Weddings, bar /bat mitzvah training and officiating, online Hebrew school, tombstone dedications, funerals, baby namings HAVE TORAH WILL TRAVEL 847 331 3584
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PROGRAMS
Wedding thanks
Bar Mitzvah
Dear Rabbi : I have been watching your videos, and I think you are brilliant! The future of Yiddishkeit , is in the hands of people like you, your newest devotee. J.k.
Hello Rabbi ,
I wanted to thank you for doing such a great job this weekend at Dan and My wedding. We really enjoyed your service during the ketubah signing and during the huppa. We both really enjoyed listening to your stories and thank you for making it so personal for us. So many people came up to us during the wedding and said how enjoyable and personal you made the huppa. Thank you again for helping us during our engagement and for taking the time to teach us about the meaning of the traditions and giving us material to help us make our marriage strong. I hope we will stay in touch.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Sara and I can't thank you enough for your role at our wedding. You were just perfect and we both felt so lucky to have you there. We really wanted to have a "Jewish wedding" and you made our dream come true. Everything felt so special and sincere. Your remarks were warm, relevant and sounded like you've known us for a long time. We got a lot of compliments after the wedding about your service and it was well deserved.
Thank you for making our day so special. Hopefully I will see you soon.
Fyi, my younger brother and his fiance really enjoyed your service and so did her parents. Her dad is orthodox and his Rabbi won't do their wedding at the hotel. If it's ok with you, I'll forward your information off to my bother and hopefully he'll contact you. It would be great if you can be a part of his wedding also.
Posted on Facebook page of new Jewish Families: Lonny congrats... I can't believe you are being married by the same Rabbi who just officiated our wedding in Oct. Small world. Enjoy all the wedding planning fun and again congrats!!!
I just wanted to thank you so much for coming to Quincy and being apart of our wedding in October. It meant a lot to Bruce and I that you officiated the wedding since you were the Rabbi that helped me convert. Also, thank you for saving me at the hotel when the limo wouldn't start. Oy what a day that was, classic Murphy's Law...but in the end the ceremony was beautiful and I married my best friend, my bashert. Thank you for everything
Dear Rabbi,
Its been a week since Alex Bar Mitzvah... It was was one of the most beautiful and important days in our life...full of precious moments, emotions and feelings. Thank you Rabbi for the beautiful ceremony, for your presence, warmth of your smile and your big heart :0) All guests were impressed, and they really enjoyed the ceremony. Some of them were really happy to learn more about our beautiful religion :0) Thank you Rabbi for that amazing experience which will stay in my heart forever. We wish you a peaceful and beautiful Shabbat,
Hannah and Alex
http://chicagobarmitzvahrabbi.blogspot.com/
FUNERALS
Dear Rabbi, It has been 3 weeks since we spoke and I am still at a loss for words. I want to thank you for all the uplifting words and the funeral. I want to thank you and God for not only restoring my faith but for God bringing you into my life. I have had better days but just thinking of you and how wise and caring you are, makes me smile. Thank you for all that you do and all that you are and for being there for me. I will remember you with love forever.
TeachingDear Rabbi : I have been watching your videos, and I think you are brilliant! The future of Yiddishkeit , is in the hands of people like you, your newest devotee. J.k.
I just loved coming to Services and hearing your D'vrei Torah, which were always excellent. I have known many Rabbis, but you are really one of the best! G. March 2011
Thank you! I have been reading and listening to the UTube courses non stop since I spoke with you on the phone. This is a wonderful set of classes and so informative. This is wonderful. Thank you again. Colleen
PARA RABBINIC Graduate
I'm seeing the Big Picture myself. There is lots of work to do besides our congregation. I'm feeling more connected with my Jewish life. YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR STUDENTS LIVES AND THE WORLD. Marie
CONVERTS:
Blessings and prayers for you.
The work you have done has helped us tremendously. And we are sure t'ousands of others have benefitted from your dedication to spreading emuna around the globe.
You are like a whirlwind of energy. I'm sure you will in some way continue to assist all the seekers, the baal teshuva, those returning to the path.
