Torah Judaism International conversions are conducted under the auspices of Rabbi Joseph Kolakowski.
Our conversion program was established as a direct result of the mistreatment of potential converts worldwide.
We at Torah Judaism International believe that conversions to Judaism should be performed according to the guidelines conveyed by the Talmudic Sages and affirmed by the Mishne Torah and Shulchan Aruch.
Those guidelines only require sincerity, a basic knowledge and acceptance of Torah principles, and a commitment to heed all the instructions found in both the Written and Oral Law as one grows in knowledge.
The ownership of certain articles is also a practical necessity; ie: tefillin (for men), mezuzoth, and kosher dishes.
UNLIKE OTHER CONVERSION PROGRAMS Our conversion program is absolutely free. We do not turn sincere potential converts away.
RECOGNITION Although Torah Judaism International is an Orthodox organization, our conversions are not guaranteed to be recognized by other Jewish courts or the State Israel. This is due to conversion controversies around the world and the relatively recent politicization of the conversion process in general.
If recognition by the State of Israel is what you desire, we suggest that you move into an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood and begin your process there under a more widely recognized Orthodox beth din. Another option for one who wants recognition by the State of Israel may be to first convert under our auspices and at a later date do another conversion under a more widely recognized beth din when one has the financial means to do so.
COMPLETION OF CONVERSION Everyone will receive a conversion certificate following the conversion. Married couples will also receive a ketuba (Jewish marriage contract). Married individuals will be converted only if both spouses agree to undergo conversion. Each spouse's acceptance and commitment to uphold Torah must not be conditional upon the present or future status of their relationship. The Jewish marriages will be held on the same day as the conversions, after the conversions.
REQUIREMENTS KNOWLEDGE & ACCEPTANCE OF:
1) Immutability of Torah and the covenant at Mt. Sinai; 2
2) Authority of the Great Sanhedrin established under Moses;
3) Punishment for violation of the commandments;
4) Reward for upholding the commandments;
MUST HAVE:
1) a basic knowledge of Shabbat and holy days;
2) an understanding of Jewish dietary laws and a kosher kitchen;
3) an understanding of the principles of Jewish modesty;
4) a basic knowledge of Jewish prayer and blessings; Females must also have an understanding of family purity laws.
Males must already be circumcised; If presently uncircumcised, one must be circumcised at least a month before the conversion date to insure that it's already healed;
Males must also own tefillin, a tallit, tallit katan, and own a kippah;
BOOKS: "Tanach" (the Hebrew Scriptures);
The link is not an endorsement of Chabad.] "Mishneh Torah" (Code of Jewish Law) - by Maimonides;
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/682956/jewish/Mishneh-Torah.htm"The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism" - by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin;
