About Us

Here are short answers to the questions we are asked most frequently. For more information, please read through our website or give us a call.

  • Who are we?
    Our sponsors are the Chicago Rabbinical Assembly Conservative Rabbis of Chicago’s north suburbs and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism – Midwest Region. The Introduction to Judaism classes are taught by a Jew By Choice, a former college teacher and attorney, who has been passionately involved with the development and teaching of the program for many years.
  • What are the requirements for the Program?
    Anyone seeking information about Judaism and thinking about conversion is welcome. Students have a Rabbi-Sponsor with whom they meet periodically, attend Shabbat and holiday services as required by their Rabbi, attend Introduction to Judaism classes, and participate in ritual immersion as part of the conversion process. Students participate in classes and activities with significant others.
  • How do I find a sponsoring Rabbi?
    Just call the United Synagogue office at (847) 714- 9130 or e-mail us at mwoffice@uscj.org.
  • When may I begin the program and class?
    You may begin the process and the class at any time after talking with a sponsoring Rabbi.
  • Where are classes taught and how long are they?
    Classes are taught     at Beth Hillel Congregation B’nai Emunah in Wilmette, 3220 Big Tree Lane, 60091. Classes are held Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. from September until June. Students are welcome to begin the class at any time. If you have any specific questions about the class, you are encouraged to contact the Instructor at instructor@conversioninstitute.org.
  • Is there a fee for the program?
    The fee for a couple is $250 and for an individual $175. Included in the fee is a notebook of all the class handouts for the year. If you need a fee adjustment, just ask. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay.
  • What texts are used for the class?
    We have two texts:

    1. The Bible, called the Tanakh, the Jewish Publication Society translation. This is available at most bookstores and on line. You may want to purchase a version with both Hebrew and English.
    2. Jewish Literacy, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. This is often available in bookstores and can also be purchased on line.

    You may also find very helpful The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Eisenberg and Skolnik, Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia, 2001.

About the Conversion Institute, for those interested in Jewish conversion

Contact Us Today

To contact Nancy Labbie or a sponsoring Rabbi, please contact the United Synagogue Office below:

Students may register and begin classes at any time from September to June.

Partner Program

Looking for a program in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago?

Anshe Emet Synagogue offers a comprehensive program for people who are considering conversion to Judaism.