Conversion Checklist

Research Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Reconstructionist Judaism. Each has different conversion requirements and community culture.

Reach out to a local synagogue. Most movements require a formal sponsorship by a rabbi before the Beit Din will convene.

Most movements require 6–12 months of regular synagogue attendance before the Beit Din. Join for holidays and life-cycle events when possible.

Many synagogues offer Introduction to Judaism courses (3–6 months). Often required for Conservative and Orthodox conversions.

Master the Hebrew letters and vowel marks (nikud). This is the foundation for reading prayers and following along in services.

Know the first line (Deuteronomy 6:4) and ideally the full V'ahavta paragraph. The Beit Din will often ask you to recite it.

Understand the 19 blessings (weekday) and be able to follow along with the service. Know at minimum the 3 opening and 3 closing blessings.

Be comfortable with the flow of Shacharit, the Torah reading, and Musaf. Practice at synagogue regularly.

Know the 39 melachot, candle lighting and Kiddush blessings, Havdalah, and the meaning of menucha (rest) in Jewish thought.

Understand permitted and forbidden animals, milk/meat separation, shechita, and how to maintain a kosher home.

Cover all major holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, and the minor fast days.

Study brit milah, bar/bat mitzvah, Jewish marriage (kiddushin/ketubah), and the stages of mourning.

Know the key periods: Biblical, Second Temple, Rabbinic (Mishnah/Talmud), Medieval, Holocaust, and modern Israel.

Understand Maimonides' 13 principles of faith, the Jewish concept of God, Torah min hashamayim, and the differences between Jewish denominations.

Run through 35 realistic questions on motivation, Shabbat, kashrut, prayer, lifecycle, history, and commitment — with timer.

Be ready to articulate why you want to convert, your Jewish journey, and your specific commitment to ongoing practice and community.

Each movement has different requirements: study hours, mikveh, milah for men, sponsoring rabbi. Confirm the complete list with your rabbi.

Research biblical names that resonate with your values or honor a loved one. Discuss with your rabbi — this name will be used for Torah honors and lifecycle ceremonies.

Typically: birth certificate, proof of identity. Orthodox conversions may require additional documentation or letters from rabbis.

Arrange the mikveh date in coordination with your rabbi and the Beit Din. For most movements this is the final step that completes the conversion.