Conversion Course for those who can't attend a local class

2009-02-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Do you live too far from a Conversion class or does your schedule make it impossible for you to take a regular class? With the technology available today, we have created this unique educational program to teach prospective converts in a course which follows a standard Conservative Jewish curriculum. The key is the unique set of dvds we've created with over 500 brief videos, to accompany the standard books etc. We can also provide a Conservative Bet Din at the conclusion of your studies. It is highly preferable you participate, to the best of your ability. with a Jewish community as close as possible.

CALL 847-331-3584 for details on how the program works
rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Long Distance Learning for Conversion PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete application form. Pay tuition $500 for an individual, $750 a couple.

2. Purchase books $150 to USA address includes shipping, $175 outside USA; pay tuition by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Paypal or Money Order and send us shippin address

3. Complete all 16 Sessions-we'll send the entire curriculum after you enroll and pay the fees.
• Do all assigned readings-we send the 11 items by mail
• Watch videos-we'll send the list of the videos to wtch by session
• Complete memory work-there is a cd and videos to help
• Send terms with completed definitions for each session to Gail Ginsburg at ginsburg.gail@gmail.com -there are videos to help
• 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.-
These are the questions
Esynagogue.org
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
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 Rabbi Gail at ginsburg.gail@gmail.com. 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) who are supportive of your decision to join the Jewish people.

5. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.” We have 10 vudeos to assist you.

6. Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Chumash. Watch 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). Write reflections on a least 3 weekly portions.

7. Have phone conversations with the Rabbis

8. Demonstrate a commitment to Jewish living and religious practice, as reflected by the questions and declaration of faith.

9. Commit to learn basic Hebrew reading-we have videos to help.

10. If converting with us
Appear before a Beit Din (rabbinical tribunal) at which time you will be asked the following questions, among others:
• 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. If converting with us, Read and sign the Declaration of Faith in Front of the Bet in.

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 ………………..

13. Pick out a Hebrew name. For legal/spiritual purposes your parents will be Abraham and Sarah

14. If converting with us, at time of completion, fee to Mikveh is $150, $100 honorarium to the other two members of the bet din each and $75 if a male and hatafat dam brit symbolic circumcision is requird. APPLICATION FOLLOWS

Return this form to rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Jewish Institute of Religious Training of Esynagogue.org
Long Distance Conversion Program

Packet
Confidential Information Form
(MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE BEGINNING COURSE)
Date of First Class Session_______________________
Name____________________________________________
Street Address___________________________________City_______________Zip__________
Date of Birth_____________ Tel._______________________ E-mail_______________________
Marital Status_________________ Children___________________________________________
Spouse_________________________________
Occupation________________________________ Employer_____________________________
Present/past church affiliation______________________________________________________
How did you learn about the program?_______________________________________________
Explain your interest in Judaism_______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
If you are sharing this instructional conversion experience with a Jewish partner, please furnish the following information:
Name_______________________________________________________
Street Address____________________________________City______________Zip___________
Telephone_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________
I understand this conversion to Judaism through this program, conducted under Conservative Jewish auspices, would most likely not be considered acceptable by Orthodox Rabbis, and Orthodox Israeli authorities.
Being accepted into the program for study does not automatically mean the candidate would be acceptable for conversion. The candidate needs to fulfill the requirements AND be found worthy by the Rabbinic Tribunal/ Bet DIN

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Paypal or Visa/Mastercard/American Express

need billing name and address, card number and expiration

Conservative Jewish Conversion

Conversion Course for those who can't attend a local class