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.
Fri, 26 April 2024
18 Nisan 5784
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Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024B'nei Mitzvah Class (BM2)
Friday, Apr 26th 5:00pm to 7:15pm
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Friday ,
AprApril 26 , 2024An evening with Magen Inon
Friday, Apr 26th 6:30pm to 8:30pm
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Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Or Shabbat Classes
Shabbat, Apr 27th 10:00am to 12:15pm
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Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024B'nei Mitzvah Class (BM1)
Shabbat, Apr 27th 10:00am to 12:15pm
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Saturday ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Shabbat Morning Service
Shabbat, Apr 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 ,
AprApril 27 , 2024Oneg Shabbat
Shabbat, Apr 27th 1:00pm to 2:30pm
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Sunday ,
AprApril 28 , 2024Erev Seventh Day Pesach Service
Sunday, Apr 28th 6:30pm to 7:30pm
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Monday ,
AprApril 29 , 2024Seventh Day Pesach Morning Service
Monday, Apr 29th 8:30am to 10:00am
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Tuesday ,
AprApril 30 , 2024Exclusive Screening: Tattooist of Auschwitz
Tuesday, Apr 30th 7:00pm to 10:00pm
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Wednesday ,
MayMay 1 , 2024Or Chadash Class + Hebrew
Wednesday, May 1st 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Today's Calendar
Chol Hamoed Passover |
: 5:00pm |
: 6:30pm |
Candle Lighting : 7:59pm |
Friday Night
: 5:00pm |
: 6:30pm |
Candle Lighting : 7:59pm |
Shabbat Day
: 10:00am |
: 10:00am |
: 1:00pm |
Havdalah : 9:08pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Apr 26 |
Apr 26 |
Apr 27 |
Apr 27 |
Apr 27 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Apr 26, 7:59pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Apr 27, 9:08pm |
Chol Hamoed Passover
Friday, Apr 26 |