Congregation Shearith Israel
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conversion at congregation shearith israel

​At Congregation Shearith Israel, we welcome prospective converts with open arms and open hearts. Conversion, the creation of a new Jewish soul, is a sacred endeavor and we take the responsibility to educate, support, and prepare candidates for life as Conservative Jews very seriously. From the moment potential converts contact our synagogue, they are guided through the process by one of our rabbis. After an initial meeting, if both the candidate and the rabbi decide that our community would be a fitting Jewish home for the potential convert and their family, the rabbi designs a unique path forward for each individual. This means that no two journeys to conversion are the same.

In all cases, however, potential candidates for conversion at Shearith Israel:
​• Study. Talmud Torah, the study of Torah is one of the most important mitzvot, or commandments, in the Jewish tradition. Most candidates for conversion take Introdcution to Judaism, a 25-week class that begins in October, taught by our community Conservative rabbis. The class covers essential aspects of Jewish practice, history, culture, Israel and peoplehood. Though not all members of the class are in the process of conversion, the community created in the classroom is one of support and mutual respect and often plays a key role in helping candidates build connection with our synagogue. Those who have already completed a similar course of study should speak with a rabbi about an individual program of study.
• Integrate Jewish Identity into their Lives. The essential work of conversion is creating an authentic Jewish soul. As Jewish identity becomes more present in the life of an individual, one learns to see time, space, relationships, community, and God through the sacred lens of our tradition. This can often be a rigorous and challenging but ultimately rewarding and powerful journey–one that will be facilitated by the caring support of one of our rabbis. Consistent with our values as Conservative Jews, we expect candidates to: develop a Shabbat practice, incorporate aspects of prayer and kashrut (the Jewish dietary laws) into their daily lives, commit themselves to a life of learning and gemilut chasidim (acts of loving-kindness), and build a strong relationship with the State of Israel. Candidates meet with a rabbi on a monthly basis to discuss their progress, receive encouragement, share resources, and discuss how Jewish identity affects family life, work, and other life circumstances.
• Fulfill the Ritual Requirements of Conversion. Those ready for conversion meet with a beit din, a panel of three rabbis, who must affirm that the candidate has successful fulfilled the requirements above. Male converts must undergo brit milah, ritual circumcision, or, if they are already circumcised, hatafat dam brit, a very minor procedure to “sanctify” their previous circumcision for the sake of conversion. Both male and female converts then immerse in a mikvah, a ritual bath, as the final step in the process.

If you’re interested in learning more about our conversion program at Shearith Israel,
​please email Theresa Hurt at 
thurt@shearith.org
© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • About
    • Help Wanted
    • Mission, Vision, Core Values
    • Contact Us
    • Our Congregation and History
    • Blog
    • Places >
      • Shul Locations
      • David A. Segal Family Simcha Play Center
      • Shearith Israel Cemeteries
      • Family Room
    • People >
      • Meet our Klei Kodesh
      • Meet our Staff
      • Meet our Lay Leadership
      • Shearith People
    • Communications >
      • The Shofar
      • Our Video Channel
      • Shearith Social Media
      • Sign up for our emails!
  • Calendar
  • Connect
    • Study Guides >
      • Shabbat Morning Torah Study Guides
      • Thursdays with the Rabbis Study Guides
      • Women's Torah Study Materials
    • Travel to Israel with Shearith
    • Volunteer
    • Get in Touch
    • Groups >
      • 20s and 30s
      • College Connection
      • Shearith Singles 40+
      • Pillars: Hazak Community
      • Shearith Prime
      • Social Action
    • Family Center >
      • Family Center Program and Event Descriptions
      • Tiny Treasures
      • Family Shabbat Retreat
    • The Ladder Project >
      • Donors to The Ladder Project
    • Music at Shearith >
      • Shabbat Musical Experiences
      • Small-Waldman-Cohen Signature Series
      • Hazzan Zhrebker Music
      • Our Shearith Choirs
      • Service From the Heart Album
    • SISterhood >
      • SISterhood Programs and Events
      • Torah Fund
      • SISterhood Gallery Judaica Giftshop
      • SISterhood Board Forms
  • SHEARITH.LIVE
  • GiVE
    • Make Your Donation
    • Annual Campaign
    • Shearith Foundation
  • Pray
    • Shabbat and Minyan Times and Liturgy
    • Alternative Prayer Experiences
    • Holidays >
      • High Holy Days
    • Shabbat Musical Experiences
    • Lifecycle >
      • Birth
      • B'nei Mitzvah >
        • Adult B'nei Mitzvah
      • Conversion
      • Wedding
      • End of Life >
        • End of Life Info
        • Shearith Israel Cemeteries
      • Passings/Yahrzeits
      • Shiva Minyan Liturgy
    • Misheberach (Healing)
    • Torah >
      • Torah and Haftarah Readings
      • Holiday Torah and Haftarah Readings
  • Learn
    • The Weitzman Family Religious School >
      • WFRS Registration
      • WFRS Curriculum
      • WFRS K- 7 Calendar
    • B'nei Mitzvah
    • Adult Learning Calendar >
      • Adult Learning Class Descriptions >
        • ScholarStream Classes
    • Kesher (Special Needs) Program
  • Membership
    • Become a Member >
      • Membership Brochure
    • Membership Portal
    • Update Your Membership Portal
    • Membership Directory
  • Foundation
    • Foundation Mission and Trustees
    • Foundation Gifting
    • Legacy Donors
  • The Gallery