Formal Learning

During the year-long process, you must complete an Introduction to Judaism course through the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). (Please list Rabbi Marina Yergin as your referring Rabbi). You will also need to pass a basic Hebrew exam and complete Choosing Judaism at Temple Beth-El. (Class formation will depend on demand).

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Each Candidate Must Complete the Following:

• Meetings with Rabbi Yergin and Rabbi Nathan

• An open book exam. (This must be completed in order to continue with Choosing Judaism)

• Eight journal entries during the Choosing Judaism course

• Five reflection responses to holiday experiences during your year of study

• A counseling session with Dr. Debra Morrow, Clinical Psychologist

• Attendance at no less than six Friday night services (6:30pm) and no less than six Saturday mornings services (10:30am) at Temple Beth-El (Please note that online streaming will not count)

• A project on a topic of your choosing that allows you to discover other avenues of Judaism

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Living A Jewish Life

There is no specific way you need to live a Jewish life – it’s all about exploration! Jewish life 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. By attending services at Temple Beth-El, you will see if a Reform conversion specifically is the right path for you. It will also allow you to build community within Temple Beth-El. We also ask that you observe every Jewish holiday in some way. This could include, but is not limited to, attending worship services or events, attending a class about a holiday, and/or observing the holiday at home. Besides services, we encourage you to begin the observance of mitzvot, participate in the Jewish community – both Temple Beth-El and larger San Antonio Jewish community, and engage in ongoing acts of tikkun olam (social action).

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Final Steps

Following the completion of the above, you may be invited to participate in abeit din (a clergy court). If that is successful, you will be invited to attend the mikvah, the ritual immersion. An optional formal conversion ceremony for the entire class will be scheduled. (Hatafat dam brit is available upon request.) Please note that while we are excited for you to formalize your conversion journey, clergy reserve the right to determine whether any given candidate is ready to officially become Jewish at Temple Beth-El.