Conversion
CRJ welcomes all those who are exploring Judaism!
For those who are thinking about conversion, please see below for information about the process of conversion
FORMAL LEARNING
During the year-long (or more) process, you must complete an Introduction to Judaism course through the Union of Reform Judaism (list Rabbi Rachael Jackson as your referring Rabbi) AND take the Choosing Judaism class at CRJ (class formation will depend on demand, and is taught in January - June). See flyer below for information on the upcoming Choosing Judaism class begin in January 2025.
LIVING A JEWISH LIFE
There is no specific way you need to live a Jewish life - it's all about exploration! Begin living a Jewish life which consists of religious experiences, as well as communal celebrations and personal observance. Begin to observe Shabbat rituals and Jewish holidays in synagogue and at home - in ways that work for you. Attend Shabbat services at our synagogue on a regular basis, being the observance of Mitzvot, participate in the Jewish community - both at CRJ and the larger Orlando Jewish community, and engage in ongoing acts of Tikkun Olam (social action). Plan to attend one Conservative, Orthodox and/or Reconstructionist Shabbat service to fully understand the spectrum of Jewish practices.
EACH CANDIDATE MUST DO THE FOLLOWING
- Complete the URJ Intro to Judaism course
- Complete the CRJ Choosing Judaism class
- Integrate into the CRJ community via services, programs, activities.
- Meetings with Rabbi Jackson
- Complete an open book exam
- Complete 8 - 10 journal entries during the Choosing Judaism class
- Complete a project on a topic of your choice that allows you to discover other avenues of Judaism
Following the completion of the above, you may be invited to participate in a beit din, which is a clergy court. Enrollment in these classes does not guarantee conversion.
If the beit din is successful, you will be invited to attend the mikvah, the ritual immersion.
To set up an appointment with Rabbi Jackson, call CRJ at 407-645-0444 and speak with Annie Hernandez. You may also email her - ahernandez@crjorlando.org
Choosing Judaism Class Information
Fri, December 6 2024 5 Kislev 5785
