Guide to Converting to Judaism in Israel

Those seeking to convert to Judaism in Israel, and who wish to be assured that their conversions will be recognized by the Chief Rabbinate and the Interior Ministry, should convert through the State’s conversion program, which is operated by the Conversion Authority under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office. Israeli citizens and official permanent residents are eligible to participate in the program. Non-citizens with tourist, student, volunteer, or temporary residency visas may apply to an Exceptions Committee to gain approval to participate; they must apply to the Committee in person, and can only begin their conversion studies following the Committee’s approval.

Individuals seeking conversion programs that take a more inclusive and less bureaucratic approach, may turn to a variety of alternative programs, including ITIM’s Giyur K’Halacha Conversion Court Network. Giyur K’Halacha offers a meaningful, supportive Orthodox conversion option for Israeli citizens, especially immigrants and children of immigrants. Giyur K’Halacha’s caring, professional staff assist candidates of every background, from initial inquiries, to educational programs, rabbinical court approvals, and beyond.

Study

All conversion candidates in Israel, whether converting through the State or alternative programs, are required to study Jewish law, practice, history, and values through ulpans (conversion preparatory programs). There are many conversion ulpans in many languages throughout the country. Most meet once or twice per week for a period of ten months. State-recognized ulpans include:

Nativ – The National Center for Jewish Studies, Identity, and Conversion (1-800-210-558 within Israel) offers a “Military Program” for IDF soldiers and National Service volunteers, and a “Civilian Program” for other Israeli citizens and permanent residents. Conversion courses are free of charge, and available throughout the country in Hebrew, English, Russian, French, Spanish, and Israeli Sign Language.

Ami, a conversion program founded by Rabbi Chaim Druckman, offers a “Community Conversion” track with courses in Hebrew, English, Russian, French, and Spanish at community centers across the country, and a “Personal Conversion” track for conversion candidates in remote areas, who speak other languages, who cannot attend classes during regular hours, or have other specific needs.

Meir and Ora Institutes are conversion programs operated under the auspices of the Meir Institute, a religious-Zionist outreach organization and yeshiva located in Jerusalem. Men study at the Meir Institute, and women at the Ora Institute. Classes are available in English, Russian, Spanish and Hebrew.

Achinoam is a conversion program based in Bnei Brak. Courses are offered in Hebrew, English, Russian, and Spanish.

Beit Moriah, a religious-Zionist organization dedicated to enhancing Jewish life in Be’er Sheva, offers conversion courses in Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish in Be’er Sheva.

Machanaim, a Jewish educational network for immigrants from the former Soviet Union, offers conversion courses in Russian in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan.

The Religious Kibbutz Movement offers French-language conversion courses at Kibbutz Ein HaNatziv in the Beit She’an Valley.

Shavei Israel, an organization that locates lost and hidden Jews and assists them in returning to their roots, operates Machon Miriam, a Spanish, Portuguese and Italian-language program, and the Machon Milton , an English-language program in Jerusalem.

Or Torah Stone, a network of Modern Orthodox educational institutions, offers Spanish-language conversion courses in Efrat.

Midreshet B’erot Bat Ayin, a holistic women’s seminary, operates B’not Ruth, a conversion program for women in Bat Ayin.

Lifestyle Requirements

Depending on the conversion program, conversion candidates are either required or encouraged to adopt a traditional Jewish lifestyle, including observance of Shabbat, Jewish festivals, and kosher laws. Non-Jewish spouses are required to convert. In State conversions, children of converts are required to be enrolled in Israel’s public religious school system.

“Adoptive” Families

Conversion candidates typically establish ties with “adoptive” families to learn how to put Jewish tradition into practice. Relatives or acquaintances may serve as adoptive families; ulpan teachers may assign them. In State conversions, “adoptive” families must certify that they have met with conversion candidates, and recommend that they proceed with the conversion process.

Conversion Courts

Conversion candidates generally meet with conversion court representatives at least twice during the study period (at the beginning of the process, and when they complete their studies). The State conversion program monitors candidates’ studies and lifestyle, and obtains reports and recommendations from teachers.

At the end of their study programs, candidates must appear before conversion courts to complete the conversion process. The courts’ rabbinic judges interview candidates to assess their knowledge of Jewish practice, and, in the case of State conversions, their observance of a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Following the interviews, judges discuss the cases, and render decisions. If they are satisfied that a candidate is fully prepared, they will authorize the conversion. If not, they will highlight areas that require improvement, and may assign further study before the candidate can reappear before the court.

Ritual Circumcision

Upon successful completion of conversion court interviews, men are required to undergo ritual circumcisions or hatafot dam (a symbolic procedure for circumcised men). Members of the conversion courts or witnesses attend the procedures to certify that they are properly completed. Boys under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents or guardians. Following the procedures, conversion candidates recite several passages, and are given Hebrew names.

Ritual Bath Immersion

The last step in the conversion process for both men and women is immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath). Candidates recite the Sh’ma Yisrael prayer, accept the mitzvot (commandments), and take Hebrew names.

Following a conversion through the State conversion program, the State conversion court signs and submits a final form to the Conversion Authority certifying that the individual has immersed in a mikveh, and, if male, has undergone a ritual circumcision or hatafat dam. The Religious Affairs Ministry issues a document verifying completion of the conversion process.

Individuals who have converted through alternative programs such as the Giyur K’Halacha Conversion Court Network may bring their cases before municipal courts, which determine if the State is required to recognize them.

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate recognizes a limited number of conversion courts outside of Israel. Below is a list of the world conversion courts the Rabbinate currently recognizes. Contact the ITIM Assistance Center for further information.