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The Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism, under the direction of Rabbi Bernice Weiss, offers individual counseling, private and group instruction, education, outreach, and support services, which meet the needs of all persons choosing Judaism. The Institute has created a comprehensive study program, utilizing textual materials on Jewish history, law, and rituals.
Jews by Choice, and those wishing to learn more about Judaism, will use these textual materials but will focus primarily upon the Biblical Text. These studies are designed to fully integrate the Jew by Choice into the spiritual community, thus enabling him or her to become an active participant in Jewish life.
Adult Study: The Institute is especially devoted to the unique needs and interests of adult study. Students love learning with Rabbi Weiss, and she is always available for questions and makes the studies enjoyable for those that have the chance to learn with her.
“I consider meeting and working with Rabbi Bernice Weiss as one of the greatest blessings in my life. There are so many good things to say about her personally and as a teacher, Rabbi Weiss provided expert and compelling instruction of Torah while, perhaps most importantly, keeping things relevant in a contemporary context. She gave comprehensive insights and mentoring during my conversion to Judaism. Her teaching was also, in the most positive way, challenging. During sessions, and in between, I found myself thinking on my feet, so to speak, and considering the layers and meaning of various aspects of Torah and Jewish life. She has a terrific sense of humor as well. I looked forward with great anticipation not only to her lectures, but the pleasure of speaking with her before sessions. Her knowledge base and instruction are inspirational. I consider Rabbi Weiss a kind, wise educator, and friend.” —Jeff Dolan, January 22, 2023Timari and Andy (photo right), dental students from the University of Pennsylvania, studied with me on a weekly basis via Skype. Timari entered the family of Judaism in the fall of 2018. It was an honor to have Timari as my student, with Andy, studying right along with her.
“Rabbi Weiss is the best! She is so patient and so kind and made my conversion process such a joy. I truly looked forward to our sessions every week and I learned so much!!!” —Katie Z., May 7, 2021
“When I first began to explore Judaism, I was doing a lot of reading on my own, and I had found that there was much more to Judaism (and to being Jewish) than I previously knew, and with which I could identify personally. After reading one of her books, I reached out to Rabbi Weiss because I had a good feeling about her from the stories I had read, and i was looking for some guidance and structure to continue my learning. I’m so glad she agreed to take me on as a student, even though I had told her my intention was to learn, and not necessarily to convert to Judaism. She was very warm, encouraging, and gave me the tools I needed to really embrace all that she taught me, and to ultimately decide to choose to be Jewish, to be a part of this greater community of similarly minded people. Rabbi Weiss is not only a great teacher, but a wonderful listener and a friend.” —Karen, Baltimore, MD, July 14, 2020
“Working with Rabbi Weiss was a wonderful experience. She provided a well-balanced study plan for our weekly sessions on Skype, from Jewish history, to exploring the Torah, to getting to know about everyday Jewish life. She has been so supportive, kind, and a great teacher.” —Ross, Munich, Germany, July 2020
“Where do I start! I have no words to express my gratitude to Rabbi Weiss for her nurturing, patient helpful guidance throughout my Conversion process to Judaism. Studying with Rabbi Weiss through this journey has reintroduced spirituality into my life. It has given my life more meaning and I look forward to Shabbat and the High holy days that you get to spend with family and friends and introduce them to a small part of my Jewish life.
“I could not have asked for a better teacher to help and guide me through this journey. Rabbi Weiss’ sensitivity to her students and schedules goes unnoticed. I am extremely blessed to have studied with Rabbi Weiss through my journey to Judaism. I have found a life long friend in Rabbi Weiss, a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air.”
—Rosanna, Zimbabwe, May 2019
“Rabbi Weiss is truly amazing! I could not have asked for a better experience. Rabbi Weiss laid out a well-organized study schedule that corresponded with the upcoming Jewish holidays. As such, I learned about each holiday as it came up. Additionally, Rabbi Weiss emphasized understanding the ‘why.’ Every lesson centered around what the Bible says and why we practice certain traditions.
