Introduction to Judaism

Our rabbis love working with conversion students, and the process of becoming a part of the Jewish people is always deeply meaningful and moving. Please reach out to us if you are interested in learning more about Judaism or have been thinking about conversion. The conversion process starts with taking the Introduction to Judaism course. Through the course, our students get the grounding they need with the basics of Judaism to feel comfortable being a part of the Jewish community.

Once they have passed the Intro course, candidates interested in conversion will continue to meet with a sponsoring rabbi, one-on-one, to further their studies and get to a place where they feel ready to declare that they are a part of the Jewish people. Conversion is completed with immersion in a mikveh (a ritual immersion in living waters) and appearing before a beit din (a panel of three
rabbis who will interview the candidate).

WHY TAKE THE COURSE?

For some things in life, it is never too late. Somehow, when you were younger, maybe you didn’t learn what you’d like to know about the culture and religion of the Jewish people. Perhaps, you grew up in a place where there was no synagogue. Perhaps, you weren’t quite ready to appreciate the Jewish education you were offered. Perhaps your parents didn’t think you needed a Jewish education. Perhaps you now seek a way to live a fuller and richer Jewish family life. Perhaps you now want to narrow the cultural gaps between you and your children. Perhaps you are seeking conversion to Judaism.

Whatever the reason, URJ Introduction to Judaism offers you a time and place to broaden your Jewish awareness. URJ Introduction to Judaism can launch you on a path to authentic personal Jewish identity. This course can help you acquire a basic Jewish vocabulary. You can gain intellectual and experiential knowledge of Judaism as well as the skills necessary to “do Jewish.” Intro is designed to be a meaningful, educational experience for any person interested in knowing and understanding Judaism and Jewish life. The course is organized around the major themes of Judaism, and around the holidays and events in the Jewish life cycle. Included in the URJ Introduction to Judaism course are the following concepts: