Conversion to Judaism

Former Moscow rabbi says he rebuffed proposal to convert Russians discussed in Epstein recording

The proposal sought to bring converted Russians to Israel as a demographic strategy aimed at preserving Israel's Jewish majority.

FEBRUARY 7, 2026|ByASAF ELIA-SHALEV/JTA

Ehud Barak, a former prime minister of Israel, announces the establishment of a new political party that he will lead, in Tel Aviv, June 26, 2019.

An