Jewish Conversion Chicago

Chicago Based Conversion to Judaism Program under Conservative Rabbinic Supervision OR Converting to Judaism Long Distance-Online program

Conversions by a Conservative Rabbinical Bet Din of Metropolitan Chicago

Sunday AM class and/or AN ONLINE AND CHICAGO TUTORIAL PROGRAM

rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Española de conversión al judaísmo programa de Larga Distancia

847-331-3584

Adult Education Program awarded Gold Medal from United Synagogue of Coservative Judaism

Thank you! I have been reading and listening to the UTube courses non stop since I spoke with you on the phone. This is a wonderful set of classes and so informative. This is wonderful. Thank you again. Colleen

The course is great! We would recommend it to anyone seeking a path to conversion.

The amount of information is astounding. You put so much work into the course.

We thank you tremendously. David and Cynthia

Websites
also Esynagogue.org and JewU Online Courses

www.convertjudaism.blogspot.com/
847-331-3584

4500 Dempster st.
Skokie, IL 60076
ph: 847-675-4141
fax: 847-675-0327
rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Home

Chicago Blls motto this year is LOVE IT LIVE. If you can't learn Judaism live, then click on the video above to learn how tostudy for conversion long distance(see www.convertjudaism.blogspot.com for details)

If you live in Chicago metro, then...

Learn at your own pace and schedule and/or Sunday morning classes in Skokie. We provide all the resources for self study, including our incredible series of short educational videos covering the 16 sessions.You meet with the Rabbi regularly, at your convenience, but can do the bulk of studyingat your schedule and at home or the office.We have been instructing converts for 28 years and have students all over the world. We have created this unique program to be able to offer a very high quality of instruction, and at the same time, make it convenient for today's busy people. Details follow . Call 847-331-3584 for the initial appointment

Curriculum

Topics Include: God, Holy Books, Christianity and Judaism, History, Prayer, Ritual Objects, Shabbat, Holidays, Jewish People, Anti-Semitism and Holocaust, Israel, Life Cycle,

Thanks for your interest in our conversion to Judaism program. To proceed, fill out this form and email it back. Feel free to call or email with any questions. 847-331-3584

APPLICATION

1. Complete application form. and email it back

Chicago/ Skokie area Course for Conversion

Application Form (rev. 1/10)

Today’s Date:

Name: Date of Birth:

Gender Male or Female?

If male, are you circumcised?

Phone: Email:

Street Address:

City: State/Region:

Country: Zip/Postal Code:

Name of Spouse (if applicable):

Is e/she converting also?

Names(s) and ages of Children:

Are they converting? If so, ages and genders? If male, are they circumcised?

Occupation Employer

Educational History (names of schools, majors, degrees earned):

Present/Past Religious Affiliation:

How did you learn about the program?

Please explain your interest in converting to Judaism:

Describe any prior Jewish learning. If you have previously worked with a rabbi, include name and contact info:

How to Purchase books and pay tuition for the course

PAYMENT INFORMATION: We accept Mastercard/Visa or PayPal, or money order to Esynagogue

For credit card billing please send the following info:

Card number/

expiration date/

security code on back of card

put initials here ___I/we understand this conversion, done under Conservative Rabbinic auspices, may not be acceptable to Orthodox Rabbis and the Israeli Orthodox Rabbinic establishment.

We will send, or you can pick up the box of books course syllabus and a cd, and we will also email the entire program of study.

Also:

We’ll send a digital Shabbat morning learner’s prayer book and the videos you need to learn the prayers if you desire. This is related to session 5 of the course but is optional.
We’ll send a digital series of Passover songs and the video links to learn the songs
We’ll send video links for the Hebrew alphabet, and some vocabulary to get you started in Hebrew.

2. Complete all 16 Sessions

• Do all assigned readings-we send the books by mail
• Watch videos-we'll send the list of the videos to watch by session
. You can also order the dvds.

• Complete memory work-there is a cd and videos to help
• Send terms with completed definitions for each session to rabbi@convertjudaism.org

there are videos to help
• Study values for each session
• Be able to demonstrate familiarity with all assigned materials

With each set of terms returned and defined, please cut and paste this form and send it back once you have completed each step:

I have completed all the readings for this session, read over the values, worked on memorization of the requested items, watched all the videos (except for session 5 which are optional except for set a.) Here are the terms defined for the session:

3. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.”-there are videos to help. The questions will be sent as part of the course curriculum

4. Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and try and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Chumash. Watch 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). OPTIONAL-Write a brief explanation of 3 weekly portions and email them in.

