Conversion
Conversion at CRS
At Congregation Rodeph Sholom, we are honored to welcome individuals on their journey toward embracing Judaism. Whether you are just beginning to explore or are ready to deepen your connection, our clergy and community are here to support you with warmth, guidance, and respect. Together, we’ll help you navigate this meaningful path, celebrating each step with learning, tradition, and belonging.
DEC 13, 2024 • Rabbi Deborah Goldberg welcoming the newest Jews of our community, honoring their dedication and choice to become a member of the Jewish people.
About the Process
Conversion to Judaism is a process that takes place over many months, requiring the following steps:
1) Initial Meeting with Rabbi Deborah Goldberg
In this initial meeting, you will be asked to introduce yourself and share what is bringing you to your exploration of Judaism at this time. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process or Judaism in general.
2) Enrollment and full participation in Discovering Judaism
Participation in Discovering Judaism is a requirement of conversion at Congregation Rodeph Sholom. Over the course of your study, you will explore holidays, lifecycles, theology, sacred texts, history, and personal practices of Judaism. All class sessions are taught by Rodeph Sholom clergy.
3) One-on-one meetings with clergy mentor
Those seeking to convert to Judaism will be assigned a clergy mentor after their first month in Discovering Judaism who you will meet with about once a month for guidance, reflection, and study. All of our clergy are excited to work with conversion students.
4) Ongoing reflection and study
This experience will be different for each conversion student as you are encouraged to delve deeper into topics from Discovering Judaism that interested you. You will also attend worship services, holiday celebrations, and programs here at Congregation Rodeph Sholom as well as in the wider Jewish community.
5) Beit Din and Mikvah
When both you and your clergy mentor feel that you are ready, a beit din (a rabbinic court of three learned Jews) will be convened. At this meeting, you will share your personal statement and then answer questions from members of the beit din. This is followed by a visit to the mikvah (ritual bath). This immersion ceremony, serving as a spiritual renewal, will prepare you to live a fulfilling Jewish life – immersing yourself in Jewish wisdom and community.
