Dear Rabbi Ginsburg
I am thrilled and unable to express the joy in my home and family; How truly wonderful
the long distance conversion course truly is. I would encourage everyone wanting to convert
or reconnect to their Jewish heritage to “Take it Now”.
The course overseen by Rabbi Jonathan and Rabbi Gail Ginsburg is living waters to your mind and heart.
The course along with the Video’s; touches on all aspects of the Jewish faith. My family and I not only
took the course but also became “long distance members!” of Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation.
What a joy knowing we are members and support such a wonderful loving congregation. The Cantor Benjamin Warschawski
brings such a spiritual and inspirational blessing to the services.
His CD provides such an inspiration as his voice fills your home or car. My family and I would encourage everyone to pick
up a copy of this inspirational CD as a gift.
Shalom and practicing the Three L’s (find out what a life changer they are).
Clarence, Jane, Samantha and Stephanie; the Jackson Family
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, June 20, 2008
Our program
Our online program for conversion to Judaism
For Conversion course and program information write rabbi@convertjudaism.org or call 847-331-3584
If you want to study the basics of Judaism in a college level, not-for-credit course, this is ideal. It is organized in 16 sessions, has assigned readings, videos for lectures Jewish values, Torah study, and a list of terms to learn with videos to help define them. We have on eof the nation's largest synagogue conversion programs and have been assisting converts for 25 years. Building on this tradition, we have developed a Long Distance conversion program.
Rabbinic Auspices
For anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of Judaism or anyone who wants to study for conversion
WE offer the world's only comprehensive ONLINE Convert to Judaism program under Conservative Bet Din Authority, based on our un ique , podcasts, emails, phone calls, readings and comprehensive curriculum. It is the same program as our Chicago based classroom program, substituting the videos and podcasts for class time.
Before considering other programs, make sure the Rabbis who convert you are members of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly of America. Many rabbis who teach conversion are not accredited by the Conservative Rabbinate, and some are not members of any recognized Rabbinic body. All participating rabbis of our bet din/religious tribunal are members of the Rabbinical Assembly of America and the Chicago Board of Rabbis.
Confidential Information Form
(MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE BEGINNING COURSE)
Date of First Class Session_______________________
Name____________________________________________
Street Address___________________________________City_______________Zip__________
Date of Birth_____________ Tel._______________________ E-mail_______________________
Marital Status_________________ Children___________________________________________
Spouse_________________________________
Occupation________________________________ Employer_____________________________
Present/past church affiliation______________________________________________________
How did you learn about the program?_______________________________________________
Explain your interest in Judaism_______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
If you are sharing this instructional conversion experience with a Jewish partner, please furnish the following information:
Name_______________________________________________________
Street Address____________________________________City______________Zip___________
Telephone_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________
I understand this conversion to Judaism through this program, conducted under Conservative Jewish auspices, would most likely not be considered acceptable by Orthodox Rabbis, and Orthodox Israeli authorities.
Being accepted into the program for study does not automatically mean the candidate would be acceptable for conversion. The candidate needs to fulfill the requirements AND be found worthy by the Rabbinic Tribunal/ Bet DIN
Conversion Fees
At the time of the Mikvah/Beit din
Mikvah Fee (if you use Chicago Mikvah)
To Community Mikvah …………………………………….…. $ 150.00 per person
$ 350.00 family maximum
Rabbinic members of Beit Din
2 checks for $ 100 each ………………………………………. $ 200.00
Haftafat Dam Ritual Circumcision, if a male
For the mohel ……………………………………………….… $ 75.00
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete application form.
2. Purchase books; pay tuition by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Paypal or Money Order
3. Complete all 16 Sessions
· Do all assigned readings
· Watch videos
· Complete memory work
· Send terms with completed definitions for each session to Gail Ginsburg
· Study values for each session
· Be able to demonstrate familiarity with all assigned materials
4. After completing all sessions write a final essay as assigned.
5. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.”
6. Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Etz Chayim Chumash. Return brief reports to 10 Parshaot over the course of your study process. Watch our D’var Torah video for the week’s reading, which you can find at: http://weeklyvideodvartorah.blogspot.com/ (It will be the first one there that week).
7. Have conversations with Rabbis
8. Demonstrate a commitment to Jewish living and religious practice.
9. Commit to learn basic Hebrew reading.
10. Appear before a Beit Din (rabbinical tribunal) at which time you will be asked the following questions:
Do you choose to enter the eternal covenant between God and the people Israel and to become a Jew of your own free will?
Do you accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious faiths and practices?
Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances?
Do you promise to establish a Jewish home, and to participate actively in the synagogue and the Jewish community?
Do you commit yourself to the pursuit of Torah and Jewish knowledge?
If you should be blessed with children, do you promise to raise them as Jews?
11. Males will require circumcision. If already circumcised, a ritual circumcision is required. Males and females will require immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath).
12. Read and sign the declaration of Faith.
13. Pick out a Hebrew name. For legal/spiritual purposes your parents will be Abraham and Sarah.
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY to be written AFTER you finish the course of study
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Gail at ehntedu@yahoo.com or call 847-331-4406. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
Your paper will be shared with the two other members of the Bet Din (Rabbinical Court).
