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OUR APPROACH

An observer noted that there are three types of Jews:

Jews of the Head – those who embrace the intellectual pursuit of all things Jewish. Studying Torah, Jewish history, ethics and culture is at the core of their religious lives.

Jews of the Hand – those who attend weekly religious services, practice Jewish rituals in the home and/or commit themselves to social justice work want their Judaism to be an active, outward expression of who they are.

Jews of the Heart – within every Jew is a deep emotional connection to our people; past, present and future. Within them is a profoundly Jewish soul – a clear Jewish identity.

For many who are born and grow up Jewish, one of these expressions of Judaism may be their sole focus. In the process of conversion, you will be introduced to, and engaged in, all three. Each of these three elements of Judaism will speak to you in its own way. Each will have its challenges and triumphs – greater and lesser. The goal of the Center for Conversion to Judaism is to help you integrate all three into your life as a proud member of the Jewish community. 


OUR PROGRAM

Over the course of approximately nine months, you will give birth to a new person within.  During this process you will attend thirty, two and a half hour classes. Our teachers will guide you in learning about; the daily Jewish practices that govern how we eat, pray and pursue an ethical life, the weekly celebration of Shabbat, the cycle of the Jewish year of holiday commemorations, as well as the magnificent story of the Jewish people throughout the ages.  

In addition, you will be asked to fully participate in a synagogue community. Rabbi Larry Sebert of Town & Village Synagogue and Rabbi Lindsey Healey Pollack, our Program Coordinator for the Center, will act as your mentors. If you are affiliated with another congregation, we ask that you arrange to meet with your rabbi as your mentor. The mentor’s role is to help you navigate the intricacies and challenges of becoming Jewish as you sort through your feelings and reactions while exploring many new ideas.

As you grow Jewishly and directly experience the joys and sorrows of life through a Jewish lens, your sense of identity with the Jewish people will begin to grow. Each new Jewish encounter will hopefully draw you closer to the heart of the Jewish people.

 

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784