Sponsored by: Community You Can Believe In
Conversion
Conversion
“And Ruth said: Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Book of Ruth 1:16)
Are you interested in casting your lot with the Jewish people? Have you been looking for “something” that speaks to your spirit but couldn’t figure out what it was? Or have you found your life partner and want to share in their religion? No matter the reason, our clergy is ready to explore with you a path toward living a Jewish.
It's a Personal Process
Our conversion program is individually tailored to each candidate’s personal situation and needs. In general, our clergy will meet privately with a student for a period of time, during which we ask students to live like a Jew to the best of their ability. Our Greater Hartford Conservative rabbis co-sponsor and co-teach the Institute for Basic Judaism, a course that meets weekly from September/October thru March/April (depending on when the Jewish holidays are). This is a wonderful way to learn with others who are walking a similar path. Participation is not required, but is strongly suggested, for both candidate and, where possible, the candidate’s Jewish partner.
Conversion according to the laws of the Conservative movement includes circumcision for males who are not yet circumcised, or hatafat dam brit, a drawing of blood, for those who are. Individuals immerse in our mikveh, our ritual bath, separately in front of a same-gendered guide.
During and/or following conversion, we are happy to set you up with a mentor, someone who converted years before, who can show you the ropes and help troubleshoot your new holidays and rituals.
Jews-by-Choice are welcomed to participate in all synagogue activities, services, and programs. We would be delighted to celebrate your conversion with an aliyah, a Torah honor. Please contact Rabbi Howard Sowalsky to schedule.
To begin studying with one of our rabbis, please contact Rabbi Rosen or Rabbi Garber by calling our office at (860) 233-9696.
Sat, July 2 2022
3 Tammuz 5782
Upcoming Events
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Friday ,
JulJuly 15 , 2022Shabbat in the Park
Friday, Jul 15th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to Eisenhower Park for Shabbat in the Park! We invite you to bring a picnic for your family, and we'll bring the grape juice & challah! Meet by the playground to celebrate Shabbat with our Beth El community. Contact Jason Kay (engagement@bethelwh.org) with any questions. Click in to RSVP! -
Monday ,
JulJuly 18 , 2022Musical Chat with Cantor Joseph Ness
Monday, Jul 18th 1:00p to 2:00p
Cantor Ness is back with this very popular class! Cantor leads a discussion on various aspects of Jewish music, both culturally and liturgically; a link to the music will be provided before class. For access details, please contact Lydia Lutt (marketing@bethelwh.org). -
Saturday ,
JulJuly 30 , 2022Shabbat Playgroup in the Park
Shabbat, Jul 30th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain RSVPs requested but not required. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 7 , 2022Red Cross Blood Drive
Sunday, Aug 7th 8:30a to 1:30p
You can make a lasting impact with an amazing mitzvot by helping the American Red Cross! Please help us make a difference by donating blood at Beth El Temple. Please call 1.800.733.2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter: WeHa to schedule your appointment. Volunteers are also needed for registration and snacks, please call the office to sign up to volunteer. You can also save up to 15 minutes on the day of your appointment, by simply visiting www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions. Everyday heroes like you can help save up to three lives with just one blood donation. Thank you for giving the gift of life. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 7 , 2022Community Mincha Service
Sunday, Aug 7th 1:30p to 2:00p
(please bring your tefillin)