5. Have conversations with our Rabbis as needed, in person, by phone or email 847-331-3584. or

skype rjhgins

When you sign up and receive my files by email, this explanation will help:

LDL is Long Distance Learning

LMS is Learner's Minyon Siddur. The digital siddur has page numbers. The videos on that page have LMS with a page number corresponding to the page in the digital siddur to which the video prayers corresponds. This part is optional but helpful for your learning the Shabbat morning prayers. Many of them are used at other times in worship also.

Additional items
-Couples may do they work together, or separately, as they wish.
-Children under 13 need not take the course, because they convert by the authority of the bet din. Please teach them as you go through the course. We have a home schooling course for children 3^rd-8th grade if you wish also. Boys must be circumcised in a religious ceremony, or if already circumcised but not religiously, then they require hatafat dam brit/symbolic circumcision as the father does. Both boys and girl must immerse. If old enough, they immerse by themselves. If young, then Jewish parent (even if Jewish one minute), dons a bathing suit and takes young children in.
-Costs for families: Mikvah fee cap is $350 no matter how many in the family. Honorarium you pay for the 2 Rabbinic witnesses we use is $100 x each Rabbi for one adult, $150 for 2 adults plus 2 children, $200 for
for 2 plus 3 and $250 for 2 +4 or more children. There is no extra charge for the course for children.
-Parents immerse first so children can use the new Jewish parents' names as their parents ben or bat etc.
-Work is at your own pace
-Start anytime
-Israel officials tell us Aliyah to Israel is only possible, even with this course and conversion, if you are a member of a synagogue and have a relationship with them.

Call with any questions or concerns 847-331-3584

Costs

Chicago area course $300 individual/$450 family plus $150 for books and materials (including shipping) within USA, $175 outside of USA or 125 if you pick them up

Additional Costs for Conversion Ceremony a the end of the course for an individual

a. Bet Din - $200 for Rabbinic witnesses
b. Mikveh - $150
c. Hatafat Dam Brit - (if males already circumcised) $75

________________________________________________

Common Questions

1. Why do people consider converting to Judaism?

There are many reasons. Often an interreligious marriage sparks an interest in the non-Jewish partner that can lead to a desire to share the religion of his or her spouse. Similarly, when an interfaith couple decides to raise children, the non-Jew may initially decide to explore Judaism in order to seek a religious common ground for the family. Other men and women seeking religious meaning in their lives find that Judaism offers them the best medium of religious expression.

2. Do Jews seek converts?

Centuries ago, Jews did engage in proselytizing, particularly during the Graeco Roman period of Jewish history. Judaism respects the religious beliefs of others, as well as the convictions of those who choose no religion! At the same time, Judaism is an open religion that readily accepts and encourages those who look to it for fulfillment and guidance in meeting life’s challenges. We take an active approach to seek out people who might choose to become Jews.

3. How do I know if Judaism is right for me?

The best way is to learn as much as you can about Judaism and begin to practice those aspects of Judaism that most appeal to you. Seek out Jewish friends, Jewish family members, or a synagogue community for support. As you study and try out Jewish practice and customs at your own pace, you will become comfortable with them and prepare for further steps. An excellent way to get a sense of the traditions and practice of Judaism is to take our Introduction to Judaism course.

4. If I take an Introduction to Judaism class, will I be expected to convert?

No. These courses are offered to anyone who wants to learn more about Judais, including individuals considering conversion, interfaith couples learning together about Judaism and making decisions about whether to have a Jewish home, as well as by born Jews who want to learn more about their own heritage. Although many people do choose Judaism, there are no assumptions or expectations held about people taking the class.

5. If decide that I want to become a Jew, how would I go about it?

First, contact us. We will not only discuss with you the process and implications of becoming a Jew, but also explore with your reasons for wanting to do so. In earlier generations, rabbis would discourage potential Jews-by-choice, turning them away three times to test how serious they were. This custom is seldom followed today by some Orthodox, but most rabbis still endeavor to impress upon the potential convert the seriousness of such a choice.

People considering conversion, are expected to study Jewish theology, rituals, history, culture, and customs and to begin incorporating Jewish practice into their lives.

6. If I become a Jew, would people refer to me as a “convert? Is there some other, more proper term to use?

In Judaism, people who become Jews have no less than full Jewish status in every circumstance. For this reason, there may be some objection to any distinctive term that refers to a person who has chosen to become a Jew. On the other hand, many people are proud to let others know they are converts to Judaism. Also, as the number of people becoming Jews continues to increase and as various Jewish religious institutions develop programs to encourage and assist people in this process, it has become useful to talk more publicly About choosing Judaism Consequently, a number of terms have come into common usage, including “convert” and “Jew-by-choice,” often used interchangeably.

