Significant Life Decision
Extremely. A decision to convert to Judaism would be the most significant decision in your life. It requires all encompassing lifestyle changes including working habits, restrictions in eating (kosher), marital law and more. It can potentially strain family ties. It entails a change in mindset and perspective of the world around you. There are many more additional difficulties which you will encounter. If, nevertheless, you are willing and capable to meet these challenges, we will work with you and enable you to help you make a full discovery about what living as a Jew means and feels like, so that you can make an informed decision about whether to convert.
Setting Expectations Straight
You will be expected to join an Orthodox Jewish congregation and designate a Sponsoring Rabbi who will be an integral participant in your conversion process. Gradually at your pace, you will study how to live and practice living as a religiously observant Orthodox Jew. Men and women will be expected, at all times, to act and dress in a manner that is within the guidelines of Tznius (halachic-defined modesty).
The Rabbis and your other teachers will guide you in your study and help you put into practice that which you learn. However, you must display your own internal motivation and desire to live the Judaism you will have chosen.
Note: The conversion process will need to involve your entire immediate family, including your spouse, (or the person of with which you have a long-term relationship), any children living at home, whether already Jewish or not.
Living Near Orthodox Synagogue
As a prerequisite for conversion, you will need to live within normative walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue which holds daily service, at which you can comfortably participate in traditional Jewish community life. If you currently live in a location which does not fit this description, it would then be necessary to move at some time prior to your conversion. Your school age children would need to be enrolled in an Orthodox school.
We do understand that these requirements may be difficult due to financial and other considerations, however, exceptions cannot be made as these are essential for your process and your sustained growth and success as a convert.
A Long Arduous Process
Depending on factors of background knowledge of Judaism, the process generally takes between 10 and 24 months. However, the pace is set by the applicant himself/herself.
Full Disclosure
You will need to make full disclosure regarding your current relationships, failure of which will compel us to discontinue your conversion process.
Undoubtedly you know that Judaism does not allow or give validity to intermarriage. Nevertheless, whether you are currently civilly married, either to a Jew or non-Jew, you may still apply and be allowed acceptance into the conversion program. Both you and your partner will be expected to participate in the learning process.
The application for a married applicant is more complex than for that of a standard applicant. In line with the concept that this application process entails engaging in trial practice of Jewish Law, at different points in the process, the couple will be expect to begin complying with basic elements of Jewish marital law. Jewish Law does not allow for unmarried couples to live together and/or engage in extra-marital intimacy. It is understandable that this will create difficult challenges for you. The Bais Din is available to discuss and solutionize those challenges with you.
Sponsoring Orthodox Rabbi
An integral part of the conversion process is to identify a Rabbi who will be designated to “sponsor” your conversion. This does not mean to say that the Rabbi will be responsible for your conversion, but rather one with whom your will have regular interaction for guidance and direction. You will become integrated as part of his congregation and community.
The Sponsoring Rabbi is a Rabbi of an Orthodox Congregation that holds regular daily services. You will live within reasonable walking distance of his synagogue.
The Costs Involved
A non-refundable $250 application fee is due with your application and another $250 upon full completion of the conversion. There will likely be additional costs for classes you may attend or tutors you may engage. The final conversion procedure entails some additional costs, such as Ritual Immersion and Mohel, for which you will as well be held responsible.
Based on Many Factors
The conversion process has several stages. The first step after application is your interview with the Beth Din, during which the program is explained in detail. You will receive a required reading list, and an overview of the Orthodox conversion procedures.
If you decide to continue, we will arrange subsequent meetings to monitor your progress. These meetings will provide an idea of the likelihood for your successful completion. Our agreement to carry out the conversion is not guaranteed, as it will be based on our determination of your ability to live a fully observant life, discussion with your sponsoring Rabbi and his community members and by your display of significant progress in the total program.
Get in Touch
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