Convert to Judaism

Wanted to know if anyone knows if there are certain conversion programs in Israel supported by Israel government? If there are, where I could read more about them? thank you

I’ve been talking to and studying with a rabbi for almost 2 years now, and at the end of our meeting today, I finally had the courage to say to her “I want to convert.” I’ve been really nervous about bringing it up [but then, I tend to be a quieter person and such]; I’m not really sure what I was afraid of, I guess that she would turn me away or something. But I could never have imagined what actually happened: she got this big smile on her face and said “That’s great! I’m so excited for you!” Wow. That was awesome. And I feel so much more confident now that this is the right thing.

Have some questions. What do you need to know before starting conversion process and going the first time to rabbi. Are there any basic questions. How to know if you are ready?
P.S. I’m new here so I would really appreciate help and support ;)

Being raised by parents without any religious background, I was always encouraged to be my own person, be informed, and make decisions to become who I want to be without anyone putting any pressure on me to choose a specific walk of life. I have been invited to and attended several gatherings and services for various religions and divisions of religions. Now, being 22 going on 23 this year, engaged and ready to start my own family and move on with my adult life, I can confidently say that I would like to pursue a Jewish life and thusly raise my family as such.

My father’s side of the family is Jewish and my mother was raised catholic, but doesn’t practice. My parents have always told my brother and I that we could choose what we wanted to be. My freshman year of high school, I decided to convert to Judaism. The problem was that the one temple nearby only has reform services Friday night and conservative services Saturday morning (which my dad said I might not be welcomed at), and during the fall, marching in the band at football games on Friday nights and competing on Saturdays took up the only times I could go. Fortunately, there is an on-campus temple at UConn, which I will be attending this fall. Also, with the college band rehearsing until 6 on Fridays, I will have time to make it to the 7 o’ clock service. I know that I won’t be able to complete the entire process during my time at school, but I’m hoping that it will give me a good start. Wish me luck!!

I am new to this site and my main aim is to convert to Judaism.

Last night was rather spectacular. I was nervous, but in retrospect I did not have to be.

First of all our Cantor in Residence was there. She comes one weekend a month. She has a fabulous voice and is one of those people that you just want to be around.

Very early in last nights Shabbat service I was called to the Bimah. The Rabbi explained to the congregation a short bit about my conversion process. He asked me several questions that I had to answer with a yes or no. Easy stuff, but highly symbolic.

Next Rabbi took out the Torah from the Ark.
He handed the Torah to me and had me recite the Shema “Shema Yisrael Adonai eloheinu Adonai ehad”. My legs were shaking. This was my very first time to hold the Torah. It was a powerful experience and I was close to tears. Tears of joy.

The Torah was placed back in the Ark. Next I was presented with a very nice document signed by my Beit Din court members. It lists my chosen Hebrew name Yuri and is a beautiful piece of work that I will have framed soon.

The Temple Sisterhood was to present me with a gift of a Mezuzah. The sisterhood member that stepped up to do so, by total chance, was the very same person that greeted me on my first visit to Temple B’nai Israel She was the first person there that ever said hello, shook my hand and talked to me. If that is not a powerful thing, then I don’t know what is. We were both teary eyed. I looked out to the congregation and my wife was crying.

The Rabbi gave me a huge hug. He and I have a wonderful chemistry and you can tell that we both enjoy each others company. He is a wonderful man and I am very proud and happy to know him.

After that I was given a very loud “Mazel Tov” by everyone in the congregation. I walked to my seat and enjoyed my very first Shabbat as a Jewish man.

An Oneg (sort of like a gathering with snacks and punch) followed. I had dozens of people come up to me to give me their congratulations. Many mentioned that they had not known that I was not a born Jew! That made me feel pretty awesome in itself.

The last three days have been extremely powerful, emotional and transformative. Words fail me in my attempt to express how happy I am right now. This has been one of the best things that I have ever done.

I am truly blessed.

What a great experience I had today. After the Beit Din yesterday, I got to go the the Mikveh this evening. I was accompanied by one of the people that sat on the Beit Din and the Rabbi.

After a shower, I entered the Mikveh pool. It was a little strange at first, being naked in front of clothed men, but I got past that quickly. The water was very warm and I was totally comfortable.

Rabbi read from the book of Ruth, the most well known Convert to Judaism.
“Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried”

Ruth, a Moabite and the
great-grandmother of King David,
who chose to convert to Judaism.
(Ruth 1:16-17)

I went underwater once and was completely submerged and pulled my feet off the bottom to make sure nothing was between me and the water.

Next we said several prayers in Hebrew and repeated in English.

I went underwater for a second time, completely submerged. At this point I began to feel goosebumps. I surfaced.

Another prayer and the final submerging.

As I came up I was greeted with a wondrous “Mazel Tov” from the witness and the Rabbi.

At this point it is official. I have accomplished this life long goal. I am Jewish.

I actually feel different. I really do. Tomorrow night will be a very special Shabbat. My first Shabbat as a Jewish man. I will be called up to the Bimah and get to hold the Torah for the very first time.

I could not be happier.

I am writing this from Cloud 9! I passed the Beit Din. There was never a question, really, but this meant so much to me that I was very nervous.

The “Court of Three” and I sat down and had about a 45 minute discussion. They could not have been more gracious and accommodating.

They asked questions, then follow up questions. Their job is to make sure that I am sincere in my wish to convert.

This was a great experience. Really wonderful. I could not be happier right now and feel as though I am floating on a cloud.

Tomorrow is my trip to the Mikveh at 5:30, then on Shabbat I will go up on the Bimah and get to hold the Torah for the very first time in my life.

Life is good.

Tomorrow is the Beit Din and I am very nervous. I have so much riding on this. I keep going over possible questions, what I would answer. With that being said, I look forward to doing this. It will be a memory that I will cherish always.

Wish me luck.