Orthodox Conversion Program

Many people struggle to find an experienced rabbi who is clear, supportive, and accessible. Rabbi Chaim Coffman has been guiding students through Orthodox conversion for over 20 years.

He has taught students from all over the world, and his students' conversions have been recognized by Orthodox batei din internationally.

His program includes weekly live classes, personal mentorship, and unlimited email access, so you are not "on your own" at any point.

Most students finish their Orthodox conversion in about 12–24 months (1–2 years).

The exact timing depends on:

• Your starting level of Jewish knowledge
• How much time you can put into learning each week
• Your community involvement and practical observance
• The requirements of the beit din you will appear before

The program gives you lifetime access to the materials, so you can review and continue growing even after you complete your conversion.

Conversion costs vary by program. Rabbi Coffman offers several tuition options so that people in different situations can join:

• Monthly plan: $500/month
• Quarterly plan: $1,200 per quarter (savings included)
• Complete program: $5,000 one-time payment (lifetime access)

Couples have their own pricing (Monthly: $650/month, Complete: $6,500), and payment plans are available. The goal is that no sincere student is turned away purely for financial reasons.

Yes, about 70-80% of the process can be done online. The core learning is done online:

• Live weekly group classes
• Private one-on-one meetings with Rabbi Coffman
• Unlimited email questions and support
• Clear preparation for your beit din interview

However, you will need to be in person for:

• Regular attendance at an Orthodox synagogue
• Your beit din (rabbinical court) appearance
• Mikvah immersion
• Building community connections

Students from many countries have completed their learning online and then finalized their conversions with Orthodox batei din in their local communities.

When choosing a conversion program, look for these essential elements:

• Personal mentorship: Not just classes, but one-on-one guidance for your specific situation
• Community learning: Weekly group classes so you don't feel alone in the process
• Practical focus: Teaching real-life observance, not only book knowledge
• Beit din preparation: Clear guidance aligned with Orthodox beit din expectations
• Ongoing support: Access to your rabbi throughout your entire journey

Many programs are either large impersonal classes or very expensive private tutoring. The best programs blend both approaches.

Yes, when done properly with an Orthodox beit din. Rabbi Coffman has been working with Orthodox conversion for over 20 years. His students have been accepted by Orthodox batei din and have joined:

• Modern Orthodox communities
• Chabad communities
• More traditional / yeshivish communities

The key is that while learning happens online, the actual conversion process (beit din, mikvah) must be done in person with an Orthodox beit din. The exact beit din you work with will depend on your location and situation.

The program is designed to help you prepare in a serious, halachic way that meets Orthodox standards worldwide.

You need four essential things:

1. Sincere motivation: You're converting because you genuinely believe Judaism is truth, not for marriage, social reasons, or convenience
2. Real commitment to keeping mitzvot: You're ready to observe Shabbat, keep kosher, pray daily, and live as an Orthodox Jew
3. Access to an Orthodox community: You need a place to attend services, learn, and build relationships with other Jews
4. Willingness to work with an Orthodox beit din: Three Orthodox rabbis will evaluate your readiness and knowledge

For men specifically: Brit milah (circumcision) or hatafat dam brit if already circumcised.

Bottom line: You don't need to know everything on day one, but you do need to be ready to build a full Jewish life, not just change your label.

Yes, eventually you will need to live within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue.

This is because Orthodox Jews don't drive on Shabbat, so you must be able to walk to services. The beit din will want to see that you're integrated into an Orthodox community.

You can start learning before you move, but you'll need to relocate before your conversion is finalized. Rabbi Coffman can help you think through community options based on your location and situation.

This is complicated and depends on your situation.

If you're married to a non-Jewish spouse who is not interested in converting, many batei din will not accept your conversion. This is because:

• You can't fully observe Shabbat and kashrut in your home
• Your commitment to raise Jewish children is unclear
• There are concerns about your long-term observance

However, if your spouse is also interested in converting, or if you have a unique situation, it's worth discussing with Rabbi Coffman during your consultation.

The beit din is a meeting with three Orthodox rabbis who will:

• Ask you questions about Jewish law and practice
• Discuss your motivations for converting
• Verify that you understand what Orthodox observance requires
• Ensure you're sincere and committed to living as a Jew

Typical questions include: Why do you want to convert? What are the laws of Shabbat? How do you keep kosher? What will you do if your family objects?

The meeting usually lasts 30-90 minutes. If approved, you'll go directly to the mikvah for immersion and officially become Jewish.

Rabbi Coffman prepares you thoroughly for this process so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, you can convert even if your family opposes it - but you need to be prepared.

The beit din will ask about your family's reaction to ensure you've thought through the implications. They want to know:

• Have you told your family about your decision?
• How did they react?
• Are you prepared to maintain your observance even if they oppose it?
• Can you handle holidays becoming complicated?

Rabbi Coffman has guided many students through this difficulty. He can help you navigate family relationships while staying true to your commitment to Judaism.

You don't need your family's permission to convert, but you do need to show the beit din that you've seriously considered how you'll handle their concerns.

It depends on your actual motivations - not just what you say, but what's truly in your heart.

Many people first learn about Judaism through a Jewish partner—that's completely normal and acceptable. The question is: Are you converting because YOU believe Judaism is truth, or only to make your partner happy?

The beit din needs to see that:

• You would still convert even if the relationship ended
• Your commitment is to Judaism itself, not just to this person
• You're prepared to live as an Orthodox Jew regardless of your partner's observance level

Be honest during your consultation with Rabbi Coffman about your situation. He can help you clarify your motivations and determine if you're converting for the right reasons.

You don't need to be fluent, but you do need basic Hebrew literacy.

The beit din expects you to:

• Read Hebrew (even if slowly)
• Follow along in a siddur (prayer book)
• Understand key prayers and blessings
• Know basic Hebrew terminology for Jewish life

You don't need to speak conversational Hebrew or understand complex texts. The program includes Hebrew reading instruction, and Rabbi Coffman can recommend resources based on your current level.

Many students start with zero Hebrew knowledge and develop sufficient skills during their conversion process.

Yes - you have unlimited email access to Rabbi Coffman throughout your entire journey.

Conversion brings up constant questions as you navigate daily life:

• "Can I eat at this restaurant?"
• "How do I handle this family situation?"
• "Is this product kosher?"
• "What do I do for this holiday?"

You don't have to wait until the next class to get answers. Email your questions anytime, and Rabbi Coffman responds typically within 24-48 hours.

This ongoing access is one of the most valuable parts of the program—you're never stuck wondering what to do.

Yes - age doesn't disqualify you from converting to Orthodox Judaism.

If you're older: Many people convert later in life. The beit din cares about your commitment and understanding, not your age. Some older students bring life experience that actually helps them appreciate Judaism more deeply.

If you're a teenager: You'll need your parents' permission until you're 18. After that, you can convert independently. Rabbi Coffman has worked with teenagers preparing for conversion and can guide you through this process.

If you have children: This adds complexity but doesn't prevent conversion. You'll need to demonstrate how you'll raise your children Jewishly and maintain observance in your home. The beit din will want to see that your whole family is committed to living Jewishly.

Discuss your specific situation during your consultation to understand how it affects your path.