Hineini: Kol Tzedek’s Conversion Cohort
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Hineini is Kol Tzedek’s six-month journey for those seeking to convert to Judaism – a chance to say yes to Jewish life, to learning, and to finding your place in our vibrant, justice-seeking community. Together, we’ll explore Torah and Jewish tradition, wrestle with big questions, and celebrate the joy of becoming part of the Jewish people.
This is more than a class. It’s a sacred community of belonging. From January to June, we’ll gather for learning and conversation, study with a chevruta (study partner), and meet one-on-one with our rabbis to reflect on your personal journey. You’ll also have the option to be paired with a Kol Tzedek mentor — someone rooted in our community who can walk alongside you, answer questions, and share their own story. Grounded in Kol Tzedek’s commitment to justice, radical hospitality, and the sacredness of each person’s path, Hineini offers a warm, supportive space to deepen your Jewish knowledge, nurture your spiritual life, and step more fully into this transformative process of becoming. Our time together will culminate in meaningful conversion rituals, including an immersion in the mikveh, to honor and celebrate this sacred transition. If you are ready for conversion, ready to say hineini (here I am), we would be honored to walk this path with you. |
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Requirements:
- Completion of an Intro to Judaism course (either at Kol Tzedek or somewhere else)
- Attendance at all six cohort sessions (one absence allowed with a required make-up)
- Active participation in chevruta learning and group discussions
FAQ
Q: Who is this program for?
A: Anyone who has begun the process of conversion or is considering conversion and ready to take the next step in community learning and engagement.
Q: Do I need to be a Kol Tzedek member?
A: Yes. Membership at Kol Tzedek is required to participate.
Q: What does the program cost? Are scholarships available?
A: The cost for the program is $360. We never want cost to be a barrier to Jewish learning and belonging, so scholarships are available. If the cost is a hardship for you, reach out to us and we’ll find an amount that works.
Q: Is Intro to Judaism required?
A: Yes. You must be enrolled in it this fall at Kol Tzedek or have already completed an Intro to Judaism course at Kol Tzedek or elsewhere.
Q: Do I need to know Hebrew?
A: No. There is no baseline of Hebrew language skills required in order to participate in the cohort. At the same time, we strongly encourage all conversion candidates at Kol Tzedek to be developing their relationship to Hebrew, especially gaining familiarity with the alef-bet and vowels so you can read and begin to decode text. As part of the program, we’ll share resources and guidance to support you in this learning, whether you’re starting from scratch or deepening the skills you already have.
Q: How much time should I expect to commit?
A: About three to five hours per month (including group sessions, chevruta study, and optional rabbinic and mentorship meetings).
Q: What if I need to miss a session?
A: You may miss one session but will need to schedule a make-up 1:1 with Rabbi Lizzie.
Q: Do I need to live in the Philadelphia area?
A: Yes. Hineini is rooted in the local Kol Tzedek community, and a big part of the experience is building relationships and learning in-person. We ask that participants live in Philadelphia or the surrounding area so you can fully take part in the cohort gatherings and broader community.
Q: Can I participate remotely or via Zoom?
A: No. While we love the creativity and accessibility that Zoom brings to many parts of Jewish life, this program is designed to be fully in-person.
Q: Who are the rabbis I can meet with 1:1 during the program?
A: Rabbi Lizzie, Rabbi Mó, Rabbi Ari Lev, or Rabbi Michelle. You’ll be asked to rank your preferences on the application.
Q: How do chevruta and mentorship work?
A: Chevruta partners will be assigned within the cohort for monthly study between sessions. Mentorship is optional and involves two to three meetings with a Kol Tzedek member.
A: Anyone who has begun the process of conversion or is considering conversion and ready to take the next step in community learning and engagement.
Q: Do I need to be a Kol Tzedek member?
A: Yes. Membership at Kol Tzedek is required to participate.
Q: What does the program cost? Are scholarships available?
A: The cost for the program is $360. We never want cost to be a barrier to Jewish learning and belonging, so scholarships are available. If the cost is a hardship for you, reach out to us and we’ll find an amount that works.
Q: Is Intro to Judaism required?
A: Yes. You must be enrolled in it this fall at Kol Tzedek or have already completed an Intro to Judaism course at Kol Tzedek or elsewhere.
Q: Do I need to know Hebrew?
A: No. There is no baseline of Hebrew language skills required in order to participate in the cohort. At the same time, we strongly encourage all conversion candidates at Kol Tzedek to be developing their relationship to Hebrew, especially gaining familiarity with the alef-bet and vowels so you can read and begin to decode text. As part of the program, we’ll share resources and guidance to support you in this learning, whether you’re starting from scratch or deepening the skills you already have.
Q: How much time should I expect to commit?
A: About three to five hours per month (including group sessions, chevruta study, and optional rabbinic and mentorship meetings).
Q: What if I need to miss a session?
A: You may miss one session but will need to schedule a make-up 1:1 with Rabbi Lizzie.
Q: Do I need to live in the Philadelphia area?
A: Yes. Hineini is rooted in the local Kol Tzedek community, and a big part of the experience is building relationships and learning in-person. We ask that participants live in Philadelphia or the surrounding area so you can fully take part in the cohort gatherings and broader community.
Q: Can I participate remotely or via Zoom?
A: No. While we love the creativity and accessibility that Zoom brings to many parts of Jewish life, this program is designed to be fully in-person.
Q: Who are the rabbis I can meet with 1:1 during the program?
A: Rabbi Lizzie, Rabbi Mó, Rabbi Ari Lev, or Rabbi Michelle. You’ll be asked to rank your preferences on the application.
Q: How do chevruta and mentorship work?
A: Chevruta partners will be assigned within the cohort for monthly study between sessions. Mentorship is optional and involves two to three meetings with a Kol Tzedek member.