Final Questions Bet Din will ask you
Rabbi to Ger/Gioret
1. Are you converting to Judaism by your own free will and volition, without coercion or undue external influence?
2. Do you renounce all beliefs you may once have had in any other religion?
3. In becoming Jewish, are you giving up all religious practices, holidays, and life cycle events such as baptism and communion that might be associated with your former religion?
4. Do you accept the God of Israel as the one universal and indivisible God?
5. Do you commit yourself to observing the mitzvoth of Judaism, as defined by Jewish law, to the best of your ability and knowledge?
6. Do you commit yourself to the further study of Judaism and to continued growth in the observance of its mitzvoth?
7. Will you support all those who seek to reestablish and revitalize our Jewish homeland by making the land and State of Israel a part of your life and the life of your family?
8. If blessed with children, do you pledge to raise them exclusively in the Jewish religion by providing them with a quality Jewish education and timely involvement in Jewish life-cycle events?
9. Do you commit yourself to associating with the Jewish community by joining a synagogue?
10. Do you bind your personal destiny to the destiny of the Jewish people?
.
Blessings for Conversion
Baruch ata Adonai, Elohaynu melech ha’olam, asher
Kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al hattiveelah.
Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, you
Have blessed us with your commandments (mitzvoth)
And have commanded us to immerse ourselves.
Baruch ata adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, she-
Heh-chech-yanu, v’ki-manu, v’higi-anu, la-z’man ha-zeh
Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this special time.
DECLARATION OF FAITH to be read in front of Bet Din and signed
I hereby declare my desire to accept the principles of the Jewish religion, to follow its practices and ceremonies, and to become a member of the Jewish people. I do this of my own free will, with an understanding of the significance of the tenets and practices of Judaism, and full realization of the commitment I herewith assume.
I pray that my present conviction may guide me through life, that I may be worthy of the sacred tradition and fellowship which I now join. As I am thankful for the privileges thus bestowed upon me, I pray that I may always remain conscious of the duties which are mine as a member of the House of Israel.
I declare my determination to maintain a Jewish home, and accept Kabbalat Ol Mitzvote-the yoke of the commandments incumbent upon all Jews: a commitment to the God of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the people of Israel. I pledge to live the Jewish way of holiness by accepting the mitzvot of Judaism now and always, here and wherever I may be. I have determined to the best of my ability, to make the following Jewish observances an integral part of both my life and that of my family: Jewish education for all children to be born or adopted by me, observance of Shabbat and holidays, incorporation of kashrut, affiliation with a synagogue and attendance at services, regular prayer, gemilut hasadim –deeds of loving kindness, identifying with the Jewish community and the State of Israel, and the study of Torah. Should I be blessed with children, I pledge to bring them into the Covenant of Abraham and to rear all children with whom God may bless me in loyalty to the Jewish faith and practices.
HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD ALONE.
PRAISED BE HIS SOVEREIGN GLORY FOREVER
Witnesses:
…………………………. Date ………………..
…………………………. Place
For Conversion course and program information write rabbi@convertjudaism.org or call 847-331-3584
If you want to study the basics of Judaism in a college level, not-for-credit course, this is ideal. It is organized in 16 sessions, has assigned readings, videos for lectures Jewish values, Torah study, and a list of terms to learn with videos to help define them. We have on eof the nation's largest synagogue conversion programs and have been assisting converts for 25 years. Building on this tradition, we have developed a Long Distance conversion program.
Rabbinic Auspices
For anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of Judaism or anyone who wants to study for conversion
WE offer the world's only comprehensive ONLINE Convert to Judaism program under Conservative Bet Din Authority, based on our un ique , podcasts, emails, phone calls, readings and comprehensive curriculum. It is the same program as our Chicago based classroom program, substituting the videos and podcasts for class time.
Before considering other programs, make sure the Rabbis who convert you are members of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly of America. Many rabbis who teach conversion are not accredited by the Conservative Rabbinate, and some are not members of any recognized Rabbinic body. All participating rabbis of our bet din/religious tribunal are members of the Rabbinical Assembly of America and the Chicago Board of Rabbis.
Confidential Information Form
(MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE BEGINNING COURSE)
Date of First Class Session_______________________
Name____________________________________________
Street Address___________________________________City_______________Zip__________
Date of Birth_____________ Tel._______________________ E-mail_______________________
Marital Status_________________ Children___________________________________________
Spouse_________________________________
Occupation________________________________ Employer_____________________________
Present/past church affiliation______________________________________________________
How did you learn about the program?_______________________________________________
Explain your interest in Judaism_______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
If you are sharing this instructional conversion experience with a Jewish partner, please furnish the following information:
Name_______________________________________________________
Street Address____________________________________City______________Zip___________
Telephone_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________
I understand this conversion to Judaism through this program, conducted under Conservative Jewish auspices, would most likely not be considered acceptable by Orthodox Rabbis, and Orthodox Israeli authorities.
