Judaism welcomes new members, sometimes called "Jews by Choice." In fact, Abraham and Sarah, the founders of the Jewish people, were not born Jewish. Conversion to Judaism means accepting the Jewish faith and becoming part of the Jewish people. The process involves both personal guidance by the Rabbis and extensive study of Jewish texts.

Rabbis John Rosove and Michelle Missaghieh are always available for those people and their families interested in seeking conversion. Call (323) 876-8330, ext. 225 for an appointment, or email monica@tioh.org

We recommend that anyone interested in converting attend an introduction to Judaism course. In Los Angeles, these are some of the offerings:

1. Union of American Hebrew Congregations. 18 weeks, from a Reform Jewish perspective. Call Arlene Chernow at (323) 653-9962.

2. University of Judaism. 18 weeks, from a Conservative Jewish perspective.
Call (310) 440-1273.


After completion of the class, the individual must schedule a meeting with Rabbis Rosove or Missaghieh for additional individual learning and spiritual counseling.


On the day of conversion the person becoming a Jew must immerse him or herself in a mikvah (ritual body of water) after appearing before a Bet Din (a religious court of three Jewish adults). In this process he or she will dedicate him/herself to the Torah and the Jewish people. In addition, men are obligated to physically bind themselves to God and the Jewish people through the ritual of brit milah (covenant of circumcision) or hatafat dam brit (a symbolic circumcision).