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Integration

Our Community

We encourage participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of our sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, ability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Montreal Jewish Conversion

Integration Into
Community

Integrating an individual into an observant Jewish life requires exposure and experiences prior to conversion. This enables the candidate* to make an informed decision about the process* they are considering.

Much effort* is given to find you* an appropriate network of support. Community Rabbis and families who become an integral part of the individuals life are necessary for sincere* integration. Every Jew needs a Rabbi to guide and support him/her throughout their life in both halachic (Jewish law) and personal matters. This is most important for someone new to Judaism* Each of our candidates is required to connect* with a Rabbi who will be their sponsoring Rabbi throughout the process* of conversion and after. We will assist individuals with this requirement.

As a candidate ,you will be introduced to wonderful support families throughout the diverse Montreal Jewish community - Ashkenazi, Sefardi, Chassidic, Lubavitch and Russian families. These wonderful families provide a warm, welcoming environment where you can will see Torah* life as it is meant to be. Shabbat, Jewish holidays and life cycle events (birth* bar-mitzvah, marriage etc.) are experienced in supportive, real time* surroundings. Often* these families and the convert become part of each others life long after the conversion.

The Rabbis of the Bais Din and the teachers make personal connections with the candidates throughout and long after the conversion. Outside of the classroom setting a yearly shabbaton (weekend retreat)* takes place in a beautiful location in the Laurentians north of Montreal. Our Chanukah dinner held in a Montreal restaurant has become a yearly activity for over 18 years. Both these events provide those in the conversion program to meet and network with individuals who have converted in years past. Together, all involved in the conversion process can share build* and grow*.

Teachers open their homes regularly for Shabbat and holidays as well as for sukka, Tu B'shvat, Purim gatherings and for informal coffee get-togethers. Many concerns and challenges can be aired and explored in these valuable exchanges outside the classroom which often lead to wonderful long lasting relationships between student* and teacher.

As well, our program offers a variety of opportunities to familiarize yourself with resources necessary for Jewish living such as shopping (groceries, clothing, bookstores), community help organizations*, libraries, a tour of a mikvah and much more*.

History