Anshe Emet Synagogue is proud to offer a robust and comprehensive Jews by Choice (JBC) program for those considering converting to Judaism. We seek to equip people with tools and knowledge to determine if Judaism is right for them. Through Anshe Emet’s JBC program, participants will:
JBC participants who are considering conversion undertake a multifaceted program of engaging with Jewish life.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment to find out if our program is right for you, please contact Chaim Tempesco at ctempesco@ansheemet.org | 773-868-5125.
“I had the opportunity to visit Israel! The school that I teach at paid for 4 teachers to attend a trip led by our rabbi. It was AMAZING! The feelings I felt there cannot be described. I’m ready to go back! All of the learning I did at Anshe Emet really came to life. I really felt like I belonged and was home. I attached some pictures for you to see. It was a jam packed 10-day trip! Masada, Temple Mount, museums, archaeological digs and tunnels, the Dead Sea, spoke with a Holocaust survivor, water rafting on the Jordan River, Shabbat services, and so much more! Just wanted to share with you since my learning and journey of Judaism began with you.”
Anna Bernstein
JBC Graduate
This program is taught in partnership with the Louis and Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University. Click here for resources.
JBC participants are required to enroll in our Introduction to Judaism course offered on Monday nights from 7:00-8:30 over the course of two semesters. We utilize the Miller Intro to Judaism curriculum from the American Jewish University.
Students are expected to work through a Hebrew 101 class during their program experience, through which they will gain Hebrew reading basics. Hebrew reading 101 (10 sessions) will be offered at Anshe Emet on Thursdays from 7-7:45PM in the fall semester, and 6-6:45PM in the spring semester. Students must enroll in either fall or spring Hebrew class, or they can opt to study Hebrew in another format, including through the Miller Program.
People who are interested in learning more about Judaism or who are planning on converting with a sponsoring rabbi from outside of Anshe Emet are able to register for our Intro to Judaism Class without completing our full JBC program
JBC participants are encouraged to engage in Jewish community beyond their Monday night class, including attending Shabbat and Festival services. There are a variety of options: The Sanctuary Service, the Rose Crown Minyan, and JBC students are also welcome at the various family services that begin at 10:15AM on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to stay after Saturday morning Shabbat services to attend Kiddush lunch, in which the whole community gathers.
Students are also encouraged to explore other social and educational programs offered at Anshe Emet and around the Jewish community.
Each month, there will be a JBC Saturday morning gathering at 9:00AM, which will alternate between Rabbinic Q&A and JBC Community Time facilitated by JBC alumni.
Candidates will begin integrating ritual practices into their private lives outside of class.
JBC participants will work with a Rabbinic mentor who will advise and guide them through the process.
Anshe Emet has a number of congregants who enjoy serving as mentors for JBC students.
$1,000 – Anshe Emet’s Conversion Program
Includes:
$500 – Miller Introduction to Judaism Class without conversion
The JBC Action Steps are your guide to living a Jewish life. This is a month-by-month individual plan to build your Jewish practice at home. You work at your own pace, selecting steps which are the easiest for you, gradually building your level of observance.
While we are located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, our JBC conversion program is available to those from other areas of Chicago. Anshe Emet is comprised of approximately 1,100 member units, including singles and families. Among our members are many Jews by Choice who are active in synagogue life and serve on committees and on our Board of Trustees.
JBC program participants include members of the LGBTQ community, a variety of ethnic backgrounds and people of all ages. Students include singles who are on their own spiritual journey, intermarried couples (with and without children), and couples who are engaged or contemplating marriage.
The following texts support the comprehensive curriculum and cover topics taught in the Miller Heritage class as well as prepare you for the Action Steps. As a participant in the JBC program, you have access to the books located in the Bennett Resource Room, you may check out non-reference books. The Library is open during synagogue office hours.
All of the listed books can be purchased at Rosenblum’s World of Judaica (9153 Gross Point Road, Skokie IL) or online at alljudaica.com. Many of these books can also be found at or ordered from bookstores and Amazon.com.
