Jewish Institute for Religious Instruction

     ONLINE Conversion to Judaism  Program

 Conversion to Judaism/Converting  to Judaism program

                          email Rabbi@convertjudaism.org                                     

                                                call 847-331-3584

Española de conversión al judaísmo programa de Larga Distancia 

 

 Program

Requirments

Application

Questions

Testimonials
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

                  EXPLORING CONVERTING TO 

          JUDAISM-JEWISH CONVERSION 

                                                 but

                      Cannot  attend a regularly scheduled course ?

                      Do not live near a rabbi who teaches conversion classes?

                      We designed this unique program for people who want to be 

                      Jewish but cannot attend a regularly scheduled class.           

                       Contact Rabbi@convertjudaism.org

                                          847-331-3584

 

                       OUR PROGRAM:

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete application form.
2. Purchase books; pay tuition by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Paypal or Money Order
$650 within USA tuition and books one person. second person is 50% off tuition
3. Complete all 16 Sessions
· Do all assigned readings
· Watch videos
· Complete memory work
· Send terms with completed definitions for each session
Study values for each session
· Be able to demonstrate familiarity with all assigned materials
4. After completing all sessions write a final essay as assigned.
5. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.”
6.Optional Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Etz Chayim Chumash. Return brief reports to 10 Parshaot over the course of your study process. Watch our 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).
7. Have conversations with Rabbis
8. Demonstrate a commitment to Jewish living and religious practice.
9. Commit to learn basic Hebrew reading.
10. Appear before a Beit Din (rabbinical tribunal) at which time you will be asked the following questions:
Do you choose to enter the eternal covenant between God and the people Israel and to become a Jew of your own free will?
Do you accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious faiths and practices?
Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances?
Do you promise to establish a Jewish home, and to participate actively in the synagogue and the Jewish community?
Do you commit yourself to the pursuit of Torah and Jewish knowledge?
If you should be blessed with children, do you promise to raise them as Jews?
11. Males will require circumcision. If already circumcised, a ritual circumcision is required. Males and females will require immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath).

12. Read and sign the declaration of Faith.
13. Pick out a Hebrew name. For legal/spiritual purposes your parents will be Abraham and Sarah.


ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY to be written AFTER you finish the course of study
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
Your paper will be shared with the two other members of the Bet Din (Rabbinical Court).


Final Questions Bet Din will ask you
Rabbi to Ger/Gioret
1. Are you converting to Judaism by your own free will and volition, without coercion or undue external influence?
2. Do you renounce all beliefs you may once have had in any other religion?
3. In becoming Jewish, are you giving up all religious practices, holidays, and life cycle events such as baptism and communion that might be associated with your former religion?
4. Do you accept the God of Israel as the one universal and indivisible God?
5. Do you commit yourself to observing the mitzvoth of Judaism, as defined by Jewish law, to the best of your ability and knowledge?
6. Do you commit yourself to the further study of Judaism and to continued growth in the observance of its mitzvoth?
7. Will you support all those who seek to reestablish and revitalize our Jewish homeland by making the land and State of Israel a part of your life and the life of your family?
8. If blessed with children, do you pledge to raise them exclusively in the Jewish religion by providing them with a quality Jewish education and timely involvement in Jewish life-cycle events?
9. Do you commit yourself to associating with the Jewish community by joining a synagogue?
10. Do you bind your personal destiny to the destiny of the Jewish people?
.

Blessings for Conversion
Baruch ata Adonai, Elohaynu melech ha’olam, asher
Kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al hattiveelah.
Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, you
Have blessed us with your commandments (mitzvoth)
And have commanded us to immerse ourselves.
Baruch ata adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, she-
Heh-chech-yanu, v’ki-manu, v’higi-anu, la-z’man ha-zeh
Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this special time.

