Nativ Civilian Program:
Your Path, Nationwide
From HaTzor HaGlilit to Eilat, and offered in multiple languages, Nativ’s Civilian Program is the largest conversion preparatory course in Israel. Classes are held all over the country at convenient times, in several languages. Nativ studies are subsidized and provided free of charge.
The Civilian Conversion Program has three stages:
Register for the program and choose your preferred course
Our classes are held in various languages all over the country, from HaTzor HaGlilit in the north to Eilat in the south. Classes are available at convenient times and – because Nativ is a state organization – fully subsidized, so they are provided totally free of charge.
You can choose from four main types of courses:
Two evening sessions a week, for around 10 months.
One evening session per week, plus a one-on-one conversation with the teacher every month, for 12 months.
An accessible course intended for people with disabilities who need special accommodations, such as classes in sign language.
This course is designed for everyone who cannot commit to regular class participation. It includes online classes and individual study, plus personal guidance sessions with a local mentor. This course takes place once a year and is only for those who are unable to attend classes in person, due to medical reasons, having to care for family members, or because there is no nearby class. Each application is forwarded to the Conversion Department for review and approval.
Hands-on opportunities to learn
about Jewish life and culture
Being Jewish is about much more than ticking a box on a form. This is why our curriculum includes a broad range of topics related to the Tanach (Jewish Bible), history, Zionism, faith, and Jewish thought, as well as an introduction to how Jews perceive the cycles of the year and of life. You will also learn about traditional Jewish values, like charity, kindness, hospitality, and more.
Our teaching method is very open and inclusive, so we can help you with the internal doubts and questions that naturally arise before and during the learning process. Nativ’s teaching team includes professionals from throughout the spectrum of Jewish life, who will support you at every stage of the conversion process, including meetings and hearings with the Conversion Court. Often, the personal connection between students and teachers becomes so deep and meaningful that it endures even after the conversion process is complete. We see ourselves as assisting you, not only through imparting knowledge, but also by providing a supportive, encouraging environment every step of the way.
During this program, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a tour and celebrate Shabbat at a hotel with your classmates and family members. Your studies with us will prepare you to meet the requirements of the State of Israel’s Conversion Courts.
Enrichment – At Nativ, you will be provided with what we call a “spiritual absorption basket” that will help you to build a rich, fulfilling Jewish life for yourself going forward.
Appear before a Conversion Court
Each conversion course includes three meetings with the Conversion Court.
We attend these meetings together, providing close personal support,
guidance, and reassurance.
Around 3-4 months after you start attending classes, there will be a short introductory meeting with the Court and your conversion file will be opened. This meeting is mainly an opportunity for you and the judges to get to know each other, have a chat, and coordinate expectations for the rest of the process. These are the same judges who will likely meet with you again later.
About 8-10 months into your studies, you will meet with the Court’s District Coordinator for an interview. This meeting is intended to ensure that your conversion case is complete and ready, and will also advise you on what to expect from the end of the process and the final hearing.
That special moment has come at last! Once you complete your classroom studies, the final hearing will be held with the panel of judges you met when opening your conversion file. The teacher who has supported you throughout the process will also be there, by your side, as well as representatives from your host family. The conversion process ends in the mikveh after the hearing has concluded successfully.
After many long months, it's finally here – the moment you’ve been waiting for!
You can submit an application to the Conversion Exceptions Committee via the Accessible Government website.
Nativ Civilian Program courses nationwide
Practically anywhere you look on the map of Israel, you’ll find an active Civilian Program class. We hold classes nationwide, from HaTzor HaGlilit to Eilat, in any language you choose (well, almost!).
Path to Judaism
The Official Nativ Textbook
This unique textbook is the first of its kind to bring together
Jewish history, identity, and religious law, explaining the topics in a clear,
engaging manner, with an attractive new design.
