The Rabbinical Assembly

The European Masorti Bert Din is a regional affiliate of the International Rabbinical Assembly.

Programme Of Study For Applicants For Conversion Under The Auspices Of The Assembly Of Masorti Synagogues

Ethos
It takes courage and commitment to make the choice to convert to Judaism and become part of the Jewish people and the Jewish faith. Judaism teaches us to treat those who choose to become Jews with kindness and sensitivity and to have great respect for what they have accomplished.

All of us involved in teaching people who have chosen to convert feel a great deal of respect for, and warmth towards, those who undertake this process.

We have high expectations: serious study, commitment and practice. In return we feel strongly that we have a responsibility to be supportive, clear and fair in our expectations.

Within this ethos we have found over the years that the process of studying towards conversion is enriching and enjoyable for those who undertake it, for their Jewish partners (where relevant), and for their teachers.

Introduction
To change religion and to join a different people is an extremely difficult process. The recommendations set out below are intended to help and guide you through this transition. They are not intended as a strict formal syllabus to be tested at the end of each term. Jewish law prescribes no specific course for those who choose to convert to Judaism. Rather, it requires of the candidate that he or she has a sincere desire to become Jewish, understands the main principles of the religion, is familiar with some of the commandments and has a basic knowledge of the historical experience of the Jewish people.

Nevertheless, it is essential to have a plan to guide and support the convert during the period of preparation. The procedure suggested below is intended to help achieve the goals described above and to facilitate the entrance of the candidate into the community. It should be remembered that for the convert, as for every Jew, learning is a life long task. But the study areas outlined below will provide a good beginning and help to build social, spiritual and intellectual bridges across which to enter the Jewish community.

First Meetings
At your first meeting with one of the rabbis of our communities, you will no doubt wish to explain your position and discuss how best to proceed. The rabbi will want to know that your wish to convert is sincere, that you truly intend to become part of the Jewish community and that conversion through the Masorti movement is appropriate for you. He may well suggest that you inform yourself fully of all the options and go to a number of Synagogues before making any final decisions. Although there may be exceptions, the rabbi will want to know that you intend to join one of the Masorti communities and participate fully in the life of the congregation.

After your discussion with the rabbi you may be asked to go away for a period of some months to consider matters. You will be encouraged and welcomed to attend all synagogue events, but you will not begin an actual course towards conversion until all parties are sure that it is the right step for you.

During this period you may find it helpful to talk to other individuals (and their partners) who are or have been on the programme. They will have insights about the journey involved from many points of view which only some one who has travelled it can know.

After three or four months you should contact the rabbi again, and if you and he feel confident about your plans, you should begin a programme of study. At this point you will be asked to write a letter and fill in registration forms explaining your background and why you have decided - with the agreement of one of the rabbis - to proceed with the process of conversion. The letter and forms will be kept by your rabbi and by the Bet Din of the assembly of Masorti Synagogues. 

The Role Of The Jewish Partner
Often in today's world, though not by any means always, the catalyst for thinking about conversion is a relationship with a Jewish partner. Over time true motivation develops, the desire to lead and share a serious spiritual, ethical, communal and ritual life as Jews.

The Jewish partner has a crucial role. For many people, the conversion of their partner will involve their own rediscovery of Judaism, an important and enriching journey in its own right. For everyone, the conversion of a partner is a shared journey. It is not at all something which one person undertakes to please or satisfy the demands of another. It requires mutual preparation for a shared life-style, faith and values.

Hence, the more the process of learning and engagement with Judaism is shared, the better. Most couples find it enriching to their relationship to share reflection and discussion on these essential aspects which have such bearing both on the daily practice of their lives and on their deepest values. Such sharing is the foundation both of marriage and of parenthood.

A Brief Outline Of The Course
Judaism is a faith and culture with at least three and a half thousand years of history. It is genuinely hard to begin to study it. But don't feel intimidated. It does gradually begin to make sense. Through learning, participation, friendships and the invisible process of and osmosis you will come to feel at home. Also, please remember that for every Jew study is a lifelong mitzvah, a commandment and a joy. Even then, everyone feels that he or she is only at the beginning of their spiritual journey.

