A Unique, Long Distance/Home study  Program  

for Conversion/Converting  to Judaism

 

                                 Plus Chicago metro classes  in Skokie                   

         email rabbi@convertjudaism.org

 

           call 847-331-3584                                                                        

   

                            

A Conservative Rabbinic Bet Din of Metropolitan Chicago

Adult Education Program awarded Gold Medal from United Synagogue of Coservative Judaism 2009

http://www.uscj.org/images/SolSchAwards2009_AdultEducation.pdf

 


                                                          

                     

Thank you!  I have been reading and listening to the UTube courses non stop since I spoke with you on the phone.  This is a wonderful set of classes and so informative.  This is wonderful.  Thank you again.   Colleen

 


The course is great! We would recommend it to anyone seeking a path to conversion.
The amount of information is astounding. You put so much work into the course.
We thank you tremendously. David and Cynthia

 

Esynagogue.org and JewU Online Courses
www.convertjudaism.blogspot.com/
www.onlinehebrewschool.blogspot.com/
www.judaismviavideos.blogspot.com/
www.judaismtochristians.blogspot.com/
www.pararabbitraining.blogspot.com/
www.barmitzvahbvatmitzvahonlinetraining.blogspot.com/

 

Home

 

What makes our program special and unique?

a. It follows a traditional Conservative/Masorti curriculm of subjects, readings, and traditonal standards of a Conservative Rabbinic Bet Din set of conversion requirements and documents

b. The Bet Din members who sign the documents are Conservative Rabbis

c. BUT, it is a self study/long distance program based on our unique 550+ videos, cds, dvds. You go at your own pace, asking questions and submitting reports as you procede. It can be even better than a classroom because, you have mentoring, but can go back as many times as you wish to the brief videos for enhanced understanding. 

Conversion to Judaism Program Online Long Distance

This course, a prerequisite for conversion to Judaism,  is organized into 16 sessions, with assigned readings and videos, cds, etc. This course is based to our onsite Chicago program, substituting our over 550 videos for the classroom lectures.

The Rabbis on the bet Din all serve or are emeriti from Conservative Synagogues.

We will assist your journey via email and phone conversations. This is designed for those far from a teaching Rabbi, or those whose schedules do not permit attendance at a onsite course.Jewish community is an important part living as a Jew -in addition to taking our course, it is very important to make every effort to be part of a Jewish community if at all possible. It is preferable that you develop a relationship with a local Rabbi if possible.

We have been assisting converts for over 25 years. Building on this tradition, we have developed this unique Long Distance conversion program.


Curriculum
Topics Include: God, Holy Books, Christianity and Judaism, History, Prayer, Ritual Objects, Shabbat, Holidays, Jewish People, Anti-Semitism and Holocaust, Israel, Life Cycle,
 

 

Thanks for your interest in our conversion to Judaism program. To proceed, fill out this form and email it back. Feel free to call or email with any questions. 847-331-3584

APPLICATION

ESYNAGOGUE.COM Long Distance Learning for Conversion
Course of study

1. Complete application form. and email it back 

 

ESYNAGOGUE.COM Long Distance Learning for Conversion

Application Form (rev. 1/10)

 

Today’s Date:

Name:                                                              Date of Birth:

Gender Male or Female? 

 

If male, are you circumcised?

 

Phone:                                                              Email:

Street Address:

City:                                                     State/Region:

Country:                                                Zip/Postal Code:

Name of Spouse (if applicable):

Is e/she converting also?

Names(s) and ages of Children:

Are they converting? If so, ages and genders? If male, are they circumcised?

Occupation                                                       Employer

Educational History (names of schools, majors, degrees earned):

Present/Past Religious Affiliation:

How did you learn about the program? 

 

Please explain your interest in converting to Judaism:

 

 

 

Describe any prior Jewish learning. If you have previously worked with a rabbi, include name and contact info:

 

 

How to Purchase books and pay tuition for the course

 

Total course and materials expenses shipped for an individual. Add $250 for a family of any size.

$650 (+ optional $40 dvd set of all videos) within USA

$675 (+ optional $40 dvd set of all videos)outside USA

 I do or do not want the dvds too. (please circle one)

 

PAYMENT INFORMATION: We accept Mastercard/Visa or PayPal,  or money order to Esynagogue

For credit card billing please send the following info:

 

Card number/

expiration date/

security code on back of card

 

Or to pay with PayPal . go to www.convertjudaism.blogspot.com and pay there using the correct option for 1 or 2 for a family.

 

put initials here    ___I/we understand this conversion, done under Conservative Rabbinic auspices, may not be acceptable to Orthodox Rabbis and the Israeli Orthodox Rabbinic establishment.

