Conversion

Temple Beth El welcomes those who are sincerely interested in becoming Jewish. The conversion process includes group classes (Introduction to Judaism and Hebrew), individual study, attending worship services, personal Jewish practice, and concluding exercises and rituals.

If you're ready to embark on the journey of becoming a Jew-by-Choice, we've laid out an overview of the steps at Temple Beth El.

The process includes education and meeting with clergy to help guide you. The first step is to enroll for a year in a Reform Jewish program called "Introduction to Judaism." At Temple Beth El, Rabbi Gorban and Rabbi Emeritus Bruce Kadden co-teach classes in the fall (semester one) and spring (semester two). The classes use a module style to introduce the many different facets of Judaism including subjects like history, God, prayer rubrics, Jewish music, and Israel.

Introduction to Judaism classes are also available online through the Union of Reform Judaism—the organization that includes all the Reform Jewish synagogues and temples across the country.

• As you start out, you'll need to take the two semesters of an Introduction to Judaism class.
• You will also be meeting with clergy once or twice a month to talk about where you are on your journey. We will go over questions you might have, rituals you are trying, and reviewing what you are doing in class.
• Nearing the end of the process—this might take a year and a few months after the class, or several months after the class—you will write about your journey toward Judaism, and share some knowledge that you have gleaned about your interpretations of God, Torah, prayer, and Israel. You will also share your personal thoughts and how you express yourself in relation to God, Torah, prayer, antisemitism, and Israel. Clergy will be looking at it and guide you through the process.
• Toward the end, there will be a beit din. Three clergy will meet with you in person (or virtually via Zoom) to discuss your writings and ask you to expand on what you have shared. You will also choose a Hebrew name which will be discussed during the process.
• There is a mikvah ceremony which entails immersing yourself nude in living waters as a way of beginning anew. This takes place at the BCMH mikvah in Seattle. For conversions, the price is $200 for adults and $150 for children. If that would cause too much of a financial burden, please speak with the rabbi. 
• Finally, you are welcomed into Judaism by being called up on a Friday Shabbat or Saturday morning service, holding the Torah, and being asked to say or sing the Sh'ma prayer. You are then blessed by the clergy in the ancient words of The Threefold Benediction, and wished mazel tov by our temple community.