DECLARATION OF FAITH to be read in front of Bet Din and signed
I hereby declare my desire to accept the principles of the Jewish religion, to follow its practices and ceremonies, and to become a member of the Jewish people. I do this of my own free will, with an understanding of the significance of the tenets and practices of Judaism, and full realization of the commitment I herewith assume.
I pray that my present conviction may guide me through life, that I may be worthy of the sacred tradition and fellowship which I now join. As I am thankful for the privileges thus bestowed upon me, I pray that I may always remain conscious of the duties which are mine as a member of the House of Israel.
I declare my determination to maintain a Jewish home, and accept Kabbalat Ol Mitzvote-the yoke of the commandments incumbent upon all Jews: a commitment to the God of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the people of Israel. I pledge to live the Jewish way of holiness by accepting the mitzvot of Judaism now and always, here and wherever I may be. I have determined to the best of my ability, to make the following Jewish observances an integral part of both my life and that of my family: Jewish education for all children to be born or adopted by me, observance of Shabbat and holidays, incorporation of kashrut, affiliation with a synagogue and attendance at services, regular prayer, gemilut hasadim –deeds of loving kindness, identifying with the Jewish community and the State of Israel, and the study of Torah. Should I be blessed with children, I pledge to bring them into the Covenant of Abraham and to rear all children with whom God may bless me in loyalty to the Jewish faith and practices.
HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD ALONE.
PRAISED BE HIS SOVEREIGN GLORY FOREVER
Witnesses:
…………………………. Date ………………..
…………………………. Place
 

Long Distance Conversion-to-Judaism Program Enrollment Form

        A program of the Jewish Institute for Religious Instruction supervised by a  Bet Din of Chicago

 

Return this form via email to enroll

 

 

Today’s Date:

Name:                                                              How old are you?

Gender Male or Female? 

 

If male, are you circumcised?

 

 

Phone:                                                              Email:

 

(We'll need a mailing address if you sign up in order to ship the books)

 

City/Country                                                    

 

Name of Spouse (if applicable):                      Is your spouse/partner  Jewish already? Or  Converting?

          

 

 

 

 

Names(s) and ages of Children if converting:

                                     

                                                     

Educational History (names of schools beyond High School , degrees earned):

 

Present/Past Religious Affiliation:

 

How did you learn about the program? 

 

Please briefly explain your interest in converting to Judaism and any previous Jewish experiences or knowledge: (The final essay will ask for more detail

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Purchase books and pay tuition for the course for an individual

$650 (+ optional $40 dvd set of all videos) within USA, includes the $500 tuition and books.

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

Please indicate if you want the dvds too   I do/do not want them

 

 

OR, there is an ebook option too if you prefer. $550 and you order the ebooks

 

We also have small supply of KOSHER MEZUZAH SCROLLS from Jerusalem $25, normally $40 and up

+I’d like to order _____ # Mezuzah scrolls $25 each 

 Pay for course and materials with credit card ?

Credit card  #--------------------------------------------------------------------

Expiration date______________________

Security code on back__________________________

If you prefer paypal, indicate so and we’ll paypal the request

 

Read and 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 have graduates who have made aliyah under current Israeli law and anecdotal evidence that some Orthodox rabbis "quietly" have accepted our graduates.

__I/We do not accept Jesus/Yeshua as our Lord and savior, or messiah.

 

We very much look forward to working with you!

 

 Converting to Judaism - Conversion is a journey.

Journey is the key word. A transformation this large does not happen quickly. The journey will include exploration of your psycho/spiritual, cultural, intellectual and social identity. To feel Jewish will require time, experience, patience, fun-to LEARN, LIVE and LOVE the Jewish way. Since it is a journey, it does not end after the mikvah ritual bath/immersion and bet din/ Rabbinic tribunal. They mark your acceptance of your Jewish identity, and your commitment to Judaism. An important Hebrew word is savlanute-patience. Be patient with yourself.  There is a large amount of new terms, ideas, facts etc. in this course. DO NOT GET overwhelmed. Learn what you can absorb now. We will not hold you accountable for everything. Do your best. You have the rest of your life to build on your Jewish memories, learn and shaping your Judaism, as do we all. This course is self-paced, home school style. You can speak with us as often as you wish via phone and email.
________________________________________________

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?

