Conversion to Judaism

Conversion is a lifelong path.

The Conservative Movement does not proselytize, but welcomes individuals interested in becoming Jews by choice.

Each candidate for conversion chooses a sponsoring rabbi  who oversees the conversion process as well as the successful completion of a Jewish course of study. Where applicable, the Jewish partner is expected to participate fully in the course of study. Candidates also meet regularly with their sponsoring rabbi. Every candidate for conversion experiences the journey differently. From the initial meeting with the sponsoring rabbi to immersion in the mikveh generally takes 16-18 months.

Following successful completion of a course of study and upon the recommendation of the sponsoring rabbi, the conversion candidate appears before the Beit Din, a panel of three rabbis. The members of the Beit Din ask a variety of questions to determine the eligibility of the candidate for conversion to Judaism.

The Ontario Region operates an Introduction to Judaism course for those desiring to learn about Judaism with an interest in conversion and a beit din, a rabbinic court, to facilitate conversion to Judaism. Participation in the Introduction to Judaism class does not guarantee conversion. Candidates are expected to display ongoing commitment to living a life of mitzvot, Jewish commandments. This commitment grows each month through learning and practice.

After approval from the Beit Din, men require hatafat dam brit, the drawing of a tiny drop of blood from the skin of the penis, which is performed by a skilled practitioner. Men not already circumcised must make medical arrangements for a circumcision, which will be followed at least a few weeks later by the hatafat dam brit. Both men and women complete their conversion by clothesless immersion in a mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath.

The Rabbinical Assembly, Ontario Region also facilitates conversions for adopted children and children born to a non-Jewish mother.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

As mentioned above, the Rabbinical Assembly, Ontario Region operates an Introduction to Judaism course for individuals interested in study towards conversion. Completion of the course neither guarantees nor requires conversion, but is one step in the conversion process to be completed with a sponsoring rabbi. It is the responsibility of each candidate to find a sponsor within the Rabbinical Assembly, Ontario Region.

The Ontario Region runs two concurrent annual sessions. Each session runs ten months, with a break during the summer.

January – December, Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 PM

The first class is scheduled for January 5, 2021 and ending on December 14, 2021.

Instructor: Rabbi Wayne Allen

Location: On-line

August – June, Wednesday evenngs, 7:30-9:30 PM

The first class is scheduled for August 18, 2021 and ending on Sunday, June 22, 2022.

Instructor: Rabbi Martin Berman

Location: All classes will be on-line until it is safe to meet in person

COVID 19 UPDATE:

If the Covid 19 restrictions are lifted - class sessions will be held at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda 100 Elder St., Toronto, Ontario M3H 5G7 (with two exceptions – Mikveh tour and closing session). In case of a delay the classes will be presented over zoom.

Contact the teacher or RA President for more information.

Tuition is $925.00. It may be paid in one lump sum by mail or at the initial registration, or with three cheques, the first for $325 due and payable at the first class, and the remaining two cheques for $300 each post-dated to December 1, 2020 and April 7, 2021 respectively. The fee includes instruction only.

Additional fees will be incurred for those students completing the conversion process to cover related costs.

Application information and form available HERE

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Course requirements:

Hebrew - Proficiency in Hebrew reading is essential for participation in Jewish prayer services. The mechanics of reading Hebrew will be taught throughout the course; however home practice is essential.

Examinations - Students will be tested at the end of each trimester. The examination will be based on the lectures and the reading. A complete syllabus will be made available at the start of each session. Final grades will be communicated to the students and to the sponsoring rabbi.

Class Attendance - Attendance will be taken at every session. No more than five absences will be excused over the duration of the course.

Synagogue Attendance - Each student is expected to attend weekly Shabbat services and all holiday services.

Over the course of thirty-eight weekly sessions students will learn:

• Principles of the Jewish calendar
• Importance and observance of Shabbat
• Relevance and rituals of prayer
• Purpose and practice of kashrut
• Dates and fundamentals of the Jewish holidays
• Basic Jewish theology
• Centrality of Israel in Jewish history and Jewish thought
• Principles of Jewish ethics
• Geography of the synagogue
• Key events and personalities in Jewish history
• Essentials of the conversion process
• Divisions and content of the 24 book of the Bible (TaNaKH)
• Order and divisions of Mishnah and Talmud
• Development of Jewish legal literature from the early rabbinic period until today
• An overview of Jewish philosophers
• Origins and development of Jewish mysticism
• The differences between the modern Jewish religious movements
• How to identify and decode all Hebrew letters and vowels and read (without full understanding)

• Using a Jewish calendar Reciting Kiddush for Shabbat and Festivals
• Lighting candles for Shabbat and Festivals
• Lighting a Hanukkiyah
• Reciting Birkat Hamazon
• Proper use of tallit and tefillin
• Synagogue behavior and decorum
• Performing appropriate table practices (i.e. washing, hamotzi, etc.)
• Using a lulav and etrog
• How and where to affix mezuzot
• Setting up a kosher kitchen