 

We will send a box of books and a cd, and email the entire program of study.

Also:

  1. We’ll send a digital Shabbat morning  learner’s prayer book and the videos you need to learn the prayers if you desire. This is related to session 5 of the course but is optional.
  2. We’ll send a digital series of Passover songs and the video links to learn the songs
  3. We’ll send video links for the Hebrew alphabet, and some vocabulary to get you started in Hebrew.




2. Complete all 16 Sessions

•    Do all assigned readings-we send the books by mail
•    Watch videos-we'll send the list of the videos to watch by session
. You can also order the dvds.

•    Complete memory work-there is a cd and videos to help
•    Send terms with completed definitions for each session to rabbi@convertjudaism.org

there are videos to help
•    Study values for each session
•    Be able to demonstrate familiarity with all assigned materials

With each set of terms returned and defined, please cut and paste this form and send it back once you have completed each step:

  I have completed all the readings for this session, read over the values, worked on memorization of the requested items, watched all the videos (except for session 5 which are optional except for set a.) Here are the terms defined for the session:

 

3. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.”-there are videos to help. The questions will be sent as part of the course curriculum

4. Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and try and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Chumash. Watch Rabbi Ginsburg's D’var Torah video for the week’s reading, which you can find at: http://weeklyvideodvartorah.blogspot.com/  (It will be the first one there that week). OPTIONAL-Write a brief explanation of 3 weekly portions and email them in.

 

5. Have conversations with our Rabbis as needed, by phone or email 847-331-3584.

When you sign up and receive my files by email, this explanation will help:

LDL is Long Distance Learning

LMS is Learner's Minyon Siddur.  The digital siddur has page numbers. The videos on that page have LMS with a page number corresponding to the page in the digital siddur to which the video prayers corresponds. This part is optional but helpful for your learning the Shabbat morning prayers. Many of them are used at other times in worship also.

 

Additional items
-Couples may do they work together, or separately, as they wish.
-Children under 13 need not take the course, because they convert by the authority of the bet din. Please teach them as you go through the course. We have a home schooling course for children 3rd-8th grade if you wish also. Boys must be circumcised in a religious ceremony, or if already circumcised but not religiously, then they require hatafat dam brit/symbolic circumcision as the father does. Both boys and girl must immerse. If old enough, they immerse by themselves. If young, then Jewish parent (even if Jewish one minute), dons a bathing suit and takes young children in.
-Costs for families:  Mikvah fee cap is $350 no matter how many in the family. Honorarium you pay for the 2 Rabbinic witnesses we use is $100 x each Rabbi for one adult, $150 for 2 adults plus 2 children, $200 for
for 2 plus 3 and $250 for 2 +4 or more children. There is no extra charge for the course for children.
-Parents immerse first so children can use the new Jewish parents' names as their parents ben or bat etc.
-Work is at your own pace
-Start anytime
-Israel officials tell us Aliyah to Israel is only possible, even with this course and conversion, if you are a member of a synagogue and have a relationship with them.

Call with any questions or concerns 847-331-3584

Costs
Online Tuition for the course: $500 individual/$750 family plus $150 for books and materials (including shipping) within USA, $175 outside of USA
Additional Costs for Conversion Ceremony for an individual
    a. Bet Din - $200 for Rabbinic witnesses
    b. Mikveh - $150
    c. Hatafat Dam Brit - (if males already circumcised) $75
   

 
________________________________________________

Common Questions 

 1. Why do people consider converting to Judaism?

There are many reasons. Often an interreligious marriage sparks an interest in the non-Jewish partner that can lead to a desire to share the religion of his or her spouse. Similarly, when an interfaith couple decides to raise children, the non-Jew may initially decide to explore Judaism in order to seek a religious common ground for the family. Other men and women seeking religious meaning in their lives find that Judaism offers them the best medium of religious expression.

 

2. Do Jews seek converts?

Centuries ago, Jews did engage in proselytizing, particularly during the Graeco Roman period of Jewish history. Judaism respects the religious beliefs of others, as well as the convictions of those who choose no religion! At the same time, Judaism is an open religion that readily accepts and encourages those who look to it for fulfillment and guidance in meeting life’s challenges. We take an active approach to seek out people who might choose to become Jews.

 

3. How do I know if Judaism is right for me?

The best way is to learn as much as you can about Judaism and begin to practice those aspects of Judaism that most appeal to you. Seek out Jewish friends, Jewish family members, or a synagogue community for support. As you study and try out Jewish practice and customs at your own pace, you will become comfortable with them and prepare for further steps. An excellent way to get a sense of the traditions and practice of Judaism is to take our Introduction to Judaism course.

