Masorti Bet Din Conversions Our movement welcomes those who wish to convert to Judaism, and provides a comprehensive, supportive and meaningful programme of conversion.
Eligibility
the services of our Bet Din are open to members of Masorti congregations across Europe. We also accept a small number of candidates for conversion on an individual basis, who are active and involved in other Jewish communities. We do not accept candidates who are not involved in Jewish communal life.
The process
Conversion to Judaism is a major life decision with important implications for both the individual and community. Our programme of conversion is both supportive and demanding. Our aim is that by the end of the programme our candidates are integrated within our communities; knowledgeable about Jewish law and life, observant, participate in the life of the community and feel at home within the Jewish community.
Conversion under the auspices of our Bet Din is a three-stage process. The first stage is registration. Through initial conversations, we assess a candidate’s suitability to our programme and whether in the given circumstances, conversion through our Bet Din is feasible. This will include an assessment of motivations for converting, the availability of a local community to be involved in, local support and availability of a teacher or mentor to guide the candidate through the tuition. At this stage we also assess the extent of previous Jewish knowledge in order to determine the appropriate programme of study, as well as the degree of the candidate’s involvement in the local community and level of personal observance.
The second stage of the programme is a period of mentoring and tuition. The candidate is expected to learn about Jewish practice and beliefs, Jewish life, Israel and Hebrew. Candidates are also expected to observe Kashrut, make Shabbat special in their home and attend the synagogue on Shabbat and festivals. They are expected to observe the major festivals and lifecycle events, and engage in Jewish prayer. The extent of tuition and the amount of time it will take depend on how involved and how much the candidate knows when coming into the programme. This part of the programme usually takes a year or longer. This part of the programme concludes with a written or oral exam and submitting an essay on an appropriate topic.
The third stage is the actual conversion, which takes place at one of the formal sessions of the Bet Din in London, Paris, Madrid, Stockholm and occasionally in other European cities. This includes appearing before our Bet Din, an interview, confirming commitment to Jewish beliefs and practice, immersion in a Mikvah and a ceremony and blessing. The date of the conversion will be determined by the Bet Din according to each candidate’s individual circumstances. Candidates are not invited to appear before the Bet Din until we feel that they are ready to complete the conversion.
Recognition
Our Bet Din is recognised by the International Rabbinical Assembly (the World association of Masorti/Conservative Rabbis) as one of its affiliate religious courts, and our conversions should be recognised by Conservative/Masorti congregations throughout the world. We adhere to all the requirements of Jewish law. Candidates should be aware that we are not an Orthodox Court, and generally, our proceedings (like proceedings in all other non-Orthodox religious courts) are not generally recognised by Orthodox Rabbis or synagogues.
At present, those who convert to Judaism under our auspices are entitled to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return, providing all other requirements are met. If you are considering immigrating to Israel you are advised to consult with your local Israeli Consulate and Jewish Agency representatives, as well as your local Rabbi, for up to date information. As the demands are quite rigid, you are advised to seek advice as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The laws of the State of Israel frequently change and we cannot guarantee your right to immigrate to Israel.
First steps
Your first point of contact as a candidate for conversion is your local Masorti Rabbi. If you are unsure who to contact, you can contact the Bet Din directly, and we will refer you to the appropriate person.
Your local Rabbi will invite you to a first interview, where you will be able to hear about our conversion programme in greater detail and ask questions. If your Rabbi feels it is appropriate, you will be asked to fill in our registration forms and you will be referred to us. The Rabbis of the Bet Din will then decide whether to formally accept you as one of our candidates.
Costs
The work of our conversion programme is supported by many generous individuals who open their homes and dedicate both time and effort to welcome new members into the Jewish community. However, we do charge a fee for participation in the programme to enable us to continue to provide this important service.
There is a £135.00 registration fee when you are accepted into the programme. You will also be expected to join your local Masorti community, and you (and your partner if appropriate) will be asked to pay a standard membership fee.
The costs of the second stage depend on how much tuition is needed and who is teaching you. You may require some private tuition. You will also need to purchase some of the basic books used in the programme.
There is a £270.00 charge for Bet Din services when you actually come to the Bet Din for conversion. Male candidates who require circumcision will need to arrange for this separately. You will need to meet any personal expenses such as travel expenses to come to your Bet Din interview.
Candidates in some communities pay the Bet Din fees directly to their local community - which then transfers the payments tot he Bet Din. This is the case for those converting through one of our French communities and also in Stockholm.
Full Programme of Study for Conversion Applicants
If you are interested in further information, an outline of our conversion curriculum is available. To download this document please click here.
