CONVERSION
And Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, and to return from
following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; – Ruth 1:16
With these stirring words, our ancestor Ruth became a Jew by Choice and joined her life to the life of our Jewish people. Like Ruth, those who have chosen to join our people have added immeasurably to the life of our community and our Judaism.
We open our arms in welcome to individuals not adhering to another faith who wish to consider formally embracing the richness of Judaism and our covenantal community through Gerut (Jewish Conversion). We embrace those who choose our faith through public acknowledgement and celebration, permitting the entire congregation to be witnesses of welcome to new members of our Jewish people.
Reform Gerut (conversion) begins with a formal 16-18 session course of study followed by a period of reflection and consideration. Then the Rabbi will join with the candidate in consideration of their readiness to convert or whether a further period of study and reflection is called for. Upon agreement that the candidate is ready, the Rabbi will welcome the candidate into the Jewish people on a chosen Friday evening before services. At the choosing of the candidate, the process of Gerut can include Milah and/or Tevilah.
If you are interested in pursuing conversion to Judaism, please contact the Rabbi at 973-584-5666.