=________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Testimonials about the course and this programof conversion

 

1.I want to convey a personal note to thank you for my conversion to Judaism.  I have now been been accepted as a full member of the Jewish Community of Malta and I have been called to the Torah several times now.  I am keeping Shabbat from Erev Shabbat till Havdallah with the help of the local Chief Rabbi (Admor) who invites me to his house after synagogue services.  Baruch Hashem, kosher food is now being imported in Malta by a Maltese food retailer as a lot of Israelis are visiting the island on chartered flights given the strained relations between Israel and Turkey. Well, I am involved also in the preparations for the Pesach seder which will be celebrated in grand style in one of our top hotels, where we hope that some Maltese dignataries will also attend.
 my life in Judaism is steadily progressing.  My next step is learning Hebrew ..... 
Dear Rabbi ..... whilst I sincerely wish you all the best ..... please take care and stay in touch.
Thanks.
 Best regards from Malta,

2.   I inform you that Lev Chadash in Milan recognizes my conversion from your building

 it.



3.Dear Rabbi,

Blessings and prayers for you. 
The work you have done has helped us tremendously. And we are sure t'ousands of others have benefitted from your dedication to spreading emuna around the globe.
You are like a whirlwind of energy. I'm sure you will in some way continue to assist all the seekers, the baal teshuva, those returning to the path.
Please know, that you have done a great service. to your fellowman, your fellow jews, and to Hashem, may He be blessed. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Truly, we thank you and wish you the very best
David Simcha ben Sarah Imenu
Sheina Levana bat Sarah Imenu

                     

4.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

 
5.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

 

 

 

6.There are also no words to properly convey the depth of my appreciation to you Rabbis, yet mere words will have to suffice. Thank you for this gift, for which I can never truly repay you.  I will instead repay it by living, loving, and learning Jewishly more each day.   Rob Feb 8 2009

more

 

Shalom Rabbi,
Thanks again for everything. I'll have to admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I feel like I am starting over as a new man,  a Jewish man who needs to be more responsible to be a light to others, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I made it home safe!
Thank you with all my heart!
Shalom Aleikhem, Hillel 

 Rabbi,

Thank you so much! I can hardly express my excitement. Last night I
could not sleep. I was up reading about how the messiah is to come from
the line of King David and trying to make sure I remembered dates. I was
so nervous. The kids were nervous too. We did not need to be, but I
think it was natural to be so. Meeting you and the other Rabbi's was a
gift. All three of you are wonderful men. We have so much yet to learn,
but we have gotten a great start with your online course.

I just could not possibly articulate my thanks in words. Just know that
in my heart this feels right to me. I feel that I am home in Judaism.
You and your course have helped me find my way home. Rabbi Jonathan  thank you so much for your time and efforts. I know that you
are busy people. I just want you to know that your work is
wonderful and a gift to anyone exploring this path.

 

Dear Rabbi

I just wanted to send you l a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life.
I think the work you  are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know.

With best wishes
Leon from Australia

 

 

 

Rabbi,

Thank you so much! I can hardly express my excitement. Last night I
could not sleep. I was up reading about how the messiah is to come from
the line of King David and trying to make sure I remembered dates. I was
so nervous. The kids were nervous too. We did not need to be, but I
think it was natural to be so. Meeting you and the other Rabbi's was a
gift. All three of you are wonderful men. We have so much yet to learn,
but we have gotten a great start with your online course.

I just could not possibly articulate my thanks in words. Just know that
in my heart this feels right to me. I feel that I am home in Judaism.
You and your course have helped me find my way home. Rabbi Jonathan l, thank you so much for your time and efforts. I know that you
are busy people. I just want you to know that your work is
wonderful and a gift to anyone exploring this path.

Email-small world story

What a small world we live in.  I was one of three on the Beit Din of a wonderful young lady this afternoon.  Her name is Val.
The Rabbi at the Reform Temple here tries to have someone that has converted to Judaism on the panel.  This time I was fortunately asked. Through the course of questions, Val and I discovered that we both know your through your videos!  The others on the panel were at a loss to our excitement.  We both had big smiles on our faces and it really broke the ice.
ValWe had a chance to talk after the Beit Din, before her Mikvah, about all the things we learned from you.  We both lived rather far awayfrom a Synagogue and your were our lifeline to Judaism. I hope you understand the scope of the good work that you do.  I personally can't thank you enough for what you have done for me.Today's experience taught me that I am not alone in feeling this way. Scott
  

 

Boker Tov dear Rabbi Jonathan. I wanted to say that I made it safely back to Miami.  I wanted to thank you and all of you for your welcome. I was truly overwhelmed by the genuine kindness, tenderness, attention, the sincerity you all give. I never felt so welcomed anywhere. A lot of things are coming to me via ripple effects : the strongest one is like quietness and a calm joy. I am now looking for a community as close as possible to my house so I can start participating and start growing. Living jewishly by oneself does not amount too much !!!.  This past Wednesday was just the first step   Thank you so much for everything. Ahava
Shalom 

 

 

I just wanted to let you know that if I hadn't told you before that I appreciate all the things that you have done for in my path to Judaism. I wouldn't be where I am at today without your help.  I also wanted to tell you that because of that help I will be going to Israel next fall to study at Darche Noam/Shapell's yeshiva.  They accepted my application and I will be spending at least a year there.  I will be leaving right before Elul.