7. If I become a Jew, what would be the attitude of other Jews toward me?

Judaism has welcomed those who voluntarily become Jews and considers them full-fledged members of the Jewish community. The Hebrew Bible, as well as later Jewish texts, includes examples of such individuals. The most famous and honored example appears in the biblical book of Ruth, where Ruth joins the Jewish people and eventually becomes the great-great grandmother of King David, from whose descendants, according to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will come.

In our day, most Jews welcome wholeheartedly those who have chosen to become Jews. Nonetheless, some Jews-by-choice report occasional offensive comments directed toward them. Although the reasons for such attitudes are complicated, they are based on ignorance and prejudice and are by no means sanctioned by Judaism. As more and more Jews-by-choice enter the Jewish community, as we promote education about Jewish views of conversion and sensitivity to Jews-by-choice, and as public discussion of such a choice grows more commonplace, these negative views continue to fade.

8. If I convert with you, will all rabbis consider me a Jew?

Most Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative rabbis recognize the validity of this conversion. Many Orthodox rabbis, however, do not recognize non-Orthodox conversions. We will discuss further any implications for you of conversion under our auspices.

9. If I become a Jew, will I be expected to separate from my family of origin?

By no means. Most Jews-by-choice maintain warm Relationships with their family of origin. Conversion to a new religion does not suddenly make you over into something altogether new; nor does it cut you off from old family ties or memories. However, some converts to Judaism find that, especially initially, their family may be hurt or confused by their choice. Such feelings often result from misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about Judaism and are, therefore, perfectly understandable.

10. If I decide not to become a Jew but I have a partner who is, can our children be raised as Jews?

Yes. Many interfaith couples have decided to raise their children as Jews. In many families today, non-Jewish parents play a key role in providing for their children’s Jewish education, as well as creating a supportive Jewish home environment. The more you learn about Judaism, the easier this will be for you. Many Jews see such parents as the givers of a precious gift and as blessing to the Jewish people.

11. If I decide not to become a Jew, would I be welcome to worship in a synagogue with my Jewish family?

Most congregations warmly welcome interfaith families to participate in various ways in synagogue life. In following the famous verse from the Book of Isaiah 56:7, “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,” almost all Jewish religious services are open to the public, so you and your family would be welcome to attend. Sabbath services are held on Friday evening and Saturday mornings. Call the specific congregation during the week to find out the times.

12. If I’m not yet ready to convert to Judaism or if I decide not to, what options do my Jewish partner and I have for our wedding ceremony?

=________________________________________________

NOTE:
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 for the actual conversion are members of the Rabbinical Assembly of America and the Chicago Board of Rabbis.

Introduction to Judaism

Chicago based

Program for conversion to Judaism

A 16-sessions Course for Potential Converts

God, Holy Books, Holidays, Life Cycle, Values, History, Kashrut,

Kabbalah, Israel

Enroll anytime!

Students are accepted on an ongoing basis.

We were told that we have the nation's largest synagogue based conversion program. You can just take the course and convert with another Bet Din or use our Bet din to convert.

It is a standard Conservative program of 16 sessions and includes

1. Books to read

2. Items to memorize from a cd and videos

3. Values to learn

4. Videos created by our teachers to watch; unique-500 brief videos on dvds and onlin

5. Individual tutoring sessions by our Rabbi instructor arranged to suit your schedule

6. Terms to define and send back with videos to assist

7. 100 question exam with the answers on videos

8. Essay to write

9. Bet Din of Conservative or Orthodox ordained Rabbis, (though this conversion, like all done by non-Orthodox Rabbis, will probably not be recognized by the Orthodox.)

10. Syllabus for each session outlining the work for each session

11. Meet with Bet Din,sign Declaration of faith

Cost

$300 tuition, plus $125 books and materials,

payable by check, credit card or paypal

not including final conversion fees at the end of:

Mikveh $150 person/$350 family cap

Males require ritual circumcision $75

Honorarium to 2 guest Rabbi on bet Din $100 each

Contact Information

847-331-3584

Website: www.jewishconversionchicago.com

New Jewish family plus the Bet Din

Conversion to Judaism Program

Looking for a Jewish Conversion program in the Chicago area?

Centrally located in Chicago metro, we are just minutes off Edens/I-94 or twenty minutes east of I-294 on Dempster Street in Skokie. Enrollment is ongoing.

