Calling all Southern Jews-by-Choice!
Are you in the process of converting to Judaism, or did you recently convert? Do you live in the ISJL's 13-state region? Are you looking for support as you navigate your Jewish community? Do you still have questions about your new Jewish identity? If so, this cohort may be right for you.
|
The ISJL is pleased to announce a series of virtual and in-person learning and networking opportunities for and by converts—led by Director of Spirituality Rabbi Salem Pearce (herself a proud Jew-by-choice).
The purpose of this cohort is to serve and support southerners who are either in the conversion process (with Rabbi Salem or another rabbi or cantor), or who have recently completed conversion (with Rabbi Salem or another rabbi or cantor). Folks in our 13-state region who converted in the past are welcome as well, though the topics may not be as directly applicable to them. This space is not the right fit for those who were raised Jewish, nor for those with an initial-interest in learning more about Judaism; it is specifically for those who have already chosen to convert to Judaism and are actively undertaking and/or have completed this process. This is not a conversion class; this opportunity is meant to supplement and build on current or past conversion work. It is, however, an inclusive learning space, and only a very basic level of Jewish knowledge is assumed. |
|
Schedule
Participants are welcome to join all sessions, or just as they are able. The learning will not directly build from one session to the next, but the hope is that, through consistent attendance, participants will get to know each other as additional sources of support.
Each session will include one hour on the announced topic, and then half hour for socializing, debrief, time with Rabbi Salem, and small group conversation.
Schedule and topics subject to change. All times shown are Central.
Participants are welcome to join all sessions, or just as they are able. The learning will not directly build from one session to the next, but the hope is that, through consistent attendance, participants will get to know each other as additional sources of support.
Each session will include one hour on the announced topic, and then half hour for socializing, debrief, time with Rabbi Salem, and small group conversation.
Schedule and topics subject to change. All times shown are Central.
|
August
Wednesday, 8/13, noon-1:30 pm What is Great (and Hard) about Being a Convert September Monday, 9/15, 5:00-6:30 pm Talking to Families and Friends of Origin October Tuesday, 10/21, 11:30 am-1:00 pm Building Jewish Spiritual Practice November Wednesday, 11/12, 3:00-4:30 pm Navigating the Winter Holiday Season December Thursday, 12/11, 10:00-11:30 am Text Study and Hevruta How-To January Tuesday, 1/20, 4-5:30 pm The Hebrew Bible in Jewish and Christian Traditions |
February
Friday, 2/13, 10:00-11:30 am “You Converted?!?”: Surviving Well-Meaning Questions (and Microaggressions) from Born-Jews March Tuesday, 3/17, noon-2:00 pm Learners’ Seder (note longer duration) April Monday, 4/13, noon-1:30 pm Shabbat Liturgy May Day/Time TBD “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother”: That Darn Fifth Commandment June Sunday-Tuesday, 6/21-23 Southern & Jewish 2026 Conference, (in-person) Charlotte, NC July Day/Time TBD Moving Forward Together |
|
Interested? Sign up here. Once your registration is approved, you will receive a welcome email from Rabbi Salem with the Zoom link for the first session.
Questions? Not sure if this cohort is right for you, or have a question for Rabbi Salem? Find a time to talk here. |
Our sincere thanks to the National Center to Encourage Judaism for their generous support, strengthening our efforts to serve our communities.
|