Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

We have many congregants who are not Jews who are living Jewish lives and many are also raising Jewish children. Our aim is to help all congregants, no matter their education or background, access and experience the fullness and joy of Jewish life. We feel that participation is the key ingredient to fostering this experience and this is why we work to make our community and our celebrations open and welcoming to everyone.

In fact, the only ritual rite that Rodef Sholom reserves for Jews, be they born Jews or Jews by Choice, is that of being called to have an aliyah (the act of chanting Hebrew blessings before and after the Torah reading) and reading from the Torah scroll. Being called to the Torah is an honor that many Jews by Choice accept as their first public declaration of their conversion and if it is something in which you are interested, please contact us so that we can help create a path for you to do this.

We welcome and encourage all members to participate in all of our programs and groups (Sisterhood, Men's Spiritual Group, Book Club, etc.). We hope that no matter your education or background, you will find a variety of smaller compelling communities at Rodef Sholom. The only lay committee that requires a member to be Jewish before serving is our Board of Directors.

Conversion – Becoming a Jew by Choice

Are you wondering what it would mean to become a Jew? We would love to help you explore this question. At Rodef Sholom, the path toward becoming a Jew is created for each individual and can take many forms.  For each person who seeks to become a Jew in our community, we aim to create ways toward Judaism that are engaging, accessible, joyful, and challenging. The specific process of becoming a Jew by Choice at Rodef Sholom also includes the following:

• An introduction to Judaism class such as All Thinsgs Jewish.  For class information, click here or call the office at 479.3441.

• Participation in Shabbat and holiday celebrations.

• One-on-one sessions with a clergy member for approximately a year for study, spiritual guidance and discussion.

• Mentoring by a recent Jew-by-Choice.

• A conversion ceremony that includes a mikvah (immersion in the ritual bath) and a beit din (ceremonial questioning of the convert that helps him or her articulate his or her personal Jewish path).

• A festive public blessing during a regularFriday night or Saturday morning service which includes receiving a Hebrew name.

If you are interested in becoming Jewish, are not sure, or have questions about the process, please know we are waiting to speak with you! Please make an appointment with any of our clergy through the Rodef Sholom office at 479.3441

Suggested reading: Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant