Converting to Judaism at Beth Am

If you are considering converting to Judaism, or have considered converting but are not sure if it is right for you, the Beth Am community provides a supportive and welcoming place for you to make this sacred exploration. We hope this page will provide you with helpful information. Follow any of the links below to learn more about conversion in general, and about the conversion experience at Beth Am.

• About the conversion process
• Frequently asked questions
• For more information
• Sermon "The Call," by Rabbi Janet Marder

About the conversion process

Although the conversion process varies according to each person's life circumstances and Jewish background, the following summary outlines the steps that are common to all conversions at Beth Am. The process typically takes about a year to complete, to give you an opportunity to get to know the community, allow you enough time to study and reflect, and enable you to experience a full cycle of Jewish holidays.

Converts are dearer to God than the Jews who stood at Mt. Sinai. Why? Because had those Jews not beheld the thunder and the lightning, the mountains quaking and the sounds of the horn, they would not have accepted the Torah. But the convert, who saw none of these things, came and voluntarily embraced the Torah and the Jewish people. Could anyone be more beloved to God?

-- Midrash Tanhuma B Lech Lecha 6

Arrange for a meeting with one of our rabbis. When you feel ready to explore conversion, contact the Beth Am office to request an appointment with one of our clergy. This initial appointment will give you an opportunity to share your story and ask questions about conversion, Beth Am, and Reform Judaism in general. This appointment is not an ironclad commitment to convert; it is an opportunity for you to determine if a further exploration of Judaism is the right path for you.

Take an Introduction to Judaism class. Whether you are just beginning on your path of knowledge about Judaism, or want to build on what you have already learned, an excellent resource is the Building Blocks of Judaism class, offered through Lehrhaus Judaica and taught by Beth Am clergy here at our campus. In this two-part class, which typically starts in autumn and ends in early spring, you will learn much about Judaism, including history, worship, prayer, culture, holidays, life-cycle celebrations, and Israel. The class explores Jewish understandings of God, essential Jewish texts, and religious beliefs. Classes typically include both those studying for conversion and those who simply want to learn more about Judaism. The instructor will provide handouts and suggestions for further study, but you will not be required to prepare homework or study for an exam at the end of the course. All are welcome: non-Jews, Jews, interfaith couples, those considering conversion, and anyone interested in learning more about Judaism.

Explore synagogue life. If you're new to Beth Am, you'll find many opportunities to become acquainted with Judaism through worship, study, and a wide variety of educational, spiritually uplifting, and enjoyable programs and activities. Here are some examples of programs you are welcome to participate in:

• Community Shabbat worship services, held each Friday at 6:15 PM
  
  
• Drop-in classes that are free of charge (see the Adult Education page on the Beth Am web site for more details):
  
  
  • Our popular weekly Torah study class, held each Saturday morning at 9:15 AM (or come at 8:45 for coffee, tea, juice, and bagels)
    
    
  • Talmud study classes, held each Thursday at noon
    
    
  • Jewish spirituality class, held each Thursday at 1:30 PM
    
    
• A minyan each Thursday morning at 8:00 in the Beth Am chapel
  
  
• Rosh Chodesh programs for women, which combine prayer and study on various topics, held at the beginning of each Hebrew month from early fall through late spring
  
  
• Mitzvah opportunities, such as Yad l'Yad and Chicken Soupers (programs for visiting the sick and preparing meals for homebound congregants)
  
  
• Chavurot, groups of congregants with common interests (for more information, see the Chavurah page on the Beth Am web site)
  
  
• Films, panel discussions, and special programs

Other special programs are held throughout the year, in conjunction with Jewish holidays. You can find out more about these programs through these resources:

• The Beth Am web site.
  
  
• The eBuilder, Beth Am's online monthly newsletter.
  
  
• Subscribing to This Week at Beth Am , Beth Am's free weekly email bulletin.

Meet regularly with your sponsoring rabbi. If you decide to begin studying for conversion, you will meet one-on-one with your sponsoring rabbi on a regular basis, typically once every 4 to 6 weeks. These sessions give you an opportunity to share your Jewish journey, ask questions, and discuss any concerns that you have. You will also learn about additional opportunities for study and fellowship. Your sponsoring rabbi can recommend books and resources to help you on your journey.

Set a date for immersion in the mikvah and (for males) circumcision. An important final step before your conversion is immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath). Once you and your sponsoring rabbi have worked out a date, your sponsoring rabbi will arrange for an appointment for you, and (for males) will help with arrangements for a brit milah (covenant of circumcision).

Select a Hebrew name. For many, selecting a Hebrew name is one of the most joyful parts of the conversion experience. your sponsoring rabbi can help you select a name, and you are free to choose a name that is most meaningful for you. This is the name by which you will be known in the Jewish community.

Meet with your Beit Din. The Beit Din is a Jewish court or tribunal, which includes your sponsoring rabbi and two other Jews in the Beth Am community. When you are ready to convert, your sponsoring rabbi will work with you to schedule a Beit Din, in which you will discuss your path to conversion. You'll be asked to comment on topics such what inspired you to convert, how your loved ones have responded to your decision to convert, how you are building a Jewish home, which mitzvot are important to you, and how you observe Shabbat. As part of your preparation, you will be asked to write an essay that describes your journey. However, the Beit Din is not an examination or a screening of any kind -- think of it as a friendly conversation that focuses on your spiritual journey.

Your conversion ceremony! The final step is the conversion itself. You will work with your sponsoring rabbi to plan your congregational service of welcome into the covenant, which is typically held in the Beth Am chapel. It is here where you proclaim your readiness to become part of the Jewish people. You will wear a tallit for the first time, hold the Torah, and offer some personal words about your Jewish journey. You will receive a blessing from your sponsoring rabbi and cantor, and a certificate of conversion signed by members of your Beit Din. You are welcome to invite guests to be with you to share this important event in your life.

Frequently asked questions

Do Reform Jews welcome conversion?

Definitely. You might have heard that Judaism does not encourage conversion -- or even discourages it. However, in biblical times, the Talmud tells us of efforts to invite strangers to join the Jewish community. When Constantine declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, conversion to Judaism became a crime punishable by death. Over time, as Jews were persecuted and driven from their homes, and constantly subjected to the proselytizing of others, they resisted and strongly discouraged conversion. It is from this tragic history that some of the unfortunate perceptions of conversion linger. All streams of Judaism are more welcoming of conversion today than in years past. And although the Talmud teaches that righteous people of all faiths have a place in the world to come, those who wish to explore conversion at Beth Am are warmly welcomed and respected.

How much Hebrew do I need to know to qualify for conversion?

Although Hebrew is a vital and treasured part of Jewish tradition, there is no specific level of Hebrew literacy required to convert, and under no circumstances will Hebrew literacy be used to judge your sincerity or commitment as a Jew. In the course of your conversion studies, you will most likely become familiar with several commonly used Hebrew prayers and blessings. Many Jews by Choice find Hebrew study a worthwhile challenge and a meaningful part of their lives as Jews. You can study Hebrew either in one of the introductory courses offered at Beth Am through Lehrhaus Judaica, independent study, private tutoring (your sponsoring rabbi can provide referrals to tutors in the area), or a combination of all three. Many Jews by Choice decide to start Hebrew study as part of their conversion process, then continue their learning after their conversion. Beth Am counts several Jews by Choice among its most gifted Torah chanters.

As a Jew by Choice, are there any restrictions as far as my taking a leadership role in the Beth Am community?

Absolutely none! Jews by Choice have been among Beth Am's most inspiring and accomplished leaders. They have served in such capacities as board members and officers, committee chairpersons, teachers, and worship leaders.