Broadly speaking, the process of conversion involves five areas of study and commitment.

i) Attendance At Synagogue
It goes without saying that study towards conversion is meaningful only if it goes together with regular attendance at synagogue and the development of a relationship with and commitment to the community. Difficult, even alien, as it might be at first, coming to synagogue provides the essential link with other Jewish people and is the place in which friendships can be formed and concerns shared. At first, you should arrange to sit next to someone you already know, or to whom you have been introduced. You should come not only to the Shabbat, including Friday night, services where your frequent attendance is expected, but also to many of the other events,- study sessions, social activities etc. so that you can meet and get to know different members of the community. In fact, your teachers will almost certainly recommend you to attend some of the general educational activities of the community as part of your own learning.

ii) The Study Of Hebrew
Hebrew is the language of the most important books of the Jewish tradition. It is universally accepted as the language of Jewish communal prayer. Hence the reasons for studying Hebrew are to be able to participate in services and to be able to read key passages from the most important texts. More details are set out in section 6 below.

iii) The Study Of Judaism And Jewish Life
The aim of this part of the course is to help you to learn about and experience Jewish life from within. You will not only study the rules of Kashrut, but be shown and familiarised with them in practice. You will be taught about Shabbat and encouraged to feel and participate in it as it is lived. You will see the festivals of the Jewish year from the inside, learning the laws, liturgy and traditions connected with each of them.

This part of your study will take place in various formats, special introductory classes, study with your individual teacher, and courses available to the community as a whole. You are encouraged to study and read widely and to attend courses wherever you find topics and sessions of value.

iv) Principles Of The Jewish Faith
You will be asked to join a course of approximately monthly meetings with one of the rabbis of the movement. On each occasion a prescribed topic will be discussed for which you will have been asked to do preparatory reading. This element of the course is intended to provide a focal point for discussing key issues of faith as well as general issues related to the great changes involved in becoming Jewish.

v) Practice
Increasingly as you follow the course you will be expected to live by the traditions and practices which you study. Only experiencing and living by it gives Jewish life its full meaning and only through so doing can a commitment to it really be demonstrated.

Jewish practice affects all areas of life. But we particularly expect that you will establish a kosher household and avoid eating unkosher food when out. We also understand that you will observe shabbat and the festivals to the best of your ability. At the same time we appreciate that Judaism is a journey. We don't imagine that you will be able to do everything all at once, but we consider that you will be a making a life-long commitment to do your best to live according to Jewish practice, teachings and values.

The Learning Process
Key elements in the learning process are arranged through the synagogue (see below). But at the same time it is important that you use your own initiative and follow your own interests, going to courses wherever there are worthwhile options on offer.

Learning Hebrew
You should learning Hebrew through whatever introductory courses are available in the wider community, as well as one to one with your teacher. About halfway through the course you should be able to progress to basic text-based study, either in courses available to the whole community, or in groups arranged for members of the conversion course.

The overall aims in the study of Hebrew are:

~ to be able to read classical Hebrew reasonably fluently;

~ to develop a core vocabulary of important words, phrases and blessings;

~ to learn to follow and feel comfortable in regular services;

~ to be able to conduct home rituals, such as candle-lighting, Kiddush, blessings before and after meals, and Havdalah, with confidence and enjoyment;

~ to begin to feel able to study Torah with references to key phrases or verses in the original Hebrew.

Particular prayers to focus on include:

The Shema ( the first paragraph should be known by heart)

The Amidah ( particular attention should be paid to the three opening and closing blessings; both the weekday and Shabbat Amidot should be read)

The Aleinu

Adon Olam

Kiddush for Friday night and Shabbat and for Festivals

Havdalah

Blessings before and after food.

You may have already found a teacher, or be intending to take courses at one of the institutes which offer them; otherwise, or in addition to this, the community will wherever possible help you to find a teacher.

Courses In Basic Judaism

The Synagogue arranges classes in which you will be able to study basic Judaism.

Attendance at these courses is an essential component of your study.

The community as a whole has a wide-ranging study programme including many courses relevant to the needs of potential converts, especially around the festivals. It is important to participate in these, not only in order to study, but so as to form wider friendships in the congregation.

