By Rabbi Beth Nichols, Temple Beth El

Historically, Judaism has not been a proselytizing faith. In fact, many Jews associate proselytizing with efforts directed at them, often in ways that feel aggressive

or uncomfortable. And yet, Judaism has always allowed people to join the Jewish community through a conversion process.

In many places around the country, conversion is rarely discussed, and only a small number

of people work with the clergy to complete their conversion. At Temple Beth El, however, we want to celebrate our conversion program and the people who choose to join our community through conversion. We want people to know that we are a welcoming congregation, open to learners from all backgrounds who are interested in exploring what it means to choose a Jewish life. In an average year, Temple Beth El welcomes twenty-five to thirty individuals into the Jewish faith through conversion.

Our conversion program begins with classes like Elements of Judaism and Choosing Judaism. At the heart of these classes is an environment that encourages questions. We hear repeatedly from students that one of the things they find unique to Judaism is the openness to questioning. They are surprised to discover that traditional Jewish learning takes place through discussion and dialogue, and that Judaism often has multiple answers to a single question.

In addition to taking classes, those on the path toward conversion

have multiple meetings with members of our clergy team, reflecting on their growing Jewish experiences and exploring how Judaism can impact and shape their unique life stories.

This past year, we introduced a new program called Gesher: Your Bridge to Jewish Life. Gesher( Hebrew for " bridge ") is designed to help people who are already engaged in the conversion process actively experience and participate in Jewish life and rituals as part of a community. Gesher brings conversion students together to turn their learning into action. Guided by facilitator Jennifer Sawyer, the Gesher program combines a mix of events specifically designed for the Gesher group to observe a holiday or practice a Jewish tradition, as well as events at Temple Beth El that the Gesher group attends together. We hope that Gesher supports individuals as they develop their personal Jewish practices and strengthen their Jewish identities.

Although still in its first year, Gesher is already making an impact. Participants are feeling

more confident about their developing Jewish practice, and our community is enriched by new people actively participating in our programs and worship services. One participant commented,“ Gesher has helped us form deep connections not only with Jewish practice but with the Jewish community itself.” Gesher is ultimately a launch pad for expanding involvement in our community.

As a rabbi at Temple Beth El, I feel privileged to work with our conversion students: they come to our classes open to new ideas and eager to learn and challenge us to explain the traditions we may take for granted— and in doing so, help us rediscover the beauty and meaning in our rituals. Our Jewish community is forever enriched by those who choose Judaism, weaving their diverse stories into the story of our community.

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