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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.
Sat, 27 July 2024
21 Tammuz 5784
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Saturday ,
JulJuly 27 , 2024Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat, Jul 27th 10:30am to 12:30pm
Shabbat Morning Services that bring members of all ages and generations together to pray, learn and celebrate Shabbat. -
Saturday ,
JulJuly 27 , 2024Oneg Shabbat: Rabbi Friedlander z'l
Shabbat, Jul 27th 1:00pm to 2:30pm
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Tuesday ,
JulJuly 30 , 2024WS Open Kitchen Refugee Cooking at JW3
Tuesday, Jul 30th 10:30am to 1:00pm
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Tuesday ,
JulJuly 30 , 2024WS Open Kitchen Refugee Cooking at JW3
Tuesday, Jul 30th 10:30am to 1:00pm
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Friday ,
AugAugust 2 , 2024Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, Aug 2nd 6:30pm to 7:00pm
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 3 , 2024Shabbat Morning Service & Baby Blessing
Shabbat, Aug 3rd 10:30am to 12:30pm
Shabbat Morning Services that bring members of all ages and generations together to pray, learn and celebrate Shabbat. -
Tuesday ,
AugAugust 6 , 2024WS Open Kitchen Refugee Cooking at JW3
Tuesday, Aug 6th 10:30am to 1:00pm
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 8 , 2024Westminster Bridge Group
Thursday, Aug 8th 3:00pm to 5:00pm
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Friday ,
AugAugust 9 , 2024Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, Aug 9th 6:30pm to 7:00pm
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 10 , 2024Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat, Aug 10th 10:30am to 12:30pm
Shabbat Morning Services that bring members of all ages and generations together to pray, learn and celebrate Shabbat.
Today's Calendar
: 1:00pm |
Havdalah : 9:46pm |
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 8:28pm |
Shabbat Day
Havdalah : 9:34pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Jul 27 |
Jul 30 |
Jul 30 |
Aug 6 |
Aug 8 |
This week's Torah portion is Parashat Pinchas
Shabbat, Jul 27 |
Candle Lighting
Shabbat, Jul 27, 8:38pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Jul 27, 9:46pm |
Erev Tishah B'Av
Monday, Aug 12 |