A virtual orientation session will take place Thursday, Aug. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. for those enrolling in the 36-week course, “Judaism for Conversion Candidates.”
The program is intended for those considering conversion to Judaism. Classes will take place virtually, and some sessions will take place in person. More information can be found at kcrabbi.org. To register, contact Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association Administrator/Program Director, at or 913-327-8226.
The year-long course will begin Aug. 18 and is taught on a rotating basis by rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Progressive movements. It is intended to acquaint those considering conversion to Judaism with what it means to live Jewishly. Each student is required to secure a congregational rabbinic sponsor and meet the conversion requirements developed by their sponsoring rabbi.
The class provides a comfortable forum for students to learn about Jewish holidays, home celebrations, life-cycle observances, rituals, prayer, history, Torah, Israel, Judaism’s view about God, and Jewish denominations. Each class will include a 30-minute Hebrew component.
Participants will combine Jewish learning with Jewish “doing” as they become part of a shared community and create Jewish memories by taking part in a Shabbat and Havdalah experience. They will also participate in holiday celebrations and observances at Sukkot, Hanukkah and Passover. This course allows future Jews-by-choice the opportunity to meet one another and to learn not only about Judaism but also about the Kansas City Jewish community. This course allows future Jews-by-choice the opportunity to meet one another and to learn not only about Judaism but also about the Kansas City Jewish community.
Funding for this Rabbinical Association program is generously provided by the Menorah Heritage Foundation and the National Center to Encourage Judaism. This course is taught through a collaborative educational partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University.
