Conversion
Shalom and welcome,
Conversion is a personal journey that we aim to approach with intention, helping you explore the path best for you. Our process includes several steps to help you determine if this path is right for you at this time and if Temple Beth Shalom is the right community for your journey.
Below is an outline of the initial steps toward conversion.
Please note: Completing the steps below does not guarantee rabbinic sponsorship towards conversion. Part of the process will be understanding if Judaism, Reform Judaism, and the Temple Beth Shalom community fit your path. The steps below will help both sides come to a thoughtful decision.
Steps Toward Beginning the Conversion Process
1. Introductory Meeting with a Rabbi
Start by filling out this initial inquiry form, helping us get to know you better and enabling us to schedule a brief introductory Zoom meeting with one of our rabbis. After submitting, our clergy assistant will contact you within a few business days to coordinate.
In this initial meeting, we’ll learn more about your interest and share an overview of the conversion process.
2. Introductory Course & Community Engagement
A. Introduction to Judaism Course (through the URJ)
All prospective candidates are required to complete the Union for Reform Judaism’s Introduction to Judaism course. This 20-session course is offered online, meets weekly, and includes tiered pricing options. Temple Beth Shalom fully endorses this program as a strong foundation for your learning journey.
B. Attendance and Engagement
To help you experience Judaism in a lived and communal way, we ask that you attend Shabbat services and holiday celebrations as possible. This is not only about deepening your knowledge but also an important opportunity for clergy and those pursuing Judaism to get to know one another. (Although we encourage in-person attendance when possible, our Friday evening services livestream may be found here.)
3. Follow-Up Meeting
After completing the Introduction to Judaism course, you may contact our clerge assistant to schedule follow-up meetings with a rabbi. This conversation is a chance to reflect on your experience and explore next steps.
If the rabbi feels it’s a good fit and that you are ready, they may offer to sponsor your conversion. At that point, your formal conversion learning would begin.
4. Conversion Learning and Timeline
Our conversion curriculum includes a series of self-paced learning units. Each unit includes readings, videos, and/or audio materials you can explore on your own schedule. After completing each unit, you’ll schedule an hour-long discussion session with your sponsoring rabbi before moving on to the next unit.
The full conversion process—including the Introduction to Judaism course—typically takes 12 to 18 months. However, the timeline may vary depending on your background, prior experience, and personal circumstances.
If you have a specific life event on the horizon (such as a wedding), please let us know early in the process. We’ll do our best to assess what may be possible.
L’Shalom,
Temple Beth Shalom Clergy Team