Converting to Judaism is a serious undertaking. It is our hope that the information you find here can help you in your exploration.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment to find out if our program is right for you, please contact Cantor Elizabeth Berke: eberke@ansheemet.org | 773-868-5117.
“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.
Anshe Emet offers a comprehensive program for people who are considering conversion. We seek to equip people with tools and knowledge to determine if Judaism is right for them. Through the Anshe Emet Jews by Choice program, participants will:
Both challenging and fulfilling, our program consists of one required primary course: the Miller Heritage class (7:00 – 8:30pm) on Monday evenings (two semesters), along with Shabbat and other experiences.
Hebrew is offered every Monday night, from 6:00 – 6:45pm, immediately before Heritage. Students will gain Hebrew reading basics through this class, but can also opt to study Hebrew in another format, including through the Miller Program out of American Jewish University. For those who want to strengthen their Hebrew skills, there is a secondary class offered in the second semester.
Students are encouraged to attend our Shabbat and Festival services. There are a variety of options: The Sanctuary service, Rose Crown Minyan, and JBC students are also welcome at the various Family services that begin at 10:00 AM. Adults attend these as well, and they are a good way to learn some of the basic melodies and prayers in a learning environment. Participants can be matched with a Shul Buddy to assist and guide you through the synagogue services.
The JBC program also includes supplementary activities, such as learners’ services, field trips, and social activities (Shabbat dinners and other gatherings). Additionally, there is a weekly email providing information on the weekly Torah portion, upcoming classes and community events and issues related to Jewish culture and life in general.
There are a few written assignments during the course of the program. Most are brief, except a final collection of essays which are presented to the beit din prior to meeting.
Anshe Emet has a number of congregants who enjoy serving as mentors for JBC students. As part of the program, students also schedule individual meetings with each of Anshe Emet’s rabbis. The rabbis, who also teach in the program, help students with questions and concerns, and are a valuable source for guidance and support.
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 Adult Library, 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 www.alljudaica.com. Many of these books can also be found at or ordered from bookstores and www.Amazon.com.
