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.
Wed, February 12 2025
14 Shevat 5785
Upcoming Events
-
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 13 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 13th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Feb 19th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 20th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2025Shababa
Friday, Feb 21st 5:30p to 7:00p
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). -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 27 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 27th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register!
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
-
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 13 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 13th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 19 , 2025Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Feb 19th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin and Women's Network as we explore both timely and timeless topics through the lens of "Dirshuni: Contemporary Women's Midrash," a book which weaves together ancient Jewish texts and contemporary women's voices. All are welcome, whether it is your first time or you are a regular. All you need is an interest in learning! Snacks will be provided. Note: Evening minyan begins at 5:30 pm (and please join us if you can!). Class will begin at approximately 6:00pm. -
Thursday ,
FebFebruary 20 , 2025God is Here: Exploring Metaphors for the Divine
Thursday, Feb 20th 6:00p to 7:30p
Join Rabbis Debra Cantor and Rachel Zerin for a hands-on exploration of different metaphors for the Divine. These metaphors are all deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, while broadening the ways we think about, talk about, and relate to God and the idea of the Holy. Inspired by Rabbi Toba Spitzer's book "God is Here: Reimagining the Divine," we will use text study, discussion, writing, art, ritual, and more to think about how language and metaphor shape our experiences - and how language and metaphor can either limit or expand how we experience holiness in our lives. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
FebFebruary 21 , 2025Shababa
Friday, Feb 21st 5:30p to 7:00p
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).
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