Please know, that you have done a great service. to your fellowman, your fellow jews, and to Hashem, may He be blessed. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Truly, we thank you and wish you the very best
David Simcha ben Sarah Imenu
Sheina Levana bat Sarah Imenu
Thank you! I have been reading and listening to the UTube courses non stop since I spoke with you on the phone. This is a wonderful set of classes and so informative. This is wonderful. Thank you again. Colleen
The course is great! We would recommend it to anyone seeking a path to conversion.
The amount of information is astounding. You put so much work into the course.
We thank you tremendously. David and Cynthia
There are also no words to properly convey the depth of my appreciation to you Rabbis, yet mere words will have to suffice. Thank you for this gift, for which I can never truly repay you. I will instead repay it by living, loving, and learning Jewishly more each day. Rob Feb 8 2009
It was a great course.. and so much fun! You make Judaism seem so easy.. Mary from Monoco.
I am learning so much. I want to be a better human being. The course is really helping me do that.Sylvia from Washington
This is such a well thought out and structured course, enjoyable and thorough, and financially a great deal. Henry
Thanks again for converting me, you changed my life! Also I am an Intern for Hillel, which is amazing! I can't thank you enough!" Rachel
Shalom Rabbi,
Thanks again for everything. I'll have to admit that it was one of the happiest days of my life. I feel like I am starting over as a new man, a Jewish man who needs to be more responsible to be a light to others, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I made it home safe!
Thank you with all my heart! Shalom Aleikhem, Hillel
Rabbi,
Thank you so much! I can hardly express my excitement. Last night I
could not sleep. I was up reading about how the messiah is to come from
the line of King David and trying to make sure I remembered dates. I was
so nervous. The kids were nervous too. We did not need to be, but I
think it was natural to be so. Meeting you and the other Rabbi's was a
gift. All three of you are wonderful men. We have so much yet to learn,
but we have gotten a great start with your online course.
I just could not possibly articulate my thanks in words. Just know that
in my heart this feels right to me. I feel that I am home in Judaism.
You and your course have helped me find my way home.Rabbi thank you so much for your time and efforts. I know that you
are busy people. I just want you to know that your work is
wonderful and a gift to anyone exploring this path.
Thank you so much! I can hardly express my excitement. Last night I
could not sleep. I was up reading about how the messiah is to come from
the line of King David and trying to make sure I remembered dates. I was
so nervous. The kids were nervous too. We did not need to be, but I
think it was natural to be so. Meeting you and the other Rabbi's was a
gift. All three of you are wonderful men. We have so much yet to learn,
but we have gotten a great start with your online course.
I just could not possibly articulate my thanks in words. Just know that
in my heart this feels right to me. I feel that I am home in Judaism.
You and your course have helped me find my way home.Rabbi thank you so much for your time and efforts. I know that you
are busy people. I just want you to know that your work is
wonderful and a gift to anyone exploring this path.
Dear Rabbi
I just wanted to send you l a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life.
I think the work you are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know.
With best wishes
Leon from Australia
I just wanted to send you l a short note to say thank you for your guidance and support over the past six months as we went through the conversion process. I didn't know quite what to expect when I arrived in Chicago, but you all made me feel very welcome and included. It was a very moving experience for me (which is probably why I might get the record for taking the longest time to get dressed and reappear after the immersion). It would be impossible for me to probably convey in words how important the event was to me, and what a positive effect it has had, and I believe, will continue to have on my life.
I think the work you are doing is of inestimable value to many people, and I wish you both all of the best in these endeavours for the future. If there is any small way I can assist now or in the future, please just let me know.
With best wishes
Leon from Australia
Dear Rabbi I have been watching your videos, and I think you are brilliant! The future of Yiddishkeit , is in the hands of people like you, your newest devotee. J.k.
Thank you again for all you have done for this family. Your videos and study books that we have poured over, have helped us all to grow in our faith and has confirmed in our hearts that we are doing what is right. We are so excited to be a part of Israel and the Jewish people. We have... bonded even closer as a family. Thank you so much for the work you are doing for those that do not live close to a Jewish community and could not convert if you were not doing what you are doing for so many
I just loved coming to Services and hearing your D'vrei Torah, which were always excellent. I have known many Conservative Rabbis, but you are really one of the best! G. March 2011
ONLINE JEWISH ACADEMY of ISYNAGOGUE
Gold Medal Awarded Long Distance/Online Conversion to Judaism Program
email rabbi@jconversion.org 847.331.3584 (Mobile)
for additional information, see www.converttojudaism.net
email judaism36@gmail.com for the enrollment form
call 847 331 3584 with questions or outside USA use skype number 1-847-868-3599
Some questions:
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CONVERT TO JUDAISM?
