KUDOS

The course overseen by Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg is living waters to your mind and heart.

The course along with the Video’s; touches on all aspects of the Jewish faith. My family and I not only

took the course but also became “long distance members!” of Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation.

What a joy knowing we are members and support such a wonderful loving congregation. The Cantor Benjamin Warschawski

brings such a spiritual and inspirational blessing to the services.

His CD provides such an inspiration as his voice fills your home or car. My family and I would encourage everyone to pick

up a copy of this inspirational CD as a gift.

Shalom and practicing the Three L’s (find out what a life changer they are).

Clarence, Jane, Samantha and Stephanie; the Jackson Family

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVERSION TO JUDAISM/CONVERTING TO JUDAISM ONLINE

CALL 847-331-3584 for details on how the program works

Long Distance Learning for Conversion and Chicago Area Classes Below it
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete application form. Pay tuition $500 for an individual, $750 a couple.

2. Purchase books $150 to USA addres includes shipping, $175 outside USA; pay tuition by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), Paypal or Money Order and snd us shippin address

3. Complete all 16 Sessions-we'll send the entire curriculum after you enroll and pay the fees.
• Do all assigned readings-we send the 11 items by mail
• Watch videos-we'll send the list of the videos to wtch by session
• Complete memory work-there is a cd and videos to help
• Send terms with completed definitions for each session to Gail Ginsburg at ginsburg.gail@gmail.com -there are videos to help
• Study values for each session
• Be able to demonstrate familiarity with all assigned materials

4. After completing all sessions write a final essay as assigned.-
These are the questions
Esynagogue.org
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Rabbi Gail at ginsburg.gail@gmail.com. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
Your paper will be shared with the two other members of the Bet Din (Rabbinical Court) who are supportive of your decision to join the Jewish people.


5. Return completed answers to “100 Questions.” We have 10 vudeos to assist you.

6. Each week during your process, find on the Jewish calendar and read the weekly Torah reading (Parsha) and commentary in the provided Chumash. Watch Rabbi Ginsburg's D’var Torah video for the week’s reading, which you can find at: http://weeklyvideodvartorah.blogspot.com/ (It will be the first one there that week). Write reflecions on a least 3 weekly portions.

7. Have phone conversations with Rabbi Gail Ginsburg or Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg as needed.

8. Demonstrate a commitment to Jewish living and religious practice, as reflected by the questions and declaration of faith.

9. Commit to learn basic Hebrew reading-we have videos to help.

10. If converting with us in Chicago,
Appear before a Beit Din (rabbinical tribunal) at which time you will be asked the following questions, among others:
• Do you choose to enter the eternal covenant between God and the people Israel and to become a Jew of your own free will?
• Do you accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious faiths and practices?
• Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances?
• Do you promise to establish a Jewish home, and to participate actively in the synagogue and the Jewish community?
• Do you commit yourself to the pursuit of Torah and Jewish knowledge?
• If you should be blessed with children, do you promise to raise them as Jews?

11. Males will require circumcision. If already circumcised, a ritual circumcision is required. Males and females will require immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath).

12. If converting with us in Chicago, Read and sign the Declaration of Faith in Front of the Bet in.


Blessed are you, Adonai, ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this special time.
DECLARATION OF FAITH to be read in front of Bet Din and signed
I hereby declare my desire to accept the principles of the Jewish religion, to follow its practices and ceremonies, and to become a member of the Jewish people. I do this of my own free will, with an understanding of the significance of the tenets and practices of Judaism, and full realization of the commitment I herewith assume.
I pray that my present conviction may guide me through life, that I may be worthy of the sacred tradition and fellowship which I now join. As I am thankful for the privileges thus bestowed upon me, I pray that I may always remain conscious of the duties which are mine as a member of the House of Israel.
I declare my determination to maintain a Jewish home, and accept Kabbalat Ol Mitzvote-the yoke of the commandments incumbent upon all Jews: a commitment to the God of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the people of Israel . I pledge to live the Jewish way of holiness by accepting the mitzvot of Judaism now and always, here and wherever I may be. I have determined to the best of my ability, to make the following Jewish observances an integral part of both my life and that of my family: Jewish education for all children to be born or adopted by me, observance of Shabbat and holidays, incorporation of kashrut, affiliation with a synagogue and attendance at services, regular prayer, gemilut hasadim –deeds of loving kindness, identifying with the Jewish community and the State of Israel, and the study of Torah. Should I be blessed with children, I pledge to bring them into the Covenant of Abraham and to rear all children with whom God may bless me in loyalty to the Jewish faith and practices.
HEAR, O ISRAEL : THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD ALONE.
PRAISED BE HIS SOVEREIGN GLORY FOREVER
Witnesses:
Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg
…………………………. Date ………………..
…………………………. Place ………………..




