CONVERSION | REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Conversion

Requirements for gerut at Temple Emanu-El include all of the following:

Stepping Stones to Jewish Knowledge Class - Do you want to learn some basic Judaism? Can you answer your neighbor’s questions? Are you struggling to answer your children’s questions? Are you interested in exploring and/or choosing Judaism? If your answer is yes to any of these questions you might consider enrolling in this class.

For the first time, this spring, we will offer several options.
You may choose any of the following three options:
• Segment One for 8 weeks which will explore our basic Jewish texts, Creating a Jewish Home, Jewish Holidays, The Jewish Life Cycle, Basic Jewish Beliefs and Reform Jewish Decision Making
• Segment Two for 8 weeks which will explore Judaism and Christianity, Anti Semitism, The Holocaust, Israel and Zionism, American Judaism, and Synagogue and Prayer.
• The full 16 week program is a pre-requisite for those interested in conversion.

This class will meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

The cost for each 8 week segment, which includes all books and fees, is $135. The cost for the full 16 weeks is $250 for individuals and $275 for couples sharing books. For more information or to register, contact Program Director Renée Karp at 214.706.0000 ext.126 or rkarp@tedallas.org.

Choosing Judaism - At the conclusion of Stepping Stones, “Choosing Judaism,” our conversion program, will begin meeting several times a month for a total of eight sessions. This group, facilitated by a trained lay leader and a rabbi, will examine many of the personal issues that prospective Jews-by-Choice face with opportunities for reflection and sharing. Each candidate will also complete “Questions for Conversion” about Judaism and their beliefs, as well as other activities that will be specified within the group.

Jewish Living - The prospective Jew-by-Choice begins to “see the world through Jewish eyes” through the celebration of Shabbat and holidays, attendance at worship services and study sessions, observance of mitzvot, and participation in the Jewish community.

Tikkun Olam - Each prospective Jew-by-Choice will engage in ongoing acts of tikkun olam, helping to make the world a better place through donating their time in community service or social action projects. Personal Reflection and Study - Individuals in “Choosing Judaism” will complete a journal reflecting on their Jewish experiences for each group meeting. Candidates will also read a Jewish book and reflect on it for the final “Choosing Judaism” session.

Conferences - The sponsoring rabbi will have several individual meetings with the prospective Jew-by-Choice during the gerut process.

Outreach and Mentoring – Each student will be matched with a Temple family through our Chaver Connection. Chaverim will be a resource and friend to the prospective Jew-by-Choice during the gerut process. Additionally, members of the Temple’s Outreach Committee will be always available, in person and through the Warm Line.

Becoming a Member of Temple Emanu-El - Unless previous arrangements have been made with the rabbi, each candidate agrees to become part of the Temple Emanu-El Jewish community upon completion of gerut by joining this Temple as a member.

Gerut Ceremony - As the candidate prepares for conversion, the rabbi and candidate will discuss the opportunity to participate in the traditional rituals of mikvah (ritual immersion) and, as appropriate, ritual circumcision or hatafat dam brit (ritual circumcision). The gerut ceremony will take place in the Sanctuary or one of the chapels at Temple Emanu-El. The candidate will write a personal statement in preparation for this day. After the ceremony, all those new to Judaism are encouraged to be welcomed by the community at a Shabbat service and in the Temple Window.

Conversion
Requirements
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