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 Zerin by calling our office at (860) 233-9696.
Tue, September 2 2025
9 Elul 5785
Upcoming Events
-
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 7th 11:30a to 1:00p
This event is free and open to the public! Prospective members encouraged to join us! -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 12 , 2025Shabbat Under the Stars
Friday, Sep 12th 5:30p to 7:30p
Join us for an outdoor, family-friendly service and congregational dinner. Please RSVP by September 8 at noon. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025Intro to EFT Tapping: Reduce Stress, Reclaim Calm, and Reset Yourself
Sunday, Sep 14th 2:00p to 3:30p
Learn about this simple tool to calm your nervous system, releasing stress, tension, and emotional overwhelm. Marie Cancelliere, M.Ed. and Emotional Wellness Coach will guide us in the session brought to us by Women's Network and the North Atlantic Region of the WLCJ. Click in for RSVP details! -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Rosh Hashanah Day One - Festival Morning Services
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 8:30a to 12:45p
On Rosh Hashanah Day One, you have the choice of 2 services, plus additional options for families with young children! Click in for details. -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Tashlich
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 5:00p to 5:30p
Participate in the traditional "casting out of our sins" ceremony at the Berlinsky home (25 Huntington Drive), featuring a brief family-friendly service.
Contact Us
Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Office Hours:
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm
Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm
SULAM Beth El Educational Program:
Upcoming Events
-
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025
Sunday, Sep 7th 11:30a to 1:00p
This event is free and open to the public! Prospective members encouraged to join us! -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 12 , 2025Shabbat Under the Stars
Friday, Sep 12th 5:30p to 7:30p
Join us for an outdoor, family-friendly service and congregational dinner. Please RSVP by September 8 at noon. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025Intro to EFT Tapping: Reduce Stress, Reclaim Calm, and Reset Yourself
Sunday, Sep 14th 2:00p to 3:30p
Learn about this simple tool to calm your nervous system, releasing stress, tension, and emotional overwhelm. Marie Cancelliere, M.Ed. and Emotional Wellness Coach will guide us in the session brought to us by Women's Network and the North Atlantic Region of the WLCJ. Click in for RSVP details! -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Rosh Hashanah Day One - Festival Morning Services
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 8:30a to 12:45p
On Rosh Hashanah Day One, you have the choice of 2 services, plus additional options for families with young children! Click in for details.
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