Some
Rabbis want you to wait years. Our program is 12 sessions which we
recommend you pace yourself to one session a week and then can convert
after. For two thousand years there have been lenient and harsh schools
of Jewish thought on conversion. We want to ENCOURAGE conversion for
sincere individuals. If
you can complete a session a week, it takes 4 months. Some finish
faster, most take longer. It obviously depends on your time, discipline,
background, etc. We are always available to help via phone, skype,
email.
Can you convert to judaism for marriage?
Yes as long as by the time you convert it is sincere and something you want to do , and yo have no beliefs antithetical to Jewish belief.. There are many pluses in having one religion in the family and sharing it with your spouse and his/her family.
Can you convert entirely online?
You can study entirely online. Orthodox will not teach you this way. It is preferred f you are a participating member in a Jewish community. Some Rabbis will only convert you if you are. Conservative and Orthodox require you meet with abeit din of 3 rabbis in person and immerse in front of a same sex witness. In some cases , some Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis might permit beit din meeting via skype and the immersion in front of witnesses where you are and then submnit thatb testimony to the beit din
.If i convert to judaism will my children be jewish
If
you give birth AFTER you convert, yes. If they are already born, then
they need to convert too. If pregnant, then the baby is Jewish when it
emerges.
How to convert to judaism Reform
When you convert, you convert to Judaism, not a denomination. if you prefer Reform rabbis participate on the beit din, we can arrange it.
Some TESTIMONIALS and reviews about our award winning program: Enrollment form follows
From a Stanford PHD
"I
can, however, tell you that I very much enjoyed meeting all of you. The
experience at Beth Hillel was everything I hoped it would be, every bit
the word that Rabbi Brief found for me when I could not think of the
right one for my Jewish friends who started me on this journey:
"welcoming".
Also,
I realize I may have never mentioned that I found the course itself
awesome. The combination of books, online resources, blogs, video
streams, etc., and, especially, the youtube videos, was, for me,
perfect. I don't know if it was intentional, but the variety of mediums
used and the method involved --- each section of the course involving
overlapping commentaries in the books, complementary videos,
memorization exercises, etc. -- served to emphasize for me the constancy
and comprehensiveness of the learning that is at the core of
Judaism.Thank you, again, so much. What a blessing to have found you
all."
Jeanette
Dear Rabbi
now I am back in Sweden and just a few weeks have passed since my special and memorable stay in Chicago.
Today is Tu BiSchwat and I would like to take this as an occasion to once again thank you for your help and support and your great explanations and guide during the last year. For me it was a wonderful experience. It was nice to finally meet you. -And it felt very special to finally be allowed to convert. I'll be in touch, and I´ll let you know how my life develops in the future. Take care,Miriam Lital
Thank you again for all you have done for this family. Your videos and study books that we have poured over, have helped us all to grow in our faith and has confirmed in our hearts that we are doing what is right. We are so excited to be a part of Israel and the Jewish people. We have... bonded even closer as a family. Thank you so much for the work you are doing for those that do not live close to a Jewish community and could not convert if you were not doing what you are doing for so many
CONVERSION
Sunday, February 19, 2012 9:18 AM from Wales
Dear Rabbi
I don't quite know how to put into words how moved and grateful I am following
my conversion ceremony earlier this month.
I still have to remind myself that it has really happened!
It was the best thing that has ever happened to me...the most moving, and possibly
the most tearful!!! In retrospect, I think I left my brain outside, too, so overwhelming was the experience!Without you, I am convinced that it would not have been possible, so the gratitude
that I owe you is immeasurable.
I can't tell you how it feels now that I can also pray "who has made me a Jew" instead of having to miss that bit out.