13. Pick out a Hebrew name. For legal/spiritual purposes your parents will be Abraham and Sarah

14. If converting with us, at time of completion, fee to Mikveh is $150, $100 honorarium to the other two members of the bet din each and $75 if a male and hatafat dam brit symbolic circumcision is requird. APPLICATION FOLLOWS

CHICAGO AREA PROGRAM
Converting to Judaism? Live in the Chicago area
Introduction to Judaism

Program for conversion to Judaism

A 16-sessions Course for Potential Converts

God, Holy Books, Holidays, Life Cycle, Values, History, Kashrut, Kabbalah, Israel

Enroll anytime!

Students are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The program consists of:

We were told that we have the nation's largest synagogue based conversion program.You can just take the course and convert with another Bet Din oruse our Bet din to convert.

It is a standard Conservative program of 16 sessions and includes

1. Books to read

2. Items to memorize from a cd and videos

3. Values to learn

4. Lectures

5. Optional and unique-500 brief videos on dvds and online to assist you and allow you to make up missed classes

6. Terms to define and send back with videos to assist

7. 100 question exam with the answers on videos

8. Essay to write

9. Bet Din of Conservative or Orthodox ordained Rabbis, (though this conversion, like all done by non-Orthodox Rabbis, will probably not be recognized by the Orthodox.)

10. Syllabus for each session outlining the work for each session

11. Meet with Bet Din,sign Declaration of faith

Class meets Tuesday nights 7:30-9:30 PM and optional Shabbat Morning Learner's prayer service twice monthly.



Cost

$300 tuition, $125 books and materials,

payable by check, credit card or paypal

not including final conversion fees at the end of:

Mikveh $150 person/$350 family cap

Males require ritual circumcision $75

Honorarium to 2 guest Rabbi on bet Din $100 each

Application for ONLINE CONVERSION TO JUDAISM/JEWISH CONVERSION

Return this form to rabbi@convertjudaism.org


Jewish Institute of Religious Training of Esynagogue.org
Long Distance Conversion Program

Packet
Confidential Information Form
(MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE BEGINNING COURSE)
Date of First Class Session_______________________
Name____________________________________________
Street Address___________________________________City_______________Zip__________
Date of Birth_____________ Tel._______________________ E-mail_______________________
Marital Status_________________ Children___________________________________________
Spouse_________________________________
Occupation________________________________ Employer_____________________________
Present/past church affiliation______________________________________________________
How did you learn about the program?_______________________________________________
Explain your interest in Judaism_______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
If you are sharing this instructional conversion experience with a Jewish partner, please furnish the following information:
Name_______________________________________________________
Street Address____________________________________City______________Zip___________
Telephone_______________________________________ E-mail__________________________
I understand this conversion to Judaism through this program, conducted under Conservative Jewish auspices, would most likely not be considered acceptable by Orthodox Rabbis, and Orthodox Israeli authorities.
Being accepted into the program for study does not automatically mean the candidate would be acceptable for conversion. The candidate needs to fulfill the requirements AND be found worthy by the Rabbinic Tribunal/ Bet DIN




PAYMENT OPTIONS

Paypal or Visa/Mastercard/American Express

need billing name and address, card number and expiration

Check out my new site at www.jewu.info

From Poland to Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg

1. How did I become interested in Judaism.
I was born and raised in Poland. As a young child, I visited my maternal grandparents once or twice a year. During those visits, a few times I had heard my grandpa teasing my grandmother and calling her “My Jewish Girl - Moja Zydoweczka.” During other family gatherings, I had heard my other relatives whisper stories that our grandma was of Jewish descendant and that she changed her faith in early 1920s. All her adult life, my grandma was a devoted Catholic. She lived a simple and hard life.
Over the years, especially during my college time in Poland, I met few people who also had some relatives of Jewish descendant. I started looking for similarities to my grandma’s story, signs of Judaism in Polish families, information about Jewish people, history, and religion. Then, after I moved to United States I met a friendly neighbor who encouraged me to call Rabbi Katz from Beth Israel Center in 2002. He welcomed me to the Beth Israel Center and taught me the core of Judaism. In 2005, I visited Poland and met with my grandmother. My mother and I decided to ask her a question about the past. My mother asked if we had any Jews in our family and my grandmother answered that we did not have. We did not ask her more questions. She died three weeks later.
I think that my love to my grandmother, hearing stories about her childhood, and seeing her as a role model somehow drawn me to learn and become interested in Judaism.

