Conversion to Judaism - Giyur
Maram - The Israeli Council of Reform Rabbis has a permanent Beit Din for conversion and personal status issues.
In addition to the field of conversion, Maram’s court also deals with divorce issues. The divorce is arranged with mutual respect and full consent, with each spouse releasing the other from the bonds of marriage in an equal and dignified ceremony. This service is intended for couples who were married through a chuppah ceremony conducted by Reform rabbis.
Conversion in the Spirit of Reform Judaism
Candidates for conversion are interviewed by one of the Maram rabbis. If the rabbi is convinced that the candidate’s intention to convert is genuine, the rabbi recommends the start of the candidate's conversion process to the Beit Din for Conversion. The Beit Din for Conversion, consisting of three rabbis, will then interview the candidate. Upon verifying the candidate's serious intention, they will then instruct them how to begin their studies.
Conversion, according to Maram - The Israeli Council of Reform Rabbis, entails extended study including familiarity with the varied Jewish sources, Jewish law, tradition, and the commandments. The regular period of study is one year, largely depending on the amount of time the candidate can dedicate to their studies and the candidate's previous knowledge (e.g. One's residence in Israel for an extended period of time may indicate a more extensive knowledge of Jewish belief and culture). The studies, as much as possible, take place in the language most comfortable for the candidate.
This year of study is intended to grant the candidate the full experience of the Jewish yearly cycle, allowing them to regularly participate in the prayer services of the synagogue and the rituals done at home. During this period, different topics are studied, including (but not limited to): the Jewish yearly cycle, the Jewish life cycle, prayer and customs of the synagogue, Jewish history, the world of Jewish thought, and the difference between Judaism and other faiths.
After completing their studies, the candidate must again meet with the Beit Din for a final interview. Upon passing that, the formal processes of conversion are carried out.
The ceremony includes circumcision, ritual immersion, and receiving the commandments according to the Jewish Reform way of life. A convert’s decision to receive and take upon the obligation to fulfill the commandments is a personal choice.
Conversion
Ceremony
The conversion process entails financial expenses.
For further information, please contact:
Rabbi Gregory Kotler: 054-779-1100 | gregory@reform.org.il
or Tanya Shelonin: 052-298-4998 | tanias@reform.org.il
Upon completion of the conversion process, the Beit Din grants the candidate a conversion certificate signed by the three members of the Beit Din. This certificate is recognized by all congregations and rabbis of the Israel Movement for Reform Judaism and the Reform movement throughout the world, and also by the Israeli Interior Ministry.
Conversion Certificate
1. Citizens of the State of Israel who hold a Teudat Zehut (Identity Card)
2. Holders of a Teudat Zehut (Identity Card) who are currently undergoing the process to receive citizenship (5A)
3. Non-citizens without legal visas will not be accepted
• In the case that the individual has lived their life as a Jew and is familiar with Jewish practice and learning, there may be an option to shorten the process.
• Shortening the length of the process will be determined only by the Beit Din. We do not make any promises to any conversion candidate before they appears before the Beit Din.
1. Reform conversion is recognized for the purpose of registering with the Population Registry (Ministry of Interior).
2. Since 2021 our conversions also can grant oleh (immigrant) status under the Law of Return.
3. Our conversions are not recognized by the Chief Rabbinate.
4. Changing one's record at the Population Registry requires legal action and a fee (1500 NIS). In special cases, one may be exempt from paying this fee.