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 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, May 16 2024
8 Iyyar 5784
Upcoming Events
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Thursday ,
MayMay 16 , 2024Afternoon Movie with Chai Society
Thursday, May 16th 1:00p to 3:00p
Afternoon Movie with Chai Society Thursday, May 16, 1pm at Beth El Chai Society invites you to an afternoon program featuring “Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness.” This film is a riveting portrait of the great writer whose stories became the basis of the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. (Click here for the trailer!) Mark Schmidek will introduce this film, and his descriptions and commentary will enhance this wonderful documentary. There will be popcorn, munchies and dessert. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Judy Satlof, 860-523-8883, or judsatlof@aol.com by May 6th. -
Wednesday ,
MayMay 29 , 2024
Wednesday, May 29th 6:00p to 7:30p
Please join us in person for this Kulanu program, a Beth El Temple partnership with the ADL. Click in to register! -
Friday ,
MayMay 31 , 2024Camp Send-off Shabbat Dinner
Friday, May 31st 7:00p to 8:30p
Celebrate our campers as we send them off to summer camp Beth El style! All are invited to join us for a special outdoor Shabbat service honoring our campers, followed by a BBQ dinner for all. Service and dinner will be held outdoors, weather permitting. This program is being underwritten by the Kest Family Fund. Click in to register! -
Wednesday ,
JunJune 5 , 2024Studying Dirshuni with Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Wednesday, Jun 5th 6:00p to 7:15p
Join Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Women's Network and the Israel Engagement Committee 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. -
Friday ,
JunJune 7 , 2024
Friday, Jun 7th 7:00p to 8:30p
Space is limited, and RSVPs must be received by Friday, May 24th. Click in to register!