2.Values.
The Jewish lifestyle gives a base for a personal identity that can grow and strengthen into a universal meaning. The values of Jewish heritage are rich and beautiful. Being a Jew gives privileges and responsibilities. G-d had chosen Jews but he is not concerned only with them. He assigned them a specific role and it is a privilege for a Jew to have greater responsibilities and greater demands. The other core values of Judaism important to me are the sanctity of time and the sanctity of place. A Jewish life is lived in cycles of time: from Shabbath to Shabbath, from a month to a month in the turning of new moon, and the entire year in a cycle of festivals. The value of a place refers to the synagogue, or study hall, but ultimately relates to the Temple in Jerusalem. But for me, also means building a Jewish home. More values that are crucial to me and to my family are justice, compassion, and kindness that lead to a Jewish way of living. I want them to be a part of the moral standards that determine my life choices and decisions not only in my personal but also professional life.

3. Why Judaism not other religion?
It centers on G-d, the Torah, and Israel. It is following the G-d’s will. I want to join those chosen on Mount Sinai. I believe in One G-d, the Creator of the universe. I believe that Torah was given by G-d to Moses.

4. Understanding of G-d.
G-d is eternal. He is One. He is the creator of universe. He has no body, form or likeness. I pray to him. I respect him but I am not afraid of him. G-d revealed himself to the prophets and had spoken to Moses on Mount Sinai. G-d knows all the thoughts and deeds of people. He rewards those who keep his law and punishes those who break the law. G-d will send Messiah to usher in a better world. God will revive the dead.

5. Changes in life caused by Jewish tradition.
Since I became interested in Judaism my life is richer spiritually and morally. At the same time I am much stronger as a person/citizen to face every day responsibilities. The love for G-d helped me to be a better person and to understand others better. My home is stronger too, and throughout Judaism my home found its foundation. My home is happy and spiritual. I welcome Shabbath every Friday with the sunset by lighting the Shabbath candles and I say good bye to it on Saturday 25 hours later by lighting a Havdala Candle. I have a Mezuzah on my doorpost. I say the Sh’ma. I observe the Jewish holidays and attend the synagogue when I can. I have a Tzedakah box. I teach my daughter values of justice, kindness, and compassion. I have sent her to the Camp Shalom each summer since she was 6 years old. Jewish observance gave me a self-discipline and guidance. It changed the way I live. I am still learning a lot and I am lucky to be around people who teach me how to be a Jew.

6. My identification with the Jewish people.
I want to be a part of the Jewish community, identify myself with Jewish people. But even more so, the land of Israel, the Holy Land has a special meaning to me. The Rabbis say that the Land of Israel is higher spiritually than all other lands. Going to visit the Holy Land and supporting those who live there and secure its borders and peace must become a part of my Jewish identity.

7. My commitment to prayer, Shabbath, and keeping kosher.
I do pray everyday but my prayer is still very personalized. I know I need to learn more formal texts. I should attend more often the daily service at the synagogue. I do attend the Kabbalat Shabbath service and say the Sh’ma, Amidah, Aleinu, and Yidgal. I observe Shabbath every week. Shabbath is a happy day; a day of rest. Typically, I spend the day at home and make a special meal for Shabbath. I say blessings (Berakhot) over the candles, Kiddush, and before the food. I wash my hands before eating and say the Natilat. But at times I still have to work on Shabbath due to my employment at the Mental Health Center in Madison. I try to keep a kosher kitchen. I do not eat meat and dairy products together. If I had meat I wait at least one hour before I eat dairy. Typically I eat vegetarian meals. When I buy foods, I look for a Heksher. I teach my child the importance of Kashrut and keeping kosher.

8. I would like to continue to take Torah and Hebrew or other classes at the Beth Israel Center or other synagogues. I want to get involved in other classes that might be held at universities or other locations. I need to continue to take Hebrew lessons so I can read Hebrew during services at the synagogue.

Basic Conversion questions

Other Common Questions

1. Why do people consider

converting to Judaism?

