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 his/her 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. Males and females 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.
Fri, February 26 2021
14 Adar 5781
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday ,
MarMarch 3 , 2021America's Jewish Women: An Evening with Pamela Nadell
Wednesday, Mar 3rd 8:00p to 9:00p
Professor Pamela Nadell will celebrate Women’s History Month with us and share insights from her recent book, "America’s Jewish Women: A History from Colonial Times to Today," which won the 2019 National Jewish Book Award—Everett Family Foundation Jewish Book of the Year. Weaving together stories from the colonial era to the present, Nadell shows two threads binding the nation's Jewish women: a strong sense of self and a resolute commitment to making the world a better place. Nadell holds the Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women's and Gender History at American University where she directs the Jewish Studies Program and received the university's highest award, Scholar/Teacher of the Year. Click here to register! -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 7 , 2021Pre-Passover Wine Event
Sunday, Mar 7th 1:00p to 2:00p
Beth El Temple of West Hartford, alongside BSBI of Manchester, CT, and Temple Emeth of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, invite you to enjoy a beautiful tour of Tulip Winery, live from Israel at sunset! Three wines are included in the tasting, guided by Tulip's winemaker! Plus, order additional wines at SkyviewWine.com and use promo code BethEl for free shipping! Pick up your personal wine order at Beth El when you pick up your tasting wines! Plus, Skyview Wine will donate 5% of sales to Beth El Temple. Wines must be ordered by Wednesday, February 24 at 12pm. We cannot accept orders after the deadline, but you may register for the wine tour until Sunday, March 7 at 12pm. -
Monday ,
MarMarch 8 , 2021Musical Chat with Cantor Joseph Ness
Monday, Mar 8th 1:00p to 2:00p
Cantor Ness is back with this very popular class, but instead of weekly, we'll meet twice a month. 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). -
Wednesday ,
MarMarch 10 , 2021An Hour of Captivating Music with David Stoltz
Wednesday, Mar 10th 12:00p to 1:00p
Internationally-acclaimed bass and acoustic guitarist David Stoltz will enchant you with his eclectic mix of jazz, blues, classic rock, Broadway, Israeli music and more. His solos and duets with LeeAnn Lovelace will delight you, and to make the concert even more special, he will play a few Israeli songs with Beth El’s Cantor Joseph Ness. This event has something for everyone! -
Sunday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2021Representing Israel in Tough Places
Sunday, Mar 14th 11:00a to 12:00p
Beth El Temple Men's Club & Israel Engagement Committee invite you to a session with Israel Ambassador Arthur Lenk, discussing "Representing Israel in Tough Places."