Being accepted into the program for study does not automatically mean the candidate would be acceptable for conversion. The candidate needs to fulfill the requirements AND be found worthy by the Rabbinic Tribunal/ Bet DIN
Conversion Fees
At the time of the Mikvah/Beit din
Mikvah Fee (if you use Chicago Mikvah)
To Community Mikvah …………………………………….…. $ 150.00 per person
$ 350.00 family maximum
Rabbinic members of Beit Din
2 checks for $ 100 each ………………………………………. $ 200.00
Haftafat Dam Ritual Circumcision, if a male
For the mohel ……………………………………………….… $ 75.00
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete application form.
2. Purchase books; pay tuition by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Paypal or Money Order
3. Complete all 16 Sessions
· Do all assigned readings
· Watch videos
· Complete memory work
· Send terms with completed definitions for each session to Gail Ginsburg
· Study values for each session
· Be able to demonstrate familiarity with all assigned materials
4. After completing all sessions write a final essay as assigned.
5. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.”
6. Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Etz Chayim Chumash. Return brief reports to 10 Parshaot over the course of your study process. Watch our D’var Torah video for the week’s reading, which you can find at: http://weeklyvideodvartorah.blogspot.com/ (It will be the first one there that week).
7. Have conversations with Rabbis
8. Demonstrate a commitment to Jewish living and religious practice.
9. Commit to learn basic Hebrew reading.
10. Appear before a Beit Din (rabbinical tribunal) at which time you will be asked the following questions:
Do you choose to enter the eternal covenant between God and the people Israel and to become a Jew of your own free will?
Do you accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious faiths and practices?
Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances?
Do you promise to establish a Jewish home, and to participate actively in the synagogue and the Jewish community?
Do you commit yourself to the pursuit of Torah and Jewish knowledge?
If you should be blessed with children, do you promise to raise them as Jews?
11. Males will require circumcision. If already circumcised, a ritual circumcision is required. Males and females will require immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath).
12. Read and sign the declaration of Faith.
13. Pick out a Hebrew name. For legal/spiritual purposes your parents will be Abraham and Sarah.
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY to be written AFTER you finish the course of study
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Gail at ehntedu@yahoo.com or call 847-331-4406. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
Your paper will be shared with the two other members of the Bet Din (Rabbinical Court).
Final Questions Bet Din will ask you
Rabbi to Ger/Gioret
1. Are you converting to Judaism by your own free will and volition, without coercion or undue external influence?
2. Do you renounce all beliefs you may once have had in any other religion?
3. In becoming Jewish, are you giving up all religious practices, holidays, and life cycle events such as baptism and communion that might be associated with your former religion?
4. Do you accept the God of Israel as the one universal and indivisible God?
5. Do you commit yourself to observing the mitzvoth of Judaism, as defined by Jewish law, to the best of your ability and knowledge?
6. Do you commit yourself to the further study of Judaism and to continued growth in the observance of its mitzvoth?
7. Will you support all those who seek to reestablish and revitalize our Jewish homeland by making the land and State of Israel a part of your life and the life of your family?
8. If blessed with children, do you pledge to raise them exclusively in the Jewish religion by providing them with a quality Jewish education and timely involvement in Jewish life-cycle events?
9. Do you commit yourself to associating with the Jewish community by joining a synagogue?
10. Do you bind your personal destiny to the destiny of the Jewish people?
.
Blessings for Conversion
Baruch ata Adonai, Elohaynu melech ha’olam, asher
Kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al hattiveelah.
Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, you
Have blessed us with your commandments (mitzvoth)
And have commanded us to immerse ourselves.
Baruch ata adonai, Eloheynu melech ha-olam, she-
Heh-chech-yanu, v’ki-manu, v’higi-anu, la-z’man ha-zeh
Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this special time.
DECLARATION OF FAITH to be read in front of Bet Din and signed
I hereby declare my desire to accept the principles of the Jewish religion, to follow its practices and ceremonies, and to become a member of the Jewish people. I do this of my own free will, with an understanding of the significance of the tenets and practices of Judaism, and full realization of the commitment I herewith assume.
I pray that my present conviction may guide me through life, that I may be worthy of the sacred tradition and fellowship which I now join. As I am thankful for the privileges thus bestowed upon me, I pray that I may always remain conscious of the duties which are mine as a member of the House of Israel.
I declare my determination to maintain a Jewish home, and accept Kabbalat Ol Mitzvote-the yoke of the commandments incumbent upon all Jews: a commitment to the God of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the people of Israel. I pledge to live the Jewish way of holiness by accepting the mitzvot of Judaism now and always, here and wherever I may be. I have determined to the best of my ability, to make the following Jewish observances an integral part of both my life and that of my family: Jewish education for all children to be born or adopted by me, observance of Shabbat and holidays, incorporation of kashrut, affiliation with a synagogue and attendance at services, regular prayer, gemilut hasadim –deeds of loving kindness, identifying with the Jewish community and the State of Israel, and the study of Torah. Should I be blessed with children, I pledge to bring them into the Covenant of Abraham and to rear all children with whom God may bless me in loyalty to the Jewish faith and practices.
HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD ALONE.
PRAISED BE HIS SOVEREIGN GLORY FOREVER
Witnesses:
…………………………. Date ………………..
…………………………. Place
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