If I decide not to become a Jew but have a partner who is, can our children be raised as Jews?

Yes. Many interfaith couples are raising their children as Jews. In many families today, non-Jewish parents play key roles in providing for their children's Jewish education, as well as creating a supportive Jewish home environment. Many Jews see such parents as the givers of a precious gift and blessing to the Jewish people. See Rabbi Marder's sermon "Blessing for Non-Jewish Spouses."

What if I begin studying for conversion but find that it is not the best decision for me?

Whatever decision you make concerning conversion will be respected. If you find that you need more time to make a decision about conversion, or you are concerned or troubled about some aspect of conversion, feel free to discuss your thoughts with your sponsoring rabbi. The decision to convert is entirely yours, and you are free to stop the process at any time. But even if you determine that conversion is not the best choice for you, you will continue to be welcome and embraced in the Beth Am community.

If I am not yet a member of Beth Am, must I convert before I can become a member?

Your membership in the Beth Am community is welcomed and valued whether or not you convert. If you would like to become a member, you can do so at any time -- you do not have to wait until after your conversion. For more information about membership, see the Membership page of the Beth Am web site. (Scroll to the Membership heading.)

For more information

Books

• Living a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant, and Choosing Judaism by Lydia Kukoff -- Both of these books provide a detailed and helpful overview of the conversion experience.
  
  
• Embracing the Covenant by Patti Moscowitz and Alan Berkowitz -- A collection of stories by those who have gone through the conversion process. Patti is a northern Californian who taught classes at Beth Am for many years, and provides tutoring for beginning Hebrew students.
  
  
• To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Thinking and Being by Rabbi Harold Kuschner -- An insightful look at Judaism by a renowned teacher.
  
  
• Living Judaism: The Complete Guide to Jewish Belief, Tradition, and Practice by Rabbi Wayne Dosick -- A readable and comprehensive overview of Judaism.
  
  
• A Taste of Hebrew by Rabbi Aaron Starr -- A readable and informative introduction to the Hebrew alphabet; a good companion resource for beginning Hebrew students.
  
  
• Aleph Isn't Tough by Linda Motzkin. The first book of a four-part Hebrew teaching series. Provides an introduction to the Hebrew alphabet, as well as explanations of Hebrew roots and prayerbook Hebrew phrases.
  
  
• Choosing Judaism: An Opportunity for Everyone by David Belin -- An online "book" from the Jewish Outreach Institute web site, that provides an overview of Judaism from a Reform perspective. Conversion is covered in the final section.

Web sites

• Union for Reform Judaism
  The official web site of the Reform Movement, which provides a wealth of information about the Movement, worship, holidays, education, current events affecting Reform Jews, and helpful pages for interfaith families and those converting to Judaism. The conversion page for individuals provides some inspiring essays written by those who have converted, as well as a bibliography, a glossary of terms related to Judaism, and frequently asked questions.
  
  
• My Jewish Learning
  A comprehensive resource for learning about Judaism, for those of all educational levels and backgrounds.
  
  
• Lehrhaus Judaica
  An educational center that serves Jewish communities throughout northern California, offering a wide range of classes and workshops taught both at the Lehrhaus Judaica center as well as at area congregations. Many classes are taught at Beth Am.
  
  
• Empowering Ruth
  A web site for women who have converted to Judaism, or are considering conversion. Empowering Ruth is a free program sponsored by the Jewish Outreach Institute that provides support to women who are actual or prospective Jews by Choice, through a virtual email community.
  

Other resources

• Beth Am library -- One of the most extensive synagogue libraries in California, offering more than 7,500 books on a variety of topics, as well as periodicals, reference materials, CDs, DVDs, and a large collection of children's literature. Members of Beth Am or the community at large can check out books and most other materials for 3-week loan periods.


• Oshman Family Jewish Community Center -- A community center in Palo Alto that provides cultural, recreational, and educational facilities for all ages.