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 dealing with 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. Click the banner below to see the current class schedule.
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 the following:
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- Lectures
- Group classes
- Individual instruction
- Practical courses on the observance of Jewish rituals and holidays
- Workshops
- Support groups
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- Retreats
- Seminars for those contemplating marriage
- Marriage ceremonies
- Internship programs, led by former students, to help integrate the newcomer into Jewish communal life, both within the synagogue and in community center activities
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Rabbi Weiss, author of the book Converting to Judaism — Choosing to be Chosen: Personal Stories, 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, then she will find the appropriate sources, and help make this possible.
If the video clips above do not play properly, you may download them using the links below:
Clip 1, “Teaching Judaism” (1 minute, 17 seconds):
- Clip 2, “Understanding Tradition” (37 seconds):
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Lectures: Contact the B’nai B’rith Lecture Bureau (below) to schedule a special lecture presentation by Rabbi Weiss in your community. Rabbi Weiss is available to speak on the following topics:
- “Interdating, Intermarriage, and the Road Back to Judaism: Keeping the Faith”
- “The Challenge to Intermarriage: One Rabbi’s Answers”
- “The Trials and Turmoil of Today’s Converts to Judaism: What Jews Can learn from Converts”
- “Intermarriage: How to Make a Plus Out of a minus”
For more information, contact:
- Rabbi Bernice Weiss
The Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism
P.O. Box 342105, West Bethesda, Maryland 20827
Phone and Fax: 202-216-9839
bkweiss@converttojudaism.org
- For information concerning speaking engagements, contact:
- Ruth Wheat, Bureau Director
B’nai B’rith Lecture Bureau
823 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York, 10017
(212) 490-1170 or (212) 490-1352 Fax: (212) 687-3429
bblb@cloud9.net
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