Much of your study in this area will also be led by your one-to-one teacher (or you may choose to pair up with another member of the course or at times form a small group). Your teacher will have responsibility for guiding you through the key areas of Jewish life in a structured way and building on what you have learned in courses. Areas of study include:

Jewish values;

~ kashrut and the Jewish home;

~ Shabbat;

~ the festivals;

~ the life-cycle;

~ an outline of Jewish history;

~ an introduction to Torah study.

Reading relevant to this part of the course is to be found in the appropriate sections of the book list below.

The Reading Group
You (and where relevant your partner) should attend the reading group led by your rabbi. The discussion is intended to be free-flowing and open-ended, enabling the group to raise whatever questions they may wish about Judaism as well as the inner process of becoming Jewish.

Support
Becoming Jewish effects many, if not all aspects of a person's life. It is not just a question of study. The feelings of family and friends are very important. Sometimes there is tremendous support, but for others some of the relationships involved are not easy. For example, one's own family may need reassurance that they have not been forsaken and that Jewish values are largely familiar: - the value of family itself, community and responsibility, caring for others and charity.

There may be challenging moments and it is therefore very important to know that support is available.

The Group
Much of the study is undertaken in the context of the group of people working towards conversion at the same time. This is a 'rolling group'; people join it as they begin the process of conversion. That means that at any particular time there will probably be members on it who are close to completion of the programme as well as others who have recently started. the group is therefore able to offer both collective wisdom about the process and support. Members are encouraged to meet together socially, over Shabbat for example, and have time to talk.

The Role Of Your One-To-One Teacher
A key person will be your one-to-one teacher. You may have a different teacher for Hebrew and for Jewish studies, but usually the same person will teach you both. It is important that this be a really good relationship. Your teacher will want to know that the level of teaching is appropriate and that the pace has the right balance between comfort and challenge. Do speak openly with your teacher. It may also be that for particular elements of the programme you need an extra teacher or a further course.

Teachers generally love teaching people who are converting to Judaism and express great appreciation for their commitment and authenticity. The study should be enjoyable.

The Role Of Your Mentor
We are looking to offer members of the programme a mentor to whom they can turn on a regular basis to discuss any aspect of the conversion from personal issues to their progress in study. Ideally, mentors will be people who have themselves converted a while beforehand, who have good knowledge of Judaism and a strong attachment to the community.

The Role Of The Rabbi
It is essential that you keep in touch with your rabbi. The easiest way to do this may be around the reading group sessions when a periodic conversation about your progress should be possible.

About half way through the course you should write down in detail all areas of study you feel you have undertaken, as well as the key areas still to be covered. this will act as a guide for you, your teacher and your rabbi to discuss future progress.

Evaluation
It is very hard to evaluate 'progress' on this course in any linear manner. It is possible to assess what has been achieved in terms of study, and this should be reviewed with the teachers involved. Attendance and involvement in community are also essential. It is also important to be aware of what the whole process feels like and to discuss this from time to time. Experience suggests that the programme is a many-levelled journey that has its own impetus and meaning.  

Completion Of The Course
Conversion to Judaism is not like following a strict academic syllabus; this is not a formal course designed to be tested by an exam. It should be thought of rather as a bridge intended to help you to cross into the community. You, your teachers or mentors and the rabbi will decide together when you are ready to undergo the formal rites which complete the process of conversion. In general, though, you will be expected to study for about fifteen months or more, so as to observe and experience the full annual cycle of Jewish life.

Often there are complications because of work or personal circumstances. We all know that life is not simple. This should not make participation on the course impossible, but it may take a little longer, or mean some less and some more intensive periods of learning. This can always be discussed. Occasionally there may be medical, or extremely pressing personal reasons why finishing the course should be expedited. On those rare occasions,a written commitment to continue with essential learning will be required as appropriate.

In completing the course, a number of elements are taken into account, including the level of Jewish knowledge and the degree of commitment and participation. It is a decision made through discussion and consensus.

Once it has been agreed that you are ready to complete the course, you will be asked to write a letter to the Bet Din describing your course of study and indicating that your rabbi has agreed that you are ready for conversion. You will also be asked to prepare a paper on a significant area of Jewish study of your choice.

You will then be given a date to come before the Bet Din and go to the Mikveh. These arrangements, as well as arrangements for circumcision in the case of men will be discussed with you individually.

