People enroll in our course with many different motivations. The information below is directed to those who are intending to convert to Judaism.

Information for those considering conversion*

While the Institute for Conversion and Outreach fulfills the basic study component of the conversion process, it does not by itself comprise all of the requirements of a conversion.

Additional requirements include being connected to a Jewish community, being committed to the mitzvot (commandments) of Jewish life and making a declaration of this commitment in the presence of a beit din (rabbinic court), and tevillah immersion in a mikveh, ritual bath). An additional requirement for men is brit milah (ritual circumcision) or hatafat dam brit (symbolic equivalent to circumcision for men already circumcised).

Those pursing the conversion process should have a “rabbinic sponsor” who guides them through the conversion process, including these additional requirements above. Instructors in the ICOE courses do not automatically serve as such sponsors. If you are looking for a rabbinic sponsor for conversion, the ICOE administrator, Ellen Nesson, can help to link you to a rabbi in your area.

Our program provides a comprehensive study of basic Judaism, but preparation for conversion, and the exact length of the process, varies from sponsor to sponsor and often takes longer than the length of the course.

Attendance at each session is expected as it is vital to the integrity of the overall program. Those who miss any class will be asked to make up the material through work to be assigned by the instructor. Except in highly extenuating circumstances as determined by the instructor, those who are absent more than four times will not receive "Certificates of Completion.”

We strongly encourage couples to take this course together. Some rabbinic sponsors may require the attendance of spouses or significant others of conversion candidates.

Tuition payment in the full amount of $625 for an individual, or $775 for a couple, is required for your registration to be complete. If check, please make it payable to 'New Jersey Rabbinical Assembly' and write "ICOE” in the memo area of the check and send to the address below. Alternately, use the PayPal link at www.introjudaismnj.com (to pay tuition and additional fee). Tuition covers the expense of all instruction and study materials. Extracurricular activities and events offered through the program may carry additional costs. Tuition is non-refundable once classes are in session.

Questions of a general nature and financial arrangements about the course can be directed to Ellen Nesson , Program Administrator at (973) 214 4553 or ellen.nesson@gmail.com. If questions pertain to a specific site, Ellen will refer you to the instructor at that site.

If paying by check, send to:

The Institute for Conversion and Outreach Education (ICOE)

Ellen Nesson, Program Coordinator

4 Hornet Street

Brunswick, Maine 04011