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You have decided to convert to Judaism and now you face a process that will last about one year. This section will inform you where to register for conversion, how to open a file in the rabbinical court, and what documents you need to bring with you. |
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| Opening a file in the conversion court |
In order to register for the conversion procedure you must first open a file at one of the conversion courts close to your place of residence.
 If you wish to open a file in a court far from your place of residence, you must submit an application with accompanying explanation to the conversion courts administration. In special cases, such as groups of soldiers, youth groups, absorption center residents, etc., the entire group will be referred to the secretariat of the relevant court specializing in such cases.
In the case of applicants of Ethiopian origin, special judges’ panels sit in the rabbinical courts in Jerusalem and Netanya specifically for this purpose.
Minors who are undergoing conversion without their parents must apply to the court in the Southern Region.
Applicants converting together with a spouse or children must open a conversion file for each separate family member.
Advice on the initial stages of the conversion process is available from conversion coordinators at the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption or from representatives of the supporting bodies.
As part of the procedure for opening a file, you will be asked to fill out a conversion application form which includes personal details, such as: name, parents’ names, age, religion, family status, profession and place of residence. |
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| Who needs to arrive in person for registration? |
Applicants for conversion must arrive in person to register at the conversion court. If it is impossible for you to arrive, you may appoint a representative by power of attorney, and furnish such representative with all the necessary documents. However, you must arrive for a personal interview at the court on subsequent sessions. If you are married or about to be married to a Jewish partner, that partner must accompany you to court. |
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| What must I bring for registration? |
You must bring all of the following documents in order to open a file in the conversion court:
A stub proving payment of fee at the Postal Bank.
Four passport photos of the conversion applicant.
Identity card with appendix or passport and photocopy of identity card. Also spouse’s identity card where applicable.
Summary of registration with the Population Administration as published in the last month – an application may be submitted by filling out a form to be delivered by e-mail, letter or fax to the Ministry of the Interior.
Résumé (CV), including: explanation of your motivation on religious, social, relationship-based or family grounds that caused you to reach the decision to convert. Please also include any Jewish family members, links with Jewish community in Israel or abroad, instruction in Judaism, and any other relevant background material. If you previously submitted an application to convert, whether in Israel or abroad, please specify.
Relevant documents, such as: civil marriage certificate, confirmation of instruction in Judaism, etc.
Minors (under age 18) must bring written agreement for the conversion process from both parents. Parental agreement may be presented in court, with signature of the necessary documents or by means of a declaration signed and stamped by a notary. Parents residing abroad may declare their agreement before the Israeli Consul in their country of residence. If the agreement of one of the parents is not available, application for receipt of same may be submitted to the Family Court.
Minors over the age of 10 must bring a letter confirming that they wish to undergo the conversion process. |
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| After opening a file |
Once the file is opened at the court, an initial interview will be conducted at the court secretariat with a representative of the District Court. It is recommended to arrange the date for opening the file in advance, according to the days when the District Court representative is on the premises. At the end of the interview, the representative will explain the conversion process to you and refer you to an Ulpan for instruction in Judaism.
Please note! When you leave the court secretariat you must have a referral from the District Court representative to an Ulpan for instruction in Judaism. Without such referral, you will not be accepted for instruction. |
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