Thank you Rabbi! Mark
This is a wonderful approach to conversion and a great deal financially.
Thank you. Henry
 
Dear Rabbi
I truly appreciate your words very much. The session are very well done and presented and Rabbi J.  has become part of my life, a friend and teacher as I'm constantly watching his outstanding videos about all the different topics.In fact I'm planning to go this year to the States to your congregation to get the chance to meet you both personally. Regards, Roberto
While searching online I came across your site.  I visited
several others, but frankly yours is the most detailed, well-thought,
and professional of the lot.
Rob

 just saw your YouTube videos and they caught my eye.  They are quite honestly, some of the best I've seen on there! I'm a member of the video team, the leading "how-to" and expert online video site, (Maybe you caught our recent write-up in Time Magazine:  just made their annual list of the 50 Best Websites of 2008!)  and thought that you might be a perfect fit four our site. Our mission here at Howcast is to show people how to do practically anything with fun, informative how-to videos they'll actually want to watch -like yours! Your videos are so amazing, and I would love if we could include them on our site - "

 

"I think it is your great communication ability which draws me to you as a Rabbi. Each and every message is well thought out and superbly communicated. I thank you very much for the enlightenment I receive from you. I realize that I am but another non-Jewish person working on my conversion to Judaism, so my opinion is somewhat less educated than some others, but I receive great pleasure from listening to you via ipod. Please let me encourage you as well as thank you for your efforts."

Video impact and there is hope...

 

 

Dear Rabbi,
thank you for those excellent videos.  I never knew anything about judaism until i visited some friends of mine in Israel ( Israeli's i went to college with) lol! at the time i was  non practicing muslim(convert). After my experience there a month 2 weeks on a kibbutz and the other 2 weeks traveling around, I began studying  a lot about the history of the country etc. It definitely changed my whole political philosophy and life in general. I am now a practicing nothing , but your videos are very informative and please keep it up.. Before going to Israel i did not realize how diverse Israel was in terms of race etc it definitely suprised me.
Thank you again.
Shalom
Toda Raba

 

Dear Rabbi:
       " I wanted to write to thank you for taking the time to develop and place online the series of videos covering the Jewish tradition, prayer and custom. I want to let you know that your videos I believe are very useful and I find it truly inspiring that -- when you made the videos --you had no idea that they would touch me or any other person, per se, yet you took the time to develop the series and had the foresight to see that people, myself included, would benefit from the series. Thank you. 
       By way of background, I grew up outside of Boston in a Jewish household. I never, ever like Hebrew school and did just about everything I could to avoid or skip it. I was Bar Mitzvahed, then almost immediately -- to put it mildly -- religion fell out of favor with me. (It probably fell out of favor long before).       Today is my 25th birthday. About six months ago when I was living in Boston, I called my cousin and said "Would you and your wife like to do Shabbat this weekend?" He says back "What do you mean by that?" ... I say, "I mean, I provide the Chullah, you provide the wine." ... About five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you want to do the candles?" ... I say "It wouldn't be shabbat without them." ... Five minutes later he calls me back and says "Pam wants to know if you are serious."       Every week after that, our Shabbat dinner stated to include more and more of the "grandchildren" (my cousins) and what was amazing is that there was no adult standing there telling us we had to do it. Now that I moved to Texas, I am getting involved in the local Temple, and it's really nice to have your refreshers to study and get up to speed.       Thanks again and please keep posting new videos. With kind regards,

 


© Copyright 2008, Unless otherwise stated on a page, the contents of this material, including but not limited to the text, graphics, sounds and scripts contained herein, were created by and are the sole property of Esynagogue.org,  The contents of this site may not be reproduced.