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Converts must be accompanied for a year by a religiously observant family, whose role is to teach the potential convert the meaning of being Jewish and how to put everything he learns into practice. Accompanying families also provide support to converts who have no family in Israel. This section offers information on accompanying families and tips for the accompanying family. |
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| What is an accompanying family? |
One of the requirements stipulated by the court for potential converts is that they must be accompanied by a religiously observant family. The accompanying family’s role is to teach the potential convert the meaning of being Jewish and how to put everything he learns into practice. After one year, the court requires the accompanying family to write a letter describing their impression of the potential convert’s progress during the year. This letter of recommendation must be presented to the court by the family, or handed in a sealed envelope to the potential convert or to the court emissary for delivery to the court.
An additional role of the accompanying family is to support the convert, since some converts are alone in Israel without family or friends. In this manner, the accompanying family helps the convert in his absorption into Israeli society on both a social and a spiritual level. The website of the Institute for Conversion in Ramat Gan offers help in finding an accompanying family. |
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| How can the accompanying family help the convert? |
The accompanying family can help the potential convert in a number of ways in order to facilitate the conversion process and familiarize him/her with Jewish customs and traditions. Below are some suggestions:
 Open your home and your heart to the potential convert and extend a warm welcome.
Invite the potential convert to spend Shabbat, religious holidays and special events – such as a family brit mila, bar mitzvah or wedding – in your home together with his/her partner/spouse (if any).
Discuss matters of faith and personal issues with the potential convert.
Accompany the potential convert to the synagogue and help make it a pleasant experience for him/her, even though he/she is as yet unable to take part in any sacred rituals, and guide him/her as to the order of prayers where necessary.
Offer guidance in matters pertaining to Israeli society and culture.
Explain every subject thoroughly and do not assume that the potential convert has “already been instructed in this matter.”
Answer all questions on subjects connected to faith and Halacha.
If the potential convert makes any mistake regarding behavior at the Shabbat table, Shabbat observance or any other custom, do not express anger but rather offer a pleasant and courteous explanation of the correct behavior in each context.
Help the convert make a kitchen kosher where necessary.
Offer advice in the purchase of tefillin (phylacteries).
Continue to accompany the potential convert even after completion of the conversion process.
Accompany the potential convert to the religious court on the appointed date.
If the potential convert is single, suggest introduction to a suitable partner, an act which is considered a mitzvah (righteous deed).
Where the potential convert is about to undergo a Jewish marriage, help with the preparations. In some cases you may be asked to act as the couple’s religious patron and stand with them under the chupah (wedding canopy). |
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