There are many reasons. Often an interreligious marriage sparks an interest in the non-Jewish partner that can lead to a desire to share the religion of his or her spouse. Similarly, when an interfaith couple decides to raise children, the non-Jew may initially decide to explore Judaism in order to seek a religious common ground for the family. Other men and women seeking religious meaning in their lives, with or without any connection to a Jewish mate, find that Judaism offers them the best medium of religious expression.

2. Do Jews seek converts?

Centuries ago, Jews did engage in proselytizing, particularly during the Graeco Roman period of Jewish history, when thousands of non-Jews living in

Asia Minor

embraced Judaism. The destruction of the

Roman Empire

and mortal threats against Jews who sought converts marked the end of such efforts to gain converts. Judaism respects the religious beliefs of others, as well as the convictions of those who choose no religion!At the same time, Judaism is an open religion that readily accepts and encourages those who look to it for fulfillment and guidance in meeting life’s challenges. We take an active approach to seek out people who might choose to become Jews. (This pamphlet is an example of such an approach).

3. How do I know if Judaism is right for me?

The best way is to learn as much as you can about Judaism and begin to practice those aspects of Judaism that most appeal to you. Seek out Jewish friends, Jewish family members, or a synagogue community for support. As you study and try out Jewish practice and customs at your own pace, you will become comfortable with them and prepare for further steps. An excellent way to get a sense of the traditions and practice of Judaism is to take our Introduction to Judaism course. (On site in

Chicago

land)

4. If I take an Introduction to Judaism class, will I be expected to convert?

No. These courses are offered to anyone who wants to

learn more about Judaism. They are most often

will help immensely is your patience, as well as a willingness to discuss your choice and to show your family that you’ve not abandoned them.

attended by individuals considering conversion, by interfaith couples learning together about Judaism and making decisions about whether to have a Jewish home, as well as by born Jews who want to learn more about their own heritage. Although many people do choosing Judaism, there are no assumptions or expectations held about people taking the class.

5. If decide that I want to become a Jew, how would I go about it?

First, make an appointment with us. The rabbi will not only discuss the process and implications of becoming a Jew, but also explore with your reasons for wanting to do so. In earlier generations, rabbis would discourage potential Jews-by-choice, turning them away three times to test how serious they were. This custom is seldom followed today by some Orthodox, but most rabbis still endeavor to impress upon the potential convert the seriousness of such a choice.

People considering conversion, are expected to study Jewish theology, rituals, history, culture, and customs and to begin incorporating Jewish practice into their lives. The scope of the course of study will vary from rabbi to rabbi and community to community. Most now require a course in basic Judaism and individual study with a rabbi, as well as attendance at services and participation in home practice and synagogue life.

6. If I become a Jew, would people refer to me as a “convert? Is there some other, more proper term to use?

In Judaism, people who become Jews have no less than full Jewish status in every circumstance. For this reason, there may be some objection to any distinctive term that refers to a person who has chosen to become a Jew. On the other hand, many people are proud to let others know they are converts to Judaism. Also, as the number of people becoming Jews continues to increase and as various Jewish religious institutions develop programs to encourage and assist people in this process, it has become useful to talk more publicly About choosing Judaism Consequently, a number of terms have come into common usage, including “convert” and “Jew-by-choice,” often used interchangeably. In our free society in

North America

today, however, Jewish commitment is a matter of choice for all who are Jews, by birth or conversion.

7. If I become a Jew, what would be the attitude of other Jews toward me?

Judaism has welcomed those who voluntarily become Jews and considers them full-fledged members of the Jewish community. The Hebrew Bible, as well as later Jewish texts, includes examples of such individuals. The most famous and honored example appears in the biblical book of Ruth, where Ruth joins the Jewish people and eventually becomes the great-great grandmother of King David, from whose descendants, according to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will come.

In our day, most Jews welcome wholeheartedly those who have chosen to become Jews. Nonetheless, some Jews-by-choice report occasional offensive comments directed toward them. Although the reasons for such attitudes are complicated, they are based on ignorance and prejudice and are by no means sanctioned by Judaism. As more and more Jews-by-choice enter the Jewish community, as we promote education about Jewish views of conversion and sensitivity to Jews-by-choice, and as public discussion of such a choice grows more commonplace, these negative views continue to fade.

8. If convert with you, will all rabbis consider me a Jew?

Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative rabbis recognize the validity of our conversions. Many Orthodox rabbis, however, do not recognize non-Orthodox conversions. We will discuss further any implications for you of conversion under our auspices.

