About Conversion
Conversion (“giyur” in Hebrew) is the process of embracing Judaism and joining the Jewish people. Jewish religious law defines a Jew as someone born to a Jewish mother or someone who has converted. In modern times, it has been determined that both male and female converts (haGer and haGiyoret) must accept the commandments. In addition, conversion includes accepting the belief in one God, learning Jewish customs, being immersed in a ritual bath (mikveh), and – for uncircumcised men – circumcision.
The conversion process culminates with an appearance before the Conversion Court – an especially emotional occasion for many converts. Success at this stage means that the convert is officially a member of the Jewish people.
It is worth noting that this state-recognized conversion is the only type of conversion that is accepted across the board by all communities in Israel. It is recognized by the State of Israel for marriage, divorce, and burial purposes.
Today, all those who wish to join the Jewish people are invited to begin the conversion process through the State of Israel’s official conversion authority, which operates under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office and includes Nativ – The National Center for Identity & Conversion.
Formerly known as the Institute for Jewish Studies, Nativ – The National Center for Identity & Conversion was established in the late 90s on the recommendation of the Neeman Committee. The Committee urged the creation of a single state conversion process recognized by all branches of Judaism, as well as an official state organization to help people prepare for conversion.
Nativ has served as the Israeli government’s executive arm in the field of conversion preparation ever since, and its course is the largest, leading conversion course in Israel.
This conversion process is recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and all government institutions.
Nativ has already supported tens of thousands of students through all stages of the conversion process. Together, our team represents centuries of cumulative experience working with students on a daily basis. We are not only Israel’s largest organization in this field – we are also the most professional and the most experienced.
Conversion for Overseas Residents
Nativ’s conversion course is intended for citizens and permanent residents of Israel.
If you would like to convert but are not an Israeli citizen or permanent resident, you will need to submit an application to the Conversion Exceptions Committee. This can be submitted online via the Accessible Government website.
Please note, this application must be accompanied by recommendations.
If the Committee decides that your case should be reviewed in more depth, it will invite you for an interview. If the interview goes well, you will only receive approval for studies at this stage (and not for the entire conversion process). Another interview will be held later, after you have been studying for several months.
All those who receive approval for studies are invited to join Nativ’s course via the regular study program.
Important:
This is a complex process that demands great patience and the understanding that not all applications are accepted.
Nativ – The National Center for Identity & Conversion cannot help you to submit your application.
