CONVERSION | REQUIREMENTS

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Requirements for Conversion

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

Stepping Stones to Jewish Knowledge: A Basic Judaism Class
If you are ready to:

- take your first or next steps to a Jewish life filled with knowledge;

- explore ways to build a Jewish home and strengthen your Jewish family;

- feel more comfortable with prayer and worship and connect with members of our congregation;

- know more about Reform Judaism;

then Stepping Stones to Jewish Knowledge: A Basic Judaism Course is for you!

Our History, Literature and Faith (Session 2) begins on November 29 and will be taught by Robin Kosberg. Class meets on Tuesday nights from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, and Jan. 3 and 10. The class will also meet for on two Shabbat mornings on Saturdays Jan. 7 and 14, at 9:00 a.m., and students will then attend services together. Registration deadline is Nov. 15, 2011

Our Homes, Families and Community (Session I) begins January 17, 2012 and will be taught by Renee Karp. Class meets on Tuesday nights from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. on Jan. 17, 24 and 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, and March 6.
The registration deadline is January 10, 2012

The cost of each course is $120 or $170 per couple. Registration is required and space is limited. The registration deadline for Session I is Monday, August 23.

Click here to register online.

Click here to download the registration form.

For more details or for registration information contact Carolyne Ojwang at cojwang@tedallas.org or 214-706-0000, ex. 131.

Choosing Judaism - At the conclusion of Stepping Stones, those interested in choosing to become Jews will have a conversation with one of our rabbis. If you are ready to proceed you will be assigned to a section of “Choosing Judaism,” our conversion workshop, and will begin meeting several times a month for a total of eight sessions. This group, facilitated by trained lay leaders, examines many of the personal issues that prospective Jews-by-Choice face with opportunities for reflection and sharing. If you have completed Stepping Stones and are ready to move into the Choosing Judaism course, please contact Shelly Gammieri at sgammieri@tedallas.org or 214.706.0000, ext.164.

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 will complete the “Questions for Conversion” about Judaism and their beliefs during their conversion journey. In “Choosing Judaism” each person will complete a personal journal reflecting on their Jewish experiences for each group meeting. Candidates will also read a Jewish book and reflect on it for the final session.

Meetings with a Rabbi – At the end of the Choosing Judaism class you will be assigned to meet with one of our rabbis. You will have several individual meetings with your assigned rabbi before setting the date of conversion.

Mentoring – Each student will be matched with a mentor who is a Temple member through our Baderech Program. Baderech is a Hebrew word meaning “On The Path.” Mentors will be a resource and friend to the prospective Jew-by-Choice during the conversion process. Students will call on them for any questions about Judaism, the conversion process, or attending services or programs at Temple.

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.