Out line of our conversion curriculum in French click here.
Eligibility
the services of our Bet Din are open to members of Masorti congregations across Europe. We also accept a small number of candidates for conversion on an individual basis, who are active and involved in other Jewish communities. We do not accept candidates who are not involved in Jewish communal life.
The process
Conversion to Judaism is a major life decision with important implications for both the individual and community. Our programme of conversion is both supportive and demanding. Our aim is that by the end of the programme our candidates are integrated within our communities; knowledgeable about Jewish law and life, observant, participate in the life of the community and feel at home within the Jewish community.
Conversion under the auspices of our Bet Din is a three-stage process. The first stage is registration. Through initial conversations, we assess a candidate’s suitability to our programme and whether in the given circumstances, conversion through our Bet Din is feasible. This will include an assessment of motivations for converting, the availability of a local community to be involved in, local support and availability of a teacher or mentor to guide the candidate through the tuition. At this stage we also assess the extent of previous Jewish knowledge in order to determine the appropriate programme of study, as well as the degree of the candidate’s involvement in the local community and level of personal observance.
The second stage of the programme is a period of mentoring and tuition. The candidate is expected to learn about Jewish practice and beliefs, Jewish life, Israel and Hebrew. Candidates are also expected to observe Kashrut, make Shabbat special in their home and attend the synagogue on Shabbat and festivals. They are expected to observe the major festivals and lifecycle events, and engage in Jewish prayer. The extent of tuition and the amount of time it will take depend on how involved and how much the candidate knows when coming into the programme. This part of the programme usually takes a year or longer. This part of the programme concludes with a written or oral exam and submitting an essay on an appropriate topic.
The third stage is the actual conversion, which takes place at one of the formal sessions of the Bet Din in London, Paris, Madrid, Stockholm and occasionally in other European cities. This includes appearing before our Bet Din, an interview, confirming commitment to Jewish beliefs and practice, immersion in a Mikvah and a ceremony and blessing. The date of the conversion will be determined by the Bet Din according to each candidate’s individual circumstances. Candidates are not invited to appear before the Bet Din until we feel that they are ready to complete the conversion.
Recognition
Our Bet Din is recognised by the International Rabbinical Assembly (the World association of Masorti/Conservative Rabbis) as one of its affiliate religious courts, and our conversions should be recognised by Conservative/Masorti congregations throughout the world. We adhere to all the requirements of Jewish law. Candidates should be aware that we are not an Orthodox Court, and generally, our proceedings (like proceedings in all other non-Orthodox religious courts) are not generally recognised by Orthodox Rabbis or synagogues.
At present, those who convert to Judaism under our auspices are entitled to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return, providing all other requirements are met. If you are considering immigrating to Israel you are advised to consult with your local Israeli Consulate and Jewish Agency representatives, as well as your local Rabbi, for up to date information. As the demands are quite rigid, you are advised to seek advice as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The laws of the State of Israel frequently change and we cannot guarantee your right to immigrate to Israel.
First steps
Your first point of contact as a candidate for conversion is your local Masorti Rabbi. If you are unsure who to contact, you can contact the Bet Din directly, and we will refer you to the appropriate person.
Your local Rabbi will invite you to a first interview, where you will be able to hear about our conversion programme in greater detail and ask questions. If your Rabbi feels it is appropriate, you will be asked to fill in our registration forms and you will be referred to us. The Rabbis of the Bet Din will then decide whether to formally accept you as one of our candidates.
Costs
The work of our conversion programme is supported by many generous individuals who open their homes and dedicate both time and effort to welcome new members into the Jewish community. However, we do charge a fee for participation in the programme to enable us to continue to provide this important service.
There is a £135.00 registration fee when you are accepted into the programme. You will also be expected to join your local Masorti community, and you (and your partner if appropriate) will be asked to pay a standard membership fee.
The costs of the second stage depend on how much tuition is needed and who is teaching you. You may require some private tuition. You will also need to purchase some of the basic books used in the programme.
There is a £270.00 charge for Bet Din services when you actually come to the Bet Din for conversion. Male candidates who require circumcision will need to arrange for this separately. You will need to meet any personal expenses such as travel expenses to come to your Bet Din interview.
Candidates in some communities pay the Bet Din fees directly to their local community - which then transfers the payments tot he Bet Din. This is the case for those converting through one of our French communities and also in Stockholm.
Full Programme of Study for Conversion Applicants
If you are interested in further information, an outline of our conversion curriculum is available. To download this document please click here.
Out line of our conversion curriculum in French click here.