Beth Tzedec welcomes and actively supports individuals who desire to become Jews by choice. Those interested in converting to Judaism do so at all stages in life and come from a variety of backgrounds. Some were raised with no religion, while others have deep familial religious connections. Some are initially turned onto Judaism by a Jewish partner, some already have Jewish family and some find their way to Judaism on their own.

Beth Tzedec rabbis serve as mentors to those interested in becoming Jews by choice. The conversion process entails successful completion of the year-long Introduction to Judaism class, regular mentoring by a sponsoring rabbi and an ongoing displayed commitment to living a life of mitzvot, Jewish commandments. Upon the recommendation of the sponsoring rabbi, the conversion candidate appears before a beit din, a Jewish ritual tribunal. Following a successful appearance at the beit din, men require ritual circumcision or, for men who are already circumcised, hatafat dam brit, the drawing of a drop of blood from the area of circumcision. Both men and women require immersion in a mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath. The Introduction to Judaism course and the beit din operate under the auspices of the Rabbinical Assembly – Ontario Region, representing Conservative rabbis.

Each individual path to conversion is different. On average, from the initial meeting with the sponsoring rabbis to the immersion in the mikvah, the conversion process takes 16 months.

Beth Tzedec also provides support for parents who wish for their minor children to convert.

For more information, please contact Karen Goldstein at 416-781-3514 ext. 213.