Conversion to Judaism
Judaism is not a proselytizing religion – we do not believe ourselves to be obliged to convince anyone to convert to our religion. Judaism regards non-Jews as having every potential to be good people living in relationship with God. However, when people seek out the possibility of converting to Judaism, we respond positively. Since 1978, Reform Judaism has engaged in outreach to people who seek to find meaning and fulfillment by joining the Jewish people.
The process of converting to Judaism takes about a year for most people. It involves a serious program of learning and introspection. Critically, it also requires participation in the Jewish community. Conversion is completed with a ritual immersion in a mikveh (a ritual bath for purification). Most male-identifying candidates for conversion will undergo ritual circumcision (b'rit milah) or an equivalent ritual (hatafat dam b'rit). All candidates meet with a beit din, a panel of three rabbis, before completing their conversion.
It is not necessary to convert to Judaism to participate in Temple Sinai's services and programs.
You can read a short essay from Rabbi Goldwasser that attempts to demystify the process of conversion to Judaism.
Temple Sinai is part of group of Reform congregations in Rhode Island that offers an Introduction to Judaism course every year (usually from October to March) that is suitable for conversion candidates. Click here for more information on the course. The course is highly recommended, but not required for conversion.
If you are an adult (18 or older) who lives in Rhode Island, you can contact Rabbi Goldwasser about beginning a process toward conversion, which generally includes monthly meetings, reading, discussion, and participating in Temple services and events. Those interested in conversion are advised to first attend one or more of our Shabbat services on a Friday evening or our Torah study on Saturday morning. Please introduce yourself to the Rabbi when you arrive to let him know about your interest.
Here are some important considerations for conversion to Judaism:
• Candidates for conversion should be motivated by a sincere interest in exploring conversion to Judaism as their exclusive religious identity. We do not accept "Messianic Judaism" as a legitimate form of Judaism. (So-called "Messianic Judaism" is the belief by some that Jewish religious observance is an appropriate path for following Jesus as the Messiah).
• Conversion is a process that requires significant introspection. Candidates should be open to considering and discussing honestly their personal history, their motivations for conversion, their prior religious experiences, and their conceptions of God, Torah, and Jewish peoplehood.
• We accept conversion candidates of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We do not discriminate against people who identify as LGBTQIA.
• We accept conversion candidates who are married to non-Jews and who have non-Jewish children.
• Conversion candidates should understand that most authorities of orthodox Judaism do not accept the validity of non-orthodox conversion. Conversion is something that you do for yourself, not for others.
The process of converting to Judaism takes about a year for most people. It involves a serious program of learning and introspection. Critically, it also requires participation in the Jewish community. Conversion is completed with a ritual immersion in a mikveh (a ritual bath for purification). Most male-identifying candidates for conversion will undergo ritual circumcision (b'rit milah) or an equivalent ritual (hatafat dam b'rit). All candidates meet with a beit din, a panel of three rabbis, before completing their conversion.
It is not necessary to convert to Judaism to participate in Temple Sinai's services and programs.
You can read a short essay from Rabbi Goldwasser that attempts to demystify the process of conversion to Judaism.
Temple Sinai is part of group of Reform congregations in Rhode Island that offers an Introduction to Judaism course every year (usually from October to March) that is suitable for conversion candidates. Click here for more information on the course. The course is highly recommended, but not required for conversion.
If you are an adult (18 or older) who lives in Rhode Island, you can contact Rabbi Goldwasser about beginning a process toward conversion, which generally includes monthly meetings, reading, discussion, and participating in Temple services and events. Those interested in conversion are advised to first attend one or more of our Shabbat services on a Friday evening or our Torah study on Saturday morning. Please introduce yourself to the Rabbi when you arrive to let him know about your interest.
Here are some important considerations for conversion to Judaism:
• Candidates for conversion should be motivated by a sincere interest in exploring conversion to Judaism as their exclusive religious identity. We do not accept "Messianic Judaism" as a legitimate form of Judaism. (So-called "Messianic Judaism" is the belief by some that Jewish religious observance is an appropriate path for following Jesus as the Messiah).
• Conversion is a process that requires significant introspection. Candidates should be open to considering and discussing honestly their personal history, their motivations for conversion, their prior religious experiences, and their conceptions of God, Torah, and Jewish peoplehood.
• We accept conversion candidates of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We do not discriminate against people who identify as LGBTQIA.
• We accept conversion candidates who are married to non-Jews and who have non-Jewish children.
• Conversion candidates should understand that most authorities of orthodox Judaism do not accept the validity of non-orthodox conversion. Conversion is something that you do for yourself, not for others.