9. If I become a Jew, will I be expected to separate from my family of origin?

By no means. Most Jews-by-choice maintain warm Relationships with their family of origin. Conversion to a new religion does not suddenly make you over into something altogether new; nor does it cut you off from old family ties or memories. However, some converts to Judaism find that, especially initially, their family may be hurt or confused by their choice. Such feelings often result from misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about Judaism and are, therefore, perfectly understandable. If it happens with

10. If I decide not to become a Jew but I have a partner who is, can our children be raised as Jews?

Yes. Many interfaith couples have decided to raise their children as Jews. In many families today, non-Jewish parents play a key role in providing for their children’s Jewish education, as well as creating a supportive Jewish home environment. The more you learn about Judaism, the easier this will be for you. Many Jews see such parents as the givers of a precious gift and as blessing to the Jewish people.

11. If I decide not to become a Jew, would I be welcome to worship in a synagogue with my Jewish family?

We warmly welcome interfaith families to participate in various ways in synagogue life. In following the famous verse from the Book of Isaiah 56:7, “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,” almost all Jewish religious services are open to the public, so you and your family would be welcome to attend. Sabbath services are held on Friday evening and Saturday mornings. Call the specific congregation during the week to find out the times.

12. If I’m not yet ready to convert to Judaism or if I decide not to, what options do my Jewish partner and I have for our wedding ceremony?

This is a very sensitive issue, on which there is a broad range of opinions. We encourage you to seek out a rabbi with whom you feel comfortable and have a thorough discussion about the options. No matter what kind of wedding ceremony you have, we consider ourselves a portal to Jewish life for intermarried families. Through a general atmosphere of openness, an interfaith couple will find a welcome at our congregation.

13. Where can I get more information about internet conversion?

www.convertjudaism.org

www.jewishconversionchicago.com

www.esynagogue.org

E-mail: rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Online Conversion program

You now are able to convert with distance learning.

This course, a prerequisite for conversion to Judaism, is organized in 16 sessions, has assigned readings, videos for lectures Jewish values, Torah study, and a list of terms to learn with videos to help define them. This course is identical to our onsite Chicago program, substituting our over 450 videos for the classroom lectures. We assist your journey via email and phone conversations. This is designed for those far from a teaching Rabbi, or those whose scheduloes do not permit attendance at a scheduled onsite course. It is preferable that you develop a relationship with a nearby Rabbi if possible, though some are far removed from local Rabbis and we convert the candidates in Chicago. We have been assisting converts for over 25 years. Building on this tradition, we have developed the world's only recognized Long Distance conversion program.

1.Chair of Bet Din: name Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg
2. Name of Course Director Rabbi Gail Ginsburg
3. Telephone 847-331-3584
4. Email address rabbi@convertjudaism.org
5. Snail-mail address of contact: Street/ City/ State/ Zip

2127 Lincolnwood dr. Evanston,Il. 60201
6. Location(s) of class(es):

Online see www.convertjudaism.org or 4500 Dempster st. Chicago,Il. 60076

www.jewishconversionchicago.com
7. Dates of onsite session(s): Online is ongoing enrollment. Onsite course runs three times a year, September, February, May
8. Number of class meeting per session 16
9. Curriculum God, Holy Books, Other religions and Judaism, History, prayer, Ritual Objects, Shabbat, Holidays, Jewish People, Anti-semitism and Holocaust, Israel, Life cycle,
10. Cost for each session: books/computer, Judaica, instructor

Onsite $300 plus $125 books and materials, online $500 plus $175 including shipping
11. Is Hebrew reading part of the basic classes or additional [before/after
class or other time] additional course or on own
12. Does fee include, and if not what are the charges for each
a. Bet Din $100 each for other 2 Rabbinic witnesses
b. Mikveh $150
c. Hatafat Dam Brit (if males already circumcised) $75
d. Circumcision On their own expense
13. Does a candidate need to have a mentoring Rabbi, and if so, what are
their responsibilities for the candidate

Yes. Usually we are the mentoring rabbis but sometimes students come from other rabbis who mentor them. Meet with Rabbi at least 3 times, attend services, sign declaration of faith, answer yes to all RA guideline questions, Live Jewishly
14. Does the Region sponsor any post-conversion program(s), and if so,
please describe We have Conversion havurah, also all students receive my 3x a week Torah email
15. Does this program include provision for children yes children over 7 attend
16. Does this program require any prospective spouse to participate?

strongly encouraged