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, 30 September 2023
15 Tishrei 5784
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Sunday ,
OctOctober 1 , 2023Silver Sunday Afternoon Tea in the Sukkah
Sunday, Oct 1st 2:00pm to 4:00pm
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Monday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2023Modern Hebrew
Monday, Oct 2nd 7:00pm to 8:00pm
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Monday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2023Next Dor Dinner in the Sukkah
Monday, Oct 2nd 7:00pm to 10:00pm
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Wednesday ,
OctOctober 4 , 2023Or Chadash Class + Hebrew
Wednesday, Oct 4th 6:30pm to 8:30pm
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2023Expressions of Judaism: Private View Evening
Thursday, Oct 5th 5:30pm to 8:30pm
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Friday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2023Intergenerational Simchat Torah Activities
Friday, Oct 6th 4:30pm to 6:00pm
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Friday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2023B'nei Mitzvah Class (BM2)
Friday, Oct 6th 5:00pm to 7:15pm
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Friday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2023Post-BM Class Term 1: Tikkun Olam
Friday, Oct 6th 5:30pm to 7:15pm
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Friday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2023Erev Simchat Torah and Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, Oct 6th 6:00pm to 8:00pm
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Saturday ,
OctOctober 7 , 2023B'nei Mitzvah Class (BM1)
Shabbat, Oct 7th 10:00am to 12:15pm
Today's Calendar
Sukkot |
: 10:00am |
: 10:00am |
: 10:30am |
Havdalah : 7:32pm |
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 6:10pm |
Shabbat Day
Havdalah : 7:16pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Sep 30 |
Sep 30 |
Sep 30 |
Oct 1 |
Oct 2 |
Candle Lighting
Shabbat, Sep 30, 6:24pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Sep 30, 7:32pm |
Sukkot
Shabbat, Sep 30 |