Book List
(I hope to revise this list soon and any suggestions of what has been worthwhile for you would be very welcome!)

Needless to say, this book list is not intended to be either exhaustive or exclusive. There may well be other titles you decide that you prefer, or areas in which you wish to read more. Similarly, there is no expectation that you will read every page of all of the books listed below. Those marked with a star are especially important and should definitely be read. Each person will wish to make a different selection from the others. It is also important to be guided by your own special interests.

You should regard this as the time in which to build up a basic Jewish library.

The Jewish Year

*Seasons Of Our Joy: Arthur Waskow

*The Festival Anthology Series. Edited by Philip Goodman

*Days Of Awe. S.Y. Agnon

*The Passover Haggadah: Legends And Customs. Menachem Hacohen

and / or The Family Participation Haggadah. Noam Zion and David Dishon

*Days Of Awe. S.Y. Agnon

*The Passover Haggadah: Legends And Customs. Menachem Hacohen

The High Holiday Companion and The Pesach Companion. Edited by Jonathan Wittenberg

The Jewish Holidays: A Guide And Commentary. Michael Strassfeld

The Book Of Our Heritage: Eliahu Kitov

Prayer

*The Singer's Siddur

*Entering Jewish Prayer. Reuven Hammer

*To Pray As a Jew. Hayim Halevi Donin

Bechol Levavecha. Harvey Fields

Horizons Of Jewish Prayer. Jeffrey Cohen

Quest For God. Abraham Joshua Heschel

Shabbat

*The Sabbath: Its Meaning For Modern Man: Abraham Joshua Heschel

*Sabbath, The Day Of Delight. Abraham Millgram

*A section at least of the weekly Torah reading should always be read, together with whatever commentary you can find, including that of Joseph Hertz and Gunther Plaut.

You should make a more in depth study of particular sections on a regular basis with your teacher, using Nehama Leibowitz' studies in each of the books of the Torah.

The Way Of The Commandments

*How To Run A Traditional Jewish Household: Blu Greenberg

*The Book Of Jewish Practice: Louis Jacobs

*The Book Of Jewish Belief. Louis Jacobs

*The Jewish Catalogue Edited by R. Siegel and M. and Sh. Strassfeld

The Life Cycle

*Rites Of Passage: A Guide To The Jewish Life Cycle. Ronald Isaacs

To raise a Jewish Child. Hayim Halevi Donin

Jewish Reflections On Death. Jack Riemer

The Jewish Marriage Anthology. Edited by Philip and Hannah Goodman

Jewish History

*A Short History Of the Jewish People. Raymond Scheindlin

*The Holocaust. Martin Gilbert

*Wanderings. Chaim Potok

*The Diary Of Anne Frank.

*One of the many histories of the State of Israel.

Jewish People, Jewish Thought: The Jewish Experience In History. Robert Seltzer

Civilisation And the Jew. Abba Eban

The Golden Tradition. Lucy Dawidowitz

The Jew in The Modern World. Mendez-Flohr and Reinharz

There is an enormous choice of good histories. it is important that you read at least one full history of the Jewish people as well as specific histories of the modern period, the Holocaust and the State of Israel.

Jewish Thought And Values

* Jewish Wisdom. Joseph Telushkin:

* Jewish Literacy. Jospeh Telushkin

*God, Torah, Israel. Louis Jacobs

*The God I Believe In. Edited by Joshua Haberman

*Sacred Fragments. Neil Gilman

The Earth Is The Lord's. Abraham Joshua Heschel

Who Needs God. Harold Kushner

When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Harold Kushner

Contemporary Jewish Religious Thought. Edited by Cohen and Mendes-Flohr

Back To the Sources. Barry Holtz

Everyman's Talmud. A. Cohen

A Jewish Theology. Louis Jacobs

General
As a good introduction to Jewish life and its many and varied concerns there can be nothing better than to read as widely as possible. There are many general introductions to Judaism available. There are also several excellent books about conversion which you may find helpful. Some people have told me how much they gained from reading a range of novels about Jewish life.

You should also use the Internet as widely as you feel able.

The information provided in this e-mail e is for your convenience, and to the best of our knowledge was correct at the time it was issued. However, circumstances may change, and we reserve the right to change this information as necessary. We do not accept responsibility for unintentional errors or omissions.

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