Considering Conversion  |  Overview

Overview

In an old Jewish tale, a shepherd became concerned that wherever he brought his flock, a deer joined them. After trying to chase the deer away to no avail, the shepherd asked his rabbi for advice. The rabbi said, “My friend,you are to treat the deer even better than you treat your sheep. After all, you treat your flock well, but something that chooses to join it must be treated with even more respect and kindness.


FEW DECISIONS ARE MORE PROFOUND

Choosing to change one’s religion is a profound, life-changing experience.  After all, you are making a decision that affects your relationship with your family, friends, community, and God.  You are gaining a new religion, a new identity, and a new perspective on the world while severing your previous practices.

So why do people do it?  Some people become Jewish because they are spiritual seekers who are attracted to a Jewish approach to living meaningfully.  A relationship to a Jewish partner sparks an interest in Judaism and Jewish life in others.  In such situations, we require the Jewish partner to participate in all parts of the Pathways program (classes, field trips, meetings with rabbis, etc.).  Whatever your reason, it is essential that such decision not be rushed or taken lightly.

THE PATHWAYS APPROACH

JDI is constantly updating and improving our 28-session Pathways education program.  By fostering close relationships with the Rabbis/instructors and other participants, the program provides an important forum for sharing, support, and friendship.  Pathways combines excellent religious studies with significant Jewish experiences such as Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations and field trips.  

In designing this program, we are keenly aware this is not your typical adult education workshop.  This class recognizes and supports what may well be a major life change so we also include sessions with trained social workers and mentoring Rabbis.  The instructors help participants become part of the local Jewish community and explore what it means to establish a Jewish home.

It is also important to recognize that becoming Jewish is an intricate process, not a graduation ceremony.  While many people take the program to convert right away, we have had participants who chose not complete their conversion process until years later.  While others, after experiencing the program, concluded that conversion is not the right choice for them.



THE PROCESS

Conversion is process, not just a class.  It’s something that requires spiritual counsel, learning, and sharing.  In fact, before registering for the class all participants must meet with Rabbi David to see if our course is right for you.  To participate in the program, you must find a sponsoring rabbi and synagogue, often the same Rabbi who may have referred you to JDI.  If you would like, Rabbi David can help connect you to a Conservative rabbi and synagogue.

Participants are expected to meet all of the Pathway program requirements and attend the class regularly.  You are expected to meet regularly with a sponsoring rabbi, attend Shabbat and Holiday services, and engage in Jewish practices such as kashrut and Shabbat observance.


The next step in the conversion is to meet with Bet Din, or panel of three rabbis to discuss your Jewish journey.  This is arranged with the consent and support of your sponsoring rabbi.  With the approval of the Bet Din, you will literally immerse yourself in Judaism at a mikveh (ritual bath).  

For men, however, there is one last step.  If you are circumcised, you will require “Token Circumcision” – or a pinprick.  (An ironic name that sounds scarier that it is). This would be done prior to your immersion in the Mikveh.  If you are uncircumcised, you will need to undergo your circumcision with an Urologist.


WE ARE HERE TO HELP

There is no way a simple web site can anticipate or do justice to all of the questions someone considering converting to Judaism may have.  We are happy to help you explore all of the issues, large and small, involved in this process.  Just contact Rabbi David at rabbidavid@jewishdiscoveryinstitute.org.

 

Related Links:
Process for Adults
The Next Steps
Pathways Application
Participant Agreement Form
Sponsoring Rabbi Letter
Pathways Reading List - Fall Session
Pathways Reading List Winter Session