Your path to Orthodox Judaism—where it's safe to Think Aloud.
This is a big step. Maybe the biggest you’ll ever take. And if you’re here, you probably have a million questions swirling around: What does the process actually look like? How long will it take? Will I fit in? What if I’m not ready? That’s exactly where we start. With your questions, your story, your pace.
Why People Choose To Convert Here
- Because we believe questions make faith stronger. You won't get scripted answers or feel rushed through milestones. Doubt something? Ask. Need to revisit a concept? We're here for it.
- Because you'll learn by doing, not just reading. Join us for Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and daily prayer at the JCC. This isn't theory, it's life as it's actually lived.
- Because conversion doesn't end at the mikveh. The real work—and joy—begins after. We're here for your first Yom Kippur, your wedding planning, your kids' questions - all of it.
- Because you get one guide for the whole journey. Rabbi Mintz walks with you from your first nervous phone call all the way to celebrating after the mikveh. No handoffs, no starting over with new people who don't know your story.
- Because we're transparent about everything. Timeline? We'll map it out together. Costs? You'll know upfront. Requirements? In writing, no surprises. What do different communities expect? We'll have that conversation early.
- This is your space to Think Aloud. Bring your doubts, your excitement, your complicated family situation. We'll figure it out - together.
Here's How It Actually Works
ONE:
Let's Start With Coffee (I’m buying)
Tell me your story. What brought you here? What are you hoping for? What’s keeping you up at night? We’ll talk through what conversion really means and whether this feels right for you.
TWO:
Getting Real About What Orthodox Life Looks Like
Shabbat every week. Keeping kosher. Daily prayer. Community involvement. We’ll walk through what this means for your relationships, your career, your Saturday plans. No judgment, just honest conversation.
THREE:
Learning That Makes Sense for Your Life
How do you keep kosher? What does Shabbat observance mean to me? How do I celebrate the holidays? We will make learning relevant and real filled with practical advice and tips. Fun and filled with content. Make Jewish learning come to life.
FOUR:
Becoming Part of the Conversation
You won’t just learn about Jewish life—you’ll start living it with us. Come Think Aloud during our Shabbat discussions, help with community projects, be part of the real debates that make faith stronger. By the time you convert, this won’t feel foreign anymore.
FIVE:
When You're Ready: The Official Stuff
Beit din (rabbinical court), mikveh (ritual immersion), choosing your Hebrew name. For men, there’s brit milah or hatafat dam brit. We’ll coordinate everything and prep you so that you know exactly what to expect.
SIX:
Welcome Home
The real adventure begins. Ongoing learning, holiday guidance, life-cycle celebrations, and a community that’s genuinely excited to have you.
How long? It depends on you. Some people are ready in six months, others need two years. We move at your pace, not ours.
LET'S BE HONEST
About Recognition
Here’s something most people won’t tell you upfront: not every Orthodox community or institution recognizes every conversion. It’s complicated, and it matters where you want to live, send your kids to school, or get married.
We’ll have this conversation early. If your goal is moving to Israel, we’ll make sure your beit din choice aligns with that. If you’re planning to stay local, we’ll focus on what works for the communities you care about.
No surprises, no fine print, no discovering problems later. Just honest conversation about the landscape you’re entering.
What You'll Actually Learn
01:The Big Idea
Who is G-d? Why Torah? What does it mean to be chosen? How do we understand suffering, miracles, and modern life through Jewish eyes?
02:Daily Rhythms:
Morning blessings, Shabbat prep, holiday cycles, kosher cooking, business ethics, how to argue properly (yes, really).
03:Hebrew & Prayer:
Who is G-d? Why Torah? What does it mean to be chosen? How do we understand suffering, miracles, and modern life through Jewish eyes?
04:Conversations:
How to follow along in shul, when to stand and sit, what chesed looks like, how to Think Aloud respectfully when you disagree over kiddush.
Frequent Questions We Hear (A Lot)
Most people aren’t sure when they start. That’s why we begin with conversation, not commitment. Take your time.
There’s no “fee for conversion”—that would be against Jewish law. You’ll pay for learning time, materials, and some administrative costs. We’ll give you exact numbers after we talk.
You will. Everyone does. That’s part of learning. We’ll figure it out together.
Eventually, yes. But we’ll help you build those relationships naturally through community involvement. No awkward asks.
Family dynamics are complicated. We’ve walked through this with lots of people. You’re not alone in this.
Depends on which beit din we work with. We’ll align your path with your long-term goals.
Every family situation is different. We’ll figure out what makes sense for yours.
Ready To Start The Conversation?
Look, this might be the most important decision you ever make. Or maybe after we talk, you’ll realize it’s not the right time. Either way is okay.
Your first step is just a phone call. No commitment, no pressure. Just two people talking honestly about what it means to choose Jewish life.
Prefer to start with email? adam@mintzny.com or call 917-613-2522