Midreshet B'erot - Conversion program

FAQs about the Conversion Program

The Chief Rabbinate of Jerusalem for conversions recognizes the conversion program at Midreshet B'erot to be one of the finest in the country. Our program is known for attracting serious students, and educating them to become committed Halacha observant Jews at the highest caliber.

At Midreshet B'erot conversion candidates are not isolated from the Jewish society in which they seek integration; conversion candidates and Jewish students learn side by side. Approximately half of our 15-20 students are conversion candidates.

In addition to participating in our full time program, conversion candidates are carefully supervised and mentored in Halacha and Jewish thought by Rabbi Benarroch, Rabbi of our conversion program, who guides each student personally and meets with her regularly. Rebbetzin Chana Bracha serves as a powerful female role model. With warmth and care she takes each student under her wing, and it goes without saying that her home is always open to every student.

Our approach to teaching is not just to disseminate information, but to engage the whole person. Interwoven with the intellectual understanding, our students are challenged to integrate their learning with creativity such as visual and performing arts. By engaging body, mind and soul, through workshops in self-expression and meditation, serious textual study becomes a source of growth and self-transformation.

Classes include: Chumash, Women in Tanach, Halacha, Tefilah, Tanya, Jewish History, Teachings of Rav Kook, Teachings of Rebbe Nachman, Chassidut and Nigunim, Jewish Meditation, Creative Movement, Rambam: Herbology, Nutrition & Health, Agricultural Workshop, Torah & Art Workshop, Inner Song Workshop, Hebrew Ulpan, and Individual Study Projects.

At Midreshet B'erot we believe in following Halacha strictly without compromise. Making G-d consciousness infuse every part of our lives even the most mundane characterizes our holistic outlook. Our students work the Land, and experience its essential connection to Torah. Cultivating the earth, composting, collecting wild herbs, and preparing wholesome meals are all integral to our learning process.

In order to facilitate integration into Israeli society, Midreshet B'erot provides students the opportunity to work with Israeli families. Each student gets "adopted" by a family in the Yishuv. The families of the community of Bat Ayin known for their hospitality open their hearts and homes to our students. Shabbat and holidays celebrations in Bat Ayin play a
major part in the conversion process.

The community sheltered from the distraction of the city encompasses an intense encounter with religious life and halachic observance including proper modest apparel and demeanor. This environment is instrumental in inculcating Jewish values and reinforcing the classroom teachings learned from Torah texts.

The rural setting of Bat Ayin Village emphasizes wholesome living and natural eating conducive to developing a warm, supportive community. Here, the women grow close by sharing and nurturing one another.

The conversion program at Midreshet B'erot is suitable for women of all ages and backgrounds who are serious in their desire to learn more than the basic minimum required in order to convert. Midreshet B'erot also attracts professional, academic and highly creative and artistic women who are encouraged to integrate and express their talents in a Jewish context.

Midreshet B'erot is in the midst of accepting applications for the upcoming session starting September 4th.

For acceptance to our program the conversion candidate is required to:
1. Supply 2 letters from Orthodox Rabbis testifying the sincerity to convert
2. Fill out our comprehensive application and medical form and submit it with the $25 application fee
3. Interview with the director via telephone

For questions, information and to receive an application please contact Rabbanit Elana Benarroch at the office at (02) 993-4945 or at berotoffice@berotbatayin.org , or Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum at (02) 993-2642 or at director@berotbatayin.org.