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Education > Choosing Judaism
Choosing Judaism
We welcome the stranger with love
“More beloved by God than all the children of Israel
who stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai are those who choose Judaism,
who come to the Torah of their own accord.” — Midrash Tanchuma
Many individuals who seek a spiritual home find Judaism attractive. At Sherith Israel we welcome all seekers to explore what Judaism offers. We recognize that conversion to Judaism represents a challenging, powerful, and transformative undertaking. To make an informed decision about conversion to Judaism, an individual should thoroughly understand what it means to be Jewish. Our conversion program helps the prospective Jew-by-choice explore all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life. It takes about one year and encompasses several components:
- Introduction to Judaism: This 12-week course, led by Rabbi Larry Raphael, Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller and Lisa Erdberg, our outreach fellow, provides a detailed look at Judaism. Prospective Jews-by-choice may take an equivalent course elsewhere.
- Discussion groups: We offer discussions
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led by clergy and lay facilitators, addressing issues fundamental to choosing Judaism. Individual study: Each prospective Jew-by-choice works with a mentor — a member of the synagogue — who directs an individualized program of study. Mentors are selected for their knowledge, enthusiasm and compatibility.
- Hebrew language study: Small-group lessons use a basic approach to facilitate familiarity with the prayerbook and blessings.
- Jewish living: We encourage individuals studying for conversion to join all aspects of congregational life, including Shabbat and holiday worship, classes and volunteer opportunities at Sherith Israel and in the larger Jewish community.
- Conversion and membership: Conversion usually culminates with an appearance before a beit din (religious court), composed of a Sherith Israel rabbi and two members of the congregation, and a visit to the mikvah (ritual bath). Subsequently, the congregation publically welcomes the individual into the community. It is expected that individuals studying for conversion at Sherith Israel will become members of the congregation.
Conversion represents a choice that must be made by an individual of his or her own free will. We emphasize that following Jewish tradition, we never pressure prospective Jews-by-choice or seek them out from other religious institutions.
Jews-by-choice become full members of the Jewish people and the Sherith Israel community. The Torah provides the basis for this with many examples, including, “One law and one rule will apply to you, and to the proselyte who lives with you” (Numbers 15:16).
We are delighted to discuss our program with you. Information: Rabbi Larry Raphael, 415.346.1720, x19, or rabbiraphael@sherithirsrael.org.
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