Conversion to Judaism through Shabbat with Friends NM
Persons Considering Conversion to Judaism.
Monday, August 15, 2022
Dear Inquirer,
I mentor individuals and couples who have decided to embrace Judaism and to “cast their lot” with the Jewish people. The common term in English for this is “conversion to Judaism”. It is also called becoming a “Jew by Choice”. The ancient Hebrew term for a convert is “ger” (m), “geeyoret” (f), “gerim” (plural). The process of becoming a Jew in Hebrew is called “geeyur”. The Hebrew meaning suggests moving from the status of stranger to member of the Jewish people.
Conversion is a Christian term and does not convey the distinct meaning of “geeyur”. To begin a process of “geeyur” is a personal or familial decision of great consequence. Becoming Jewish can be a transforming and deeply meaningful experience. It also involves sacrifice and leave-taking. Because of this and traditional Jewish teachings, rabbis are instructed by Halachah (Jewish law), to never coerce, pressure, or proselytize any person who is considering becoming Jewish. To become Jewish is fully your choice. And if you make the decision to become Jewish, you will be welcomed and supported during and after your “geeyur”.
I have decades of experience mentoring “gerim”. Over my career as a rabbi, I have guided over 500 people in their journeys to becoming Jewish. It has been both an honor and a privilege to mentor each person. I am available to meet with you to discuss your journey and to help to begin an intentional process to become a Jew.
I work with individuals who have decided to start their process of “geeyur”. I also work with intermarried couples who are considering Judaism as the cultural/religious framework for childrearing. I often oversee “geeyur” for children for such couples.
Shabbat with Friends offers an outstanding study program, The Miller Introduction to Judaism Program. It is an excellent framework for persons undergoing “geeyur”. I recommend that persons enroll in this program in the fall, even before meeting with me. If you would like to discuss with me your Jewish journey and what are your next steps, call me at 505 582-9577 or email me at dov@shabbatwithfriends.org.
B’hatzlachah, (May your journey be successful.)
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Member of the Rabbincal Assembly of America
Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Monday, August 15, 2022
Dear Inquirer,
I mentor individuals and couples who have decided to embrace Judaism and to “cast their lot” with the Jewish people. The common term in English for this is “conversion to Judaism”. It is also called becoming a “Jew by Choice”. The ancient Hebrew term for a convert is “ger” (m), “geeyoret” (f), “gerim” (plural). The process of becoming a Jew in Hebrew is called “geeyur”. The Hebrew meaning suggests moving from the status of stranger to member of the Jewish people.
Conversion is a Christian term and does not convey the distinct meaning of “geeyur”. To begin a process of “geeyur” is a personal or familial decision of great consequence. Becoming Jewish can be a transforming and deeply meaningful experience. It also involves sacrifice and leave-taking. Because of this and traditional Jewish teachings, rabbis are instructed by Halachah (Jewish law), to never coerce, pressure, or proselytize any person who is considering becoming Jewish. To become Jewish is fully your choice. And if you make the decision to become Jewish, you will be welcomed and supported during and after your “geeyur”.
I have decades of experience mentoring “gerim”. Over my career as a rabbi, I have guided over 500 people in their journeys to becoming Jewish. It has been both an honor and a privilege to mentor each person. I am available to meet with you to discuss your journey and to help to begin an intentional process to become a Jew.
I work with individuals who have decided to start their process of “geeyur”. I also work with intermarried couples who are considering Judaism as the cultural/religious framework for childrearing. I often oversee “geeyur” for children for such couples.
Shabbat with Friends offers an outstanding study program, The Miller Introduction to Judaism Program. It is an excellent framework for persons undergoing “geeyur”. I recommend that persons enroll in this program in the fall, even before meeting with me. If you would like to discuss with me your Jewish journey and what are your next steps, call me at 505 582-9577 or email me at dov@shabbatwithfriends.org.
B’hatzlachah, (May your journey be successful.)
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Member of the Rabbincal Assembly of America
Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America