“Furthermore, Rabbi Weiss worked around my crazy schedule. We met in person at times; however, most of our lessons were done over Skype. This was particularly helpful when I had to move from D.C. to New York half way through the course. We had such a great time that my fiancé and I asked her to officiate our wedding in Italy. I am blessed to have been able to work with her through this process!” —Charles K., April 3, 2018
“I reached out to Rabbi Weiss and began a program of individual study with her in early 2017. My studies with her have reintroduced spirituality into my life, while also teaching me about Jewish history and contemporary traditions. I am so thankful for the wisdom, guidance, and encouragement she has offered me throughout my journey. I’ve completed my studies having found not only a teacher, but a true friend.” —Yvonne. G., February 2018
“Studying with Rabbi Weiss has been like exercise for my soul. My life is in better shape, I’m a stronger person, and there is less weight on my shoulders.” —Lauren Sprague, DC
“Rabbi Weiss’s expertise of over twenty-six years makes her a forerunner in the field of conversion and teaching interfaith couples. . . . Her sensitivity to the specific needs of her students is an inspiration to those who have studied with her.”—Student, College Park, MD
“I do not have words to express how grateful I am to Rabbi Weiss for her guidance, nurturing and help throughout the conversion process. Her approach to teaching from all angles, by grounding her lessons in both history and contemporary life, has given me a well-rounded, fresh perspective on Judaism that carries practical implications for day to day life.”—Amanda Oefelein, May 18, 2012
“I was a student of yours in 2005 and I want to let you know, ten years later, how grateful I remain to you. It is a journey to which I have stayed true, I believe, joining Temple Micah in Washington, and then, when I moved to Austin, Texas last year, joining Temple Beth Shalom. I am now preparing to travel with Beth Shalom to Israel, my fourth trip there. But I think back in fondness to your downtown classes, and then to my first Shabbat supper at your home in Rockville. You pointed the way and gave us the the courage take the path, a path that continues today.”
“Thank you for all you do. You are making such a difference in my life with your caring and special way. I couldn't be making this journey without you!”
—Nancy, North Carolina, October 15, 2015
Judaism is a rich tradition that shapes and defines all aspects of family life. It is more than a religion; it is a way of life. Today, more than one-half of the Jewish population who marries will marry someone who is not Jewish. When a family decides to share Jewish heritage, the decision to become a Jew by Choice can be difficult. The Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism can offer the individual who wishes to convert, or study, an opportunity to experience the warmth, wisdom, and the rewards of Jewish communal life. The Institute seeks to fulfill the needs of the convert by providing lectures, group classes, individual instruction, practical courses on the observance of Jewish rituals and holidays, and marriage ceremonies.
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Rabbi Weiss, author of the books Converting to Judaism—Choosing to be Chosen: Personal Stories and The Secrets of Becoming Jewish, has developed unique programs and methods to help those choosing Judaism. Her warmth and personal style are sensitive to the special needs of Jews by Choice, providing them the necessary support to integrate themselves into the Jewish community. She enthusiastically empowers her students to begin a life-long process of learning about Judaism. Rabbi Weiss does not convert anyone personally. She just teaches her love of tradition. If a student, after their course of study, decides that Judaism is what they want to embrace, she will find the appropriate sources, and help make this possible. Of her work Rabbi Weiss says, “Capturing the moments that I share with my students is a gift of a lifetime for me.”
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Private Lessons Available Personally or via Skype! Study privately from the comfort of your own home—at a time that is convenient for you! Whether you live overseas or stateside, lessons are available and tailored specifically for your individual needs. Please inquire directly by email: bkweiss18@gmail.com. |
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For more information, contact:
Rabbi Bernice Weiss
E-mail: bkweiss18@gmail.com
The Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
Your tax-deductable donations are greatly appreciated.
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