On Tuesday, September 6, Congregation Rodeph Sholom welcomed six new Jews to the People of Israel! We were honored to call them to the bima to lead our community in Shema at Erev Shabbat Services.
Individuals interested in converting to Judaism participate in our Discovering Judaism program, where they engage in serious study of Jewish text, history, prayer, and culture. Chris, Katie, Brian, Stephen, Ellie, and Julia each spent time one-on-one with a clergy mentor further exploring Judaism and their Jewish identity. In order to convert to Judaism, each student engages with a beit din (a council of 3 learned Jews) and immerses in a mikvah. We were lucky to use the ocean at Orchard Beach as our mikvah this year.
Rabbi Goldberg, who leads our Discovering Judaism program, shared a bit about the process of conversion at Erev Shabbat Services: “Each of these six people bring their own stories and journeys to this moment; no two paths towards conversion are the same. The Jewish people are enriched by their presence and commitment, by their dedication and by their journeys.”
