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NEW QUESTION: How did you find the right rabbi for your conversion?

7/5/2012

1 Comment

 
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​From a female Reform convert:


As you probably know, I love this question!  Because I think each of us has our own journey.  It's not quite the same for any of us.

I knew I wanted to look into conversion with a rabbi.  I took a couple of classes, and met some fabulous rabbis through the Taste and Intro classes.  One rabbi, who is local to the Bay Area, was part of the Intro process, and I really liked her style.  She was so intelligent and knowledgeable, and welcomed questions during classes.  So I emailed her.  But after one week of not hearing anything, I emailed her again, using the email address I found on the synagogue website.  When she didn't respond to that, I phoned the office and left a message.  I didn't hear back from that, either.

I thought to myself, maybe this is the "you have to ask the rabbi three times so they can make sure you're serious," but when asking around, I found that reform rabbis don't do that.  So I gave up on that rabbi, and continued my search.

I consider myself lucky that I didn't take that first leap, because I found the perfect rabbi for me just a month later, also in Intro class.  She had a warmth about her that was really genuine, and seemed concerned about me personally.  Once I got into the study process, I liked the fact that she actually had lesson plans and vocabulary lists -- ask any of my friends, and they'll tell you I like structure -- and it wasn't just about reading a book and report back once a month, which I had heard how some rabbis work.  So, this style of study was perfect for me.  I really couldn't have made a better choice, and I feel lucky to have found Rabbi Mates-Muchin, and that she was willing to study with me.

1 Comment
Finn Stewart link
9/30/2017 07:58:18 am

I like how you mentioned to ask a friend and get referrals for a rabbi. I think recommendations go a long way in finding a rabbi that is caring and friendly. My friend is Jewish and is getting married in the coming months. I'll be sure to let her know to ask around so she can find the perfect fit for her Jewish wedding.

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