Interested in becoming Jewish? As a convert to Judaism, it is an honor to help those on their spiritual journey. Here is what you need to know.
For Residents of Greater Richmond, VA
If you live in the Richmond area, the focus of conversion is being part of Kehillah, our independent, progressive Jewish community. Kehillah embraces everyone with open arms, and conversion includes a combination of your own free, asynchronous online learning, as well as participating in the community. There are no membership fees at Kehillah and you do not have to be Jewish to fully participate in classes, prayer services or holiday events.
The conversion reaches its ritual completion in the Temple Beth El mikvah. Two fellow educated Jews (rabbis, cantors or lay people) participate in your spiritual journey by being on the bet din prior to your mikvah.
For Anyone Outside Richmond, VA
For students outside of Richmond, I work with Darshan Yeshiva, a distance learning based conversion to Judaism program, to provide an incredible Jewish education to people all over the world.
At Darshan Yeshiva, I can work with you to customize your conversion experience in a way that makes it meaningful and relevant to you.
Frequently Asked Conversion Questions
- What kind of conversion do you offer (Conservative, Reform, etc.)?
- I am a post-denominational rabbi. Depending on student needs, I work with Conservative cantors, Reform rabbis or lay Jewish leaders. This impacts the “kind” of conversion you have, but it is guided entirely by you.
- Will I be accepted as Jewish?
- Any non-Orthodox Jewish community will accept my conversion students
- How long do I have to learn before converting?
- At Darshan Yeshiva, the length of time is ten months. Most of my conversions in Richmond are about the same, but I do not require a minimum amount of time. For me, it’s more about how you find yourself belonging in the synagogue/community
- Will you convert people who are LGBTQ+?
- Darshan Yeshiva not only works with LGBTQ+ people, but also have LGBTQ+ rabbis. Additionally, Kehillah is the first and only Jewish presence at VA Pridefest.
- Do I have to join your synagogue to convert with you?
- Yes. Joining Kehillah is free.
- What ritual components of conversion are required of me?
- This depends on your gender identity as well as how you want to approach your conversion. For example, if you want to have a Reform rabbi on your bet din versus a Conservative cantor. Please speak with me to understand those options more fully
- What is the first step in converting? What if I have more questions?
- It’s Richmond, so let’s do coffee! Please contact me with any questions you have. I am honored to help.
