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.
Thu, September 18 2025
25 Elul 5785
Upcoming Events
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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. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025Yom Kippur Festival Services
Thursday, Oct 2nd 8:30a to 1:30p
On Yom Kippur, you have the choice of 2 services, plus additional options for families with young children! Click in for details. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2025
Sunday, Oct 5th 9:30a to 12:00p
The 8th annual Tour de Shuls CT will be held on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. We took a break and now we are back in action in 2025. This year’s tour will have 2 bike routes, the 25 mile route will be starting and finishing at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford CT and a 10 mile bike route (5K Run/Walk) will start and finish at Temple Sinai in Newington, CT. More than simply a bike ride, Tour de Shuls is a community event to support Camp Ramah’s Tikvah and Camp Eisner’s Chazak programs. These programs serve Jewish children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Participating in the Tour enables these campers to experience the joys and camaraderie of Jewish summer camp – swimming, soccer, arts & crafts, singing around the campfire, and celebrating Shabbat, by providing scholarships to defray the costs of attending camp. Ride with us individually, as a family or with a group of friends. All levels of riders are welcome. Registration is $54 for adults. For teens and children ages 18 and under, the registration fee is $36. The fee is capped at $126 per family. The registration fee will be waived for any individual who raises and collects at least $180 in contributions. -
Monday ,
OctOctober 6 , 2025Shababa
Monday, Oct 6th 5:30p to 6:00p
Shababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and children's dinner. RSVP today! Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel (ekrigel@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696).
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
-
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. -
Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025Yom Kippur Festival Services
Thursday, Oct 2nd 8:30a to 1:30p
On Yom Kippur, you have the choice of 2 services, plus additional options for families with young children! Click in for details. -
Sunday ,
OctOctober 5 , 2025
Sunday, Oct 5th 9:30a to 12:00p
The 8th annual Tour de Shuls CT will be held on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. We took a break and now we are back in action in 2025. This year’s tour will have 2 bike routes, the 25 mile route will be starting and finishing at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford CT and a 10 mile bike route (5K Run/Walk) will start and finish at Temple Sinai in Newington, CT. More than simply a bike ride, Tour de Shuls is a community event to support Camp Ramah’s Tikvah and Camp Eisner’s Chazak programs. These programs serve Jewish children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Participating in the Tour enables these campers to experience the joys and camaraderie of Jewish summer camp – swimming, soccer, arts & crafts, singing around the campfire, and celebrating Shabbat, by providing scholarships to defray the costs of attending camp. Ride with us individually, as a family or with a group of friends. All levels of riders are welcome. Registration is $54 for adults. For teens and children ages 18 and under, the registration fee is $36. The fee is capped at $126 per family. The registration fee will be waived for any individual who raises and collects at least $180 in contributions.
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