Study with us in our conversion institute. The program combines ONLINE Learning and tutorials at the synagogue

Rabbi,
Thank you so much! I can hardly express my excitement. Last night I
could not sleep. I was up reading about how the messiah is to come from
the line of King David and trying to make sure I remembered dates. I was
so nervous. The kids were nervous too. We did not need to be, but I
think it was natural to be so. Meeting you and the other Rabbi's was a
gift. All three of you are wonderful men. We have so much yet to learn,
but we have gotten a great start with your online course.

I just could not possibly articulate my thanks in words. Just know that
in my heart this feels right to me. I feel that I am home in Judaism.
You and your course have helped me find my way home. Rabbi Jonathan, thank you so much for your time and efforts. I know that you
are both busy people. I just want you to know that your work is
wonderful and a gift to anyone exploring this path.

and a great deal financially.

Thank you. Henry

While searching online I came across your site. I visited
several others, but frankly yours is the most detailed, well-thought,
and professional of the lot.
Rob

Conversion to Judaism is a serious undertaking. It is our hope that the information you find here can help you in your exploration. For more information, or to schedule an appointment to find out if our program is right for you, please contact

Rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Enroll anytime!

Students are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Contact Information

847-331-3584

Website: www.jewishconversionchicago.com

Basics

3. Telephone 847-331-3584
4. Email address

5. Snail-mail address of contact: Street/ City/ State/ Zip

2127 Lincolnwood dr. Evanston,Il. 60201
6. Location(s) of class(es):

Online see www.convertjudaism.org or 4500 Dempster st. Chicago,Il. 60076

www.jewishconversionchicago.com
7. 9. Curriculum God, Holy Books, Other religions and Judaism, History, prayer, Ritual Objects, Shabbat, Holidays, Jewish People, Anti-semitism and Holocaust, Israel, Life cycle,

13. Does a candidate need to have a mentoring Rabbi, and if so, what are
their responsibilities for the candidate

Yes. Usually we are the mentoring rabbis but sometimes students come from other rabbis who mentor them. Meet with Rabbi, attend services, sign declaration of faith, answer yes to all RA guideline questions, Live Jewishly
14. Does the Region sponsor any post-conversion program(s), and if so,
please describe We have Conversion havurah, also all students receive my 3x a week Torah email
15. Does this program include provision for children yes children over 7 attend
16. Does this program require any prospective spouse to participate

strongly encouraged

Program Overview: Taught by Rabbi Jonathan Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation offers a comprehensive program for people who are considering conversion to Judaism. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in Jewish learning, a welcoming entry into the Jewish community, and a pathway to explore the sacred Jewish journey of your soul. Candidates come to us from the entire greater Chicago area. The program is both challenging and fulfilling. Goals include introducing class participants to ways in which they can become familiar with Jewish concepts and values, create a Jewish environment in their homes, become comfortable with Jewish holidays and life cycle events, and learn to worship as a part of the Jewish community.

Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative Judaism), a member of the Rabbinical Assembly of America (Conservative Judaism) and an associate member of the Reconstructionist Rabbbinic Association, directs the conversion Bet Din and conversion rituals.

Program Components and Requirements: In order to complete the conversion program, you (and your Jewish partner if you have one) attend our Learner's Minyon, Saturday mornings twice monthly, complete the course work, study Hebrew, write a final essay and meet with Rabbi Ginsburg, and attend various learning activities. To help you progress through this program, we have a variety of support mechanisms to assist you.

Length of Program: We expect candidates to study with us for a minimum of nine months, in order to experience Shabbat and holidays, and to become attuned to the rhythm of the Jewish year. Occasionally, candidates take longer than one year to complete the program. There is no set start date for the program; candidates may begin the program at any time of the year.

Beit Din and Mikvah: As the final step in the conversion program, you will participate individually in a ritual immersion in the Mikvah of the Conservative Movement at Beth Hillel Congregation in Wilmette and appear before a Jewish Rabbinical Court of three members (a "Beit Din") to answer questions regarding your desire to become a Jew. So that you will be acquainted with and feel comfortable with the mikvah process, we will discuss the details before you finish the program.

Hatafat Dam Brit: Males desiring to convert must undergo circumcision. If you have already been medically circumcised, you are required to undergo a ritual circumcision prior to appearing before the Beit Din. This ritual, called Hatafat Dam Brit, involves the symbolic and painless drawing of a small drop of blood.

OUR CONVERSION BLOG

www.jewishconversionchicago.com/blog.html

The synagogue website is www.ehnt.org

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Unless otherwise stated on a page, the contents of this material, including but not limited to the text, graphics, sounds and scripts contained herein, were created by and are the sole property of Esynagogue.org, The contents of this site may not be reproduced.

4500 Dempster st.
Skokie, IL 60076
ph: 847-675-4141
fax: 847-675-0327
rabbi@convertjudaism.org