education
Academy classes, all of
which are applicable and useful in preparing to become a Jew-by-Choice. These are not required for conversion, but
are encouraged.
Services
We recommend that all potential converts attend Shabbat and
Festival services as often as practical.
You will learn a great deal about the life of a Jewish congregation, and
share in the annual cycle of Torah readings and festivals that forms a central
part of Jewish life. Plan on attending
Sabbath services at least once a month, preferably more. Both Shabbat evening and morning services are
helpful, and each is different in character.
Writing Assignments
Rabbi Cohon or Rabbi Holtz will ask you to write a series of
pieces on your interest in Judaism and your experiences learning about it and
living it. There are typically about
four “essays” required of each student, one at the beginning of the process,
one at the end, and two somewhere in between.
Counseling
Each student typically meets individually with Rabbi Cohon
or Rabbi Holtz approximately every two months, mostly to “check in” and ask
questions. In addition, many students
email questions to our rabbis more regularly.
Other students meet more frequently with a rabbi, as their questions and
needs require.
Books, Films, and On-Line
Students are encouraged to read a many varied Jewish books as they have time to read. Films on Jewish themes are also a valuable resource. Additionally, there is a wealth of Jewish information available instantly on-line. Our own Temple Emanu-El website is a good resource. We also recommend http://www.myjewishlearning.com. There are also many Jewish newspapers and magazines available online, such as the Jewish Forward, the Jerusalem Post, Ha'aretz, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and many others.
Other Jewish Experiences
A wide variety of other Jewish experiences are also helpful
is shaping a consciousness of Jewish issues, ideas, culture, and religious
practice. These might include everything
from going to Jewish museums to attending Jewish music concerts, lectures,
camps, art shows, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and brisses. Listen to our weekly radio show, Too Jewish,
on Sunday mornings at 9 AM on KVOI Radio 690 AM. Get yourself invited to someone’s house for
Shabbat dinner, or to a Passover Seder or Hanukkah party. It’s all good…
How Do I Know When I’m Ready?
Typically, both the conversion student and the sponsoring
rabbi have a sense at some point that “it’s time.” Usually the process takes in the
neighborhood of a year, but there are no hard and fast rules on this.
