Conversion to Judaism
Judaism is a rich and ancient tradition,
a wellspring of wisdom and culture that has given rise to many of the worlds great ideas, innovations, and thinkers. It's also the source from which other faith traditions emerged or were influenced in their formation.
Embracing Judaism by choice unites you
with the Jewish people and our 5,000 years of history. There have been dark and dangerous times during those millennia, yet the people of Israel have persisted and flourished.
The process of conversion to Judaism works on multiple levels.
We are known as Am HaSefer, "The People of the Book" -- a reference not only to the Torah (Five Books of Moses), the foundational document of Judaism, but to a long intellectual history of study, analysis, and interpretation. A conversion candidate will be asked to engage in a course of study -- the start of a lifetime of learning.
Along with study comes practice --
engaging in the identifying rituals of Judaism, including attending services, Shabbat (Sabbath) observance, and Kashrut (Jewish dietary laws).
A third crucial element of choosing Judaism is community.
The synagogue is the central Jewish institution, the focal point of communal spiritual life, as well as of connecting with others, building relationships, and giving and receiving support.
The best way to get started
on your journey to Judaism is to find an in-person conversion class with a sponsoring rabbi, teacher, and community. If that's not possible, I'm happy to guide you.
NOTE: At present, I don't offer a regularly-scheduled conversion class,
but may organize one -- in person or virtual -- if there are a number of requests. Contact me for more information.