 

4. If I take an Introduction to Judaism class, will I be expected to convert?

No. These courses are offered to anyone who wants to learn more about Judais, including individuals considering conversion, interfaith couples learning together about Judaism and making decisions about whether to have a Jewish home, as well as by born Jews who want to learn more about their own heritage. Although many people do choose Judaism, there are no assumptions or expectations held about people taking the class.

 

5. If decide that I want to become a Jew, how would I go about it?

First, contact us. We will not only discuss with you the process and implications of becoming a Jew, but also explore with your reasons for wanting to do so. In earlier generations, rabbis would discourage potential Jews-by-choice, turning them away three times to test how serious they were. This custom is seldom followed today by some Orthodox, but most rabbis still endeavor to impress upon the potential convert the seriousness of such a choice.

People considering conversion, are expected to study Jewish theology, rituals, history, culture, and customs and to begin incorporating Jewish practice into their lives.

 

6. If I become a Jew, would people refer to me as a “convert? Is there some other, more proper term to use?

In Judaism, people who become Jews have no less than full Jewish status in every circumstance. For this reason, there may be some objection to any distinctive term that refers to a person who has chosen to become a Jew. On the other hand, many people are proud to let others know they are converts to Judaism. Also, as the number of people becoming Jews continues to increase and as various Jewish religious institutions develop programs to encourage and assist people in this process, it has become useful to talk more publicly  About choosing Judaism Consequently, a number of terms have come into common usage, including “convert” and “Jew-by-choice,” often used interchangeably.

 

7. If I become a Jew, what would be the attitude of other Jews toward me?

Judaism has welcomed those who voluntarily become Jews and considers them full-fledged members of the Jewish community. The Hebrew Bible, as well as later Jewish texts, includes examples of such individuals. The most famous and honored example appears in the biblical book of Ruth, where Ruth joins the Jewish people and eventually becomes the great-great grandmother of King David, from whose descendants, according to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will come.

In our day, most Jews welcome wholeheartedly those who have chosen to become Jews. Nonetheless, some Jews-by-choice report occasional offensive comments directed toward them. Although the reasons for such attitudes are complicated, they are based on ignorance and prejudice and are by no means sanctioned by Judaism. As more and more Jews-by-choice enter the Jewish community, as we promote education about Jewish views of conversion and sensitivity to Jews-by-choice, and as public discussion of such a choice grows more commonplace, these negative views continue to fade.

 

8. If I convert with you, will all rabbis consider me a Jew?

Most Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative rabbis recognize the validity of this conversion. Many Orthodox rabbis, however, do not recognize non-Orthodox conversions. We will discuss further any implications for you of conversion under our auspices.

 

9. If I become a Jew, will I be expected to separate from my family of origin?

By no means. Most Jews-by-choice maintain warm Relationships with their family of origin. Conversion to a new religion does not suddenly make you over into something altogether new; nor does it cut you off from old family ties or memories. However, some converts to Judaism find that, especially initially, their family may be hurt or confused by their choice. Such feelings often result from misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about Judaism and are, therefore, perfectly understandable.

 

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

Yes. Many interfaith couples have decided to raise their children as Jews. In many families today, non-Jewish parents play a key role in providing for their children’s Jewish education, as well as creating a supportive Jewish home environment. The more you learn about Judaism, the easier this will be for you. Many Jews see such parents as the givers of a precious gift and as blessing to the Jewish people.

 

11. If I decide not to become a Jew, would I be welcome to worship in a synagogue with my Jewish family?

Most congregations warmly welcome interfaith families to participate in various ways in synagogue life. In following the famous verse from the Book of Isaiah 56:7, “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,” almost all Jewish religious services are open to the public, so you and your family would be welcome to attend. Sabbath services are held on Friday evening and Saturday mornings. Call the specific congregation during the week to find out the times.

 

12. If I’m not yet ready to convert to Judaism or if I decide not to, what options do my Jewish partner and I have for our wedding ceremony?

=________________________________________________

 

NOTE:

Before considering other programs, make sure the rabbis who convert you are members of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly of America. Many rabbis who teach conversion are not accredited by the Conservative Rabbinate, and some are not members of any recognized Rabbinic body. All participating Rabbis of our bet din/religious tribunal for the actual conversion are members of the Rabbinical Assembly of America and the Chicago Board of Rabbis.

 


 

 

 

 Bet Din, Mohel and 7 new Jews from North dakota, Ohio and Chicago

 From Mexico with Mom and bet din

Chicago

Virginia

New Jews and family

 and Bet Din

Illinois

See pictures page for more

From Brazil and Chicago

 From Spain

 

This conversion we did in the Pacific in Hawaii

 

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