Conversion is an important part of the Jewish tradition, and CBE welcomes all who seek to join the Jewish people.
People convert to Judaism for many reasons. Some seek religious meaning in their lives and simply find that Judaism offers a spiritual and religious place in which they are comfortable. For others, a relationship with a Jewish person offers them a first chance to explore Judaism. Participating in Shabbat, holidays, and Torah study may be a completely new and different experience, and can be the first step toward considering conversion.
Once this journey of Jewish exploration and learning has begun, each seeker makes the individual choices that best suit their life. Some choose to convert shortly after their learning process begins, while others take more time to make a final decision. Some people convert to become part of a Jewish family and to raise Jewish children, others after living in a Jewish family for years. Still others choose to remain a non-Jewish member of a Jewish family while participating fully in Jewish life. Reform Jews in general, and CBE in particular, wholeheartedly welcome those who choose Judaism, recognizing that our Jewish community is made stronger by those who actively seek to become Jews.
Our conversion program is currently at capacity. If you are interested in converting with us, please fill out the interest form, and we will reach out to you in June 2025 when the new cycle begins.
Reach out to Rose Eilenberg, reilenberg@cbebk.org with any questions.
Preparation:
The process toward conversion consists of three aspects:
- Taking an introduction to Judaism class: CBE offers an annual class starting in the fall. If you cannot attend this class on the night offered, we have information about other classes. Taking a class will give you much of the necessary background you will need for conversion as well as introduce you to a community of like-minded peers.
- Meeting with a sponsoring clergy member: Usually scheduled every 2-4 weeks, these meetings allow conversion students to process information they are learning about in class, discuss Jewish experiences they are having in life, and explore special readings and topics.
- Living as a Jew for an extended period: The year that one converts should be a year of thoughtful experimentation. Students should develop a prayer practice, begin to embrace Shabbat, consider Jewish ways of eating, and engage with the holidays. In concert with your sponsoring clergy member, conversion students will develop a plan to try various Jewish rituals that they will discuss in their individual meetings.
While the elements of conversion are definite, one’s timetable toward conversion is not. Usually, the journey toward conversion takes anywhere between 8-14 months, however timetables can be shortened or lengthened. In the end, one knows it is time to convert if two things are true:
- Students feel they now know enough about Jewish history, theology, and rituals to live a full Jewish life without the aid of their sponsoring rabbi. Though they won’t know all the answers, they now know reputable sources to find answers.
- Students feel Jewish. There is a difference between identity (the way you see yourself) and status (the way others see you). Though your status won’t be Jewish until the day of your conversion, your identity should be fully Jewish before that day.
Final Steps:
When one is ready, there are a number of rituals associated with the conclusion of the conversion process:
Cisgender Men:
In most cases, cisgender men who are already circumcised engage in a ritual called Hatafat Dam Brit where a single drop of blood is taken from the head of the penis as a symbolic gesture toward a bris (brit milah). For those who are uncircumcised, there are a number of pathways forward; we encourage every individual to speak with their sponsoring rabbi about the best way to proceed.
Transgender & Nonbinary Candidates:
Many transgender and nonbinary students convert with us at CBE. All CBE clergy share a commitment to the equality and inclusion of all queer members of our community. Given the traditionally gendered nature of conversion rituals, the sponsoring rabbi will work with transgender and nonbinary candidates to find meaningful and affirming rituals to mark their conversion.
All Genders:
Beit Din
Your sponsoring clergy will arrange a Beit Din (a rabbinical court), consisting of three learned Jews (usually this includes rabbis, cantors, or seminary students). The student will discuss with the Beit Din what this ritual means to them, why they want to convert, and what they have gained from their journey to conversion. This conversation is not a test (we won’t ask you what the fourth book of the Bible is) but a way to know that you have engaged in this process in a serious and thoughtful way and are ready to become a Jew.
After the Beit Din, our conversion candidates get ready for the mikveh.
Mikveh
A mikveh is a bath used for ritual immersion filled with naturally collected water. While we tend to use human-made pools, oceans and rivers can also function as mikvehs. To prepare for the mikveh, conversion candidates remove all jewelry, makeup, and bathe thoroughly so that there is no barrier between them and the water. Candidates will enter into the water. Candidates need a witness to ensure they fully immerse in the water.
Candidates immerse three times and say the following blessings:
After the first: Blessing for Mikveh Immersion
After the second: Shehekheyanu
After the third: Shema
At this point, individuals are now officially Jewish and we sing and celebrate their new status in our community. After getting dressed, individuals will be given the option to receive their Hebrew name at the mikveh or in a ceremony at CBE during Shabbat.
We know there are many reasons why parents may seek conversion for a child. For some, it is because the child is adopted. For others it is because the child’s mother is of another faith. Whatever the reason, we are happy to help.
Please note: in keeping with Reform Movement policy, the CBE clergy recognize a child as Jewish if either parent is Jewish; however, we acknowledge that this belief is not shared across the whole Jewish world. We welcome any family who wants to bring a child formally into the Jewish people through conversion.
The Beit Din (a rabbinical court, usually made up of rabbis, cantors, or seminary students) will meet the family at the mikveh. Together, the parents and Beit Din have a conversation about what this ritual means to the family. This conversation is not a test, but a way to prepare the family for the ritual.
After the Beit Din, parents can help their child get ready for the mikveh.
A mikveh is a bath used for ritual immersion filled with naturally collected water. While we tend to use human-made pools, oceans and rivers can also function as mikvehs.
Parents prepare the baby or child by making sure that all creams or jewelry are removed so that there is no barrier between them and the water. For babies, one Jewish parent will enter into the water with them (the parent may wear a bathing suit) as the Beit Din looks on. Holding the child in front of them, they will blow in his or her face. As a reflex, the baby will scrunch up its nose. Then they let go so that the baby immerses for a second in the water alone. Scooping the baby up, they will recite two blessings:
Blessing for Mikveh Immersion
Shehekheyanu
For a video of this ritual, click here.
Afterward, the sponsoring clergy will give your child a Hebrew name. This can either be done at the mikveh in a private ceremony or as part of services at CBE. For a full description of this ritual, visit our baby naming page.