Exploring Judaism

Introduction to Judaism and Adult B’nai Mitzvah provide opportunities for deeper learning, spiritual awakening, personal connection, and so much more.

Introduction to Judaism

Wednesdays, March 4 through June 17 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Classes on Zoom, select gatherings in person

Whether you are curious about or considering Judaism or still looking to answer that question you’ve had since your days in religious school, Introduction to Judaism is a place to voice your questions, learn multiple perspectives, and discover what is most meaningful to you in liberal Judaism.

Open to all, this course is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Guided by our education intern, Rabbi Yael Farber, you will have a chance to learn from members of the Stephen Wise clergy and other guest teachers as you explore holidays, lifecycle celebrations, prayer, theology, sacred texts and more. Questions are encouraged, and only curiosity is required. Where applicable, we encourage partners/spouses to take the class together.

$180 Stephen Wise Temple members | $360 non-members
Contact Yael Farber for more information.

 Curious about Judaism? Thinking about conversion?

At Stephen Wise Temple, we’re honored to walk with you on this meaningful journey of discovery, learning, and belonging. Wherever you are on your path, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to explore together.

Conversion Process
At Stephen Wise, we embrace all those who seek our faith by choice, regardless of race, gender, orientation, or prior faith. By choosing Judaism, you link your destiny and identity to that of our people, and we look forward to embracing you with open arms and helping you make Wise your new home.

Conversion is a deeply personal decision and journey; the process differs for each individual. Below is a summary of the conversion process.

    1. Individual conversation with a member of the Stephen Wise Temple Clergy Team
      The decision to embrace a new religion, a new identity, and a new people is one that requires intense commitment, but also great partners. Before you embark on the journey, we want to make sure you connect with a member of our clergy team. In this conversation, we will discuss your background, what has brought you to Judaism, and explore if our program is a good fit.
    2. Introduction to Judaism Course or an equivalent program
      Judaism is more than a faith. It is a people, a history, a commitment, an identity, and a way of life. In order to help you begin your Jewish life armed with a basic understanding of our history, our sacred texts, our values, and our traditions, Stephen Wise Temple offers an Introduction to Judaism course. Led by the Stephen Wise clergy and teachers, this 18-week course meets weekly and will cover the foundations of Judaism. New cohorts form regularly. If our Introduction to Judaism course does not work for you or your schedule, we will connect you with other programs to ensure a strong foundation.
    3. One-on-One Meetings with Clergy
      Following your course completion, you will be paired with a member of the clergy team for personalized study and discussion. Conversion candidates study with a rabbi or cantor for as long as is needed. Length of time will vary with each student.
    4. Personal Statement
      As you prepare to convert, you will write a personal statement explaining and exploring your connection to Judaism and your choice to convert. You’ll also, with guidance from your sponsoring clergy, select a Hebrew name.
    5. Beit Din and Mikveh
      On a day determined by you and your clergy sponsor, a beit din (rabbinic court) will be assembled. You will meet with them for a conversation about your process and your Jewish commitments. Following your approval by the beit din, you will visit the mikveh (ritual bath) to immerse and officially become a part of the Jewish people. Following your beit din and mikvah, we invite you to celebrate your conversion with a public blessing during our Shabbat evening or morning services if you so choose.
    6. The Journey Continues!
      We look forward to continuing to support you as you live your new Jewish life and hope that you will get involved in all the opportunities that Stephen Wise Temple has to offer!

Conversion FAQ

Everyone comes to the conversion process with different history and experiences, and therefore the length of the process differs for each individual. On average, students complete the conversion process in 8-12 months.

Judaism is more than a faith. It is a people, a history, a commitment, an identity, and a way of life. One of the commitments of Judaism is lifelong learning, so we do not expect you–or anyone–to “know it all” before you convert.

Circumcision is an important ritual and physical marker of Jewish identity for babies born with male genitalia. If the candidate was already circumcised before his conversion, a drop of blood is taken from the spot that was once covered by his foreskin. This procedure is known as hatafat dam b’rit. If the student was not circumcised at birth, this is a conversation that will happen between the student and their sponsoring rabbi.

No one will know that you have converted unless you choose to tell them. Your decision to become Jewish is not just a milestone for you, but for our entire community as well. We invite you to celebrate your conversion with a public blessing if you so choose, and to share your story if and when you want to.

If I take an Introduction to Judaism class, will I be expected to convert?
Nope! The class is meant to serve as an introduction for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism. What path you take after the completion of the course is entirely up to you; our clergy is here to guide and support you.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

When a Jew reaches the age of 13, she or he becomes a bat or bar mitzvah, literally a “daughter” or “son” of the commandments, subject to the rights and responsibilities of Jewish tradition. Because of history, family origin, preference, or myriad other reasons, some of us did not have the opportunity or privilege to be formally called to the Torah at 13.

For those interested in celebrating this milestone as an adult, we offer an Adult B’nai Mitzvah program. Perhaps you are marking a special anniversary, or honoring the memory of a loved one. Perhaps you are interested in learning along with your child as they prepare to become b’nai mitzvah. Or, maybe you are looking to engage more deeply with Jewish learning.

Whatever the motivation, we invite you to connect with a group of learners by becoming part of our Adult B’nai Mitzvah program.

The 2023 cohort has finished registration. If you are interested in joining our next cohort, contact Samantha Remeny at [email protected].