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During the coming year you (the potential convert) will spend many hours of instruction in one of several conversion Ulpanim around the country. This Guide explains the difference between the different conversion Ulpanim and will help you decide which instruction stream is best suited to you. |
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| Conversion Ulpan |
Once your file has been opened in the court, the first, practical stage of the conversion process begins; this means instruction in Judaism at a conversion Ulpan. In the first years following the establishment of the State of Israel, the subject of conversion came under the auspices of the rabbinical courts. However, when large numbers of immigrants began to arrive from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, collaboration was established between the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Jewish Agency; designated conversion Ulpanim were opened in locations around the country, a Conversion Administration was introduced and religious courts specializing in conversion were set up.
Today two main bodies operate recognized Ulpanim, which function in cooperation with the rabbinical courts: the Ministry of Education Conversion Ulpanim and the Joint Conversion Institute. |
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| Ministry of Education Conversion Ulpanim |
The function of these Ulpanim is to provide instruction in Jewish lifestyle and tradition. The instruction programs in the conversion Ulpanim comprise 500 hours of academic tuition spread over one academic year. The programs are taught by rabbis, teachers approved by the Ministry of Education and the religious courts specializing in conversion. The range of instruction subjects covers thought, Halacha (Jewish law), Bible and Jewish history.
Alongside academic instruction, the Ulpanim also offer practical experience such as hospitality with Jewish families on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, participation in prayers and synagogue services, tours and visits to sites such as the Western Wall, Yad Vashem and other relevant destinations around the country. To enroll at a conversion Ulpan, call one of the telephone numbers or write to one of the addresses published on the Ministry of Education website. |
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| The Joint Conversion Institute |
This is a network of instruction centers for those seeking to convert to Judaism, established on the basis of recommendations by the Ne’eman Commission, further to government decision no. 3613 of April 7th, 1998. The Institute operates with the support of the Jewish Agency and the Israeli government and its goal is to provide appropriate training and preparation for immigrants seeking to convert. Students at the Institute include both candidates wishing to convert and Jews wishing to expand their Jewish education. The Institute is directed by representatives of all three streams of Judaism, and graduates wishing to convert may then apply to the special conversion courts at the Chief Rabbinate for Orthodox conversion. |
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| Instruction tracks |
There are three different instruction tracks at the conversion Ulpanim: evening courses, crash courses and courses for high school students, as well as a special track for new immigrants of Ethiopian origin and those from the former Soviet Union. Further information about the various instruction tracks at conversion Ulpanim and about Jewish holidays is available in a booklet published by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. |
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| Court emissaries |
In the course of conversion instruction, rabbinical court emissaries visit the Ulpanim in order to meet students, tutors and teachers. The accompanying family also accompanies the potential convert from the start of his instruction at the conversion Ulpan. |
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