Exploring Conversion
Exploring Conversion
"Wherever you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people are my people, and your God is my God; where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried." (Ruth 1:16-17)
For thousands of years, Ruth and others have joined themselves to the Jewish people, accepting both our history and our destiny as theirs. The forms of joining the Jewish people have changed over the centuries, but the general procedure remains the same since the time the Rabbis first discussed the issue in the Talmud. To convert to Judaism, a person must act not for any ulterior motive; rather, one must accept Judaism as one's exclusive religious practice and become part of the Jewish people. Westminster Synagogue offers a programme for those wishing to convert, to confirm their Jewish status or members who simply wish to join a group that is exploring Judaism and what it means to be Jewish.
The person who wishes to convert should make an appointment with our Rabbi and arrange an interview. The candidate should attend (if appropriate or relevant with his or her Jewish partner). Everyone will receive a sympathetic welcome and all help will be given to go through the process. Generally the process takes one year so that the candidate can experience all of the Jewish holy days and some of the Jewish life cycles. Classes are run once a week and attendance at Shabbat and Festival services is integral to the process. Candidates for conversion are required to write essays, on which guidance will be given. After the period of study, the candidate will be recommended to appear before the Rabbinic Board (Beit Din) of three Rabbis who will assess the candidate, following the recommendation of the sponsoring Rabbi and Synagogue. This is not an examination but a discussion about the essays, the experience and approach of the candidate and his/her partner (if relevant).
For more information about conversion, please click here or contact the Synagogue Office by email at guy@westminstersynagogue.org.
For more information about confirming Jewish status, please click here or contact the Synagogue Office by email at guy@westminstersynagogue.org.
Sun, 17 August 2025
23 Av 5785
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 21 , 2025Westminster Bridge Group
Thursday, Aug 21st 2:30pm to 4:30pm
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Friday ,
AugAugust 22 , 2025Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, Aug 22nd 6:30pm to 7:00pm
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 23 , 2025Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat, Aug 23rd 10:30am to 12:30pm
Shabbat Morning Services that bring members of all ages and generations together to pray, learn and celebrate Shabbat. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 29 , 2025Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, Aug 29th 6:30pm to 7:00pm
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 30 , 2025Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat, Aug 30th 10:30am to 12:30pm
Shabbat Morning Services that bring members of all ages and generations together to pray, learn and celebrate Shabbat. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Music-Led Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, Sep 5th 6:30pm to 7:15pm
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025Chuliyot - Community Singing
Friday, Sep 5th 7:30pm to 9:00pm
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025Education: Staff training day
Shabbat, Sep 6th 9:30am to 1:30pm
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025Pre-Service Parsha
Shabbat, Sep 6th 9:45am to 10:15am
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Saturday ,
SepSeptember 6 , 2025Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat, Sep 6th 10:30am to 12:30pm
Shabbat Morning Services that bring members of all ages and generations together to pray, learn and celebrate Shabbat.
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 7:52pm |
Shabbat Day
Havdalah : 8:58pm |
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This week's Torah portion is Parashat R'eih
Shabbat, Aug 23 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Aug 22, 7:52pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Aug 23, 8:58pm |
Erev Rosh HaShanah
Monday, Sep 22 |
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