What has also come home to me even more than before is the responsibility and honour that goes with being Jewish; to uphold the honour of HaShem and His people is a serious
responsibility as well as a joy, and I am mindful of this every single day.
I pray that the joy that you have enabled in my life will be felt by everyone you help, and that you will be blessed in everything you do. I know you can't maintain correspondence with everyone whom you teach, as there are probably
too many. But would you mind if I ask your advice from time to time, please?
Sorry to have rambled on. My real purpose is to thank you for the life-changing support you have
given me.
With very best wishes.
"What I really like about your program is that you use technology to
your advantage. All the classes you would normally teach a convert in
your office you have recorded and put on line. The advantage with
making a recording of your material and making it accessible to your
students and perspective students, is that your students (those who
have decided that Judaism is for them) they can study the material any
time that they want and gain benefit. How many Rabbi’s would enjoy a
phone call at 9 pm so the student can learn the bedtime prayer at the
time they should be saying it? As for the perspective students (those
who are trying to decide if Judaism is right for them) there seems to
be a need to gain enough information to be able to make that decision.
Your videos certainly do cover the critical amount of needed
information to make that decision.
You inquired about our unique online/long
distance conversion-to Judaism program. Below is the enrollment form. Thanks
for inquiring. We look forward to working with you.
Long Distance Conversion-to-Judaism Program
Enrollment Form – Supervised by
Chicago Conversion Beit Din
Return
this form via email or fax to conversion course 847 824 6816 (but let us know
you faxed it)
Today’s
Date:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Gender
Male or Female?
If
male, are you circumcised?
|
Phone:
Email:
Mailing
address
|
Name
of Spouse (if applicable):
Is
your spouse/partner Jewish already? Or converting also?
|
Names(s)
and ages of Children: Indicate if they are converting and if not, why not:
Educational
History (names of schools beyond High School , degrees earned):
Present/Past
Religious Affiliation:
How
did you learn about the program?
Please
briefly explain your interest in converting to Judaism: (The final essay will
ask for more detail
Describe
any prior Jewish learning. If you have previously worked with a rabbi,
include name and contact info:
How
to Purchase books and pay tuition for the course
____I intend to come to Chicago to convert with ____Conservative____Reform beit din
____I have a local beit din/Rabbi who will convert me after this course
____I can't come to chicago and do not have a relationship with a local rabbi
Payment Information
Please indicate your desired order:
_____ 1 adult conversion ($495), excluding books (to be purchased independently) eithin USA
_____ 1 adult conversion including books ($595)
_____ 1 adult conversion including books, sent outside of the USA ($636)
_____ Additional DVD package (+$24.95) All the videos for the course organized on 2 dvds
(for convenience)
_____ Number of other family members (18 or older) also converting (additional $250/person)
___________ Total Amount
_
Pay for course and materials with credit
card
Credit
card #--------------------------------------------------------------------
Expiration
date______________________
Security
code on back__________________________
Or If
you prefer paypal, pay with the donation button on the homepage of this blog/ the donation buttonindicate so and we’ll paypal the request
Read and put initials here
___I/we
understand this conversion, may not be acceptable to Orthodox
Rabbis and the Israeli Orthodox Rabbinic establishment for the purposes of aliyah
__I/We
do not accept Jesus/Yeshua as our
Lord and savior, or messiah.
We very much look forward to working with you!
We
also offer online post conversion Jewish studies, bar bat mitzvah long
distance training, online Hebrew school. See www.isynagogue.blogspot.com for more information
A
few couples have chosen to have a Jewish wedding after the conversion while
in Chicago, either because they are married already civilly and want a
Chuppah and ketubah, or because they want to get married. If you want to do this and need a license,
you can get one from Cook County the day before the conversion and we can set
up a Huppah at the synagogue right after the conversion.
Converting to Judaism - Conversion is a journey.
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"Dearer to God than all of the Israelites who stood at Mount Sinai is the convert. Had the Israelites not witnessed the lightning, thunder, and quaking mountain, and had they not heard the sounds of the shofar, they would not have accepted the Torah. But the convert, who did not see or hear any of these things, surrendered to God and accepted the yoke of heaven. Can anyone be dearer to God than such a person?"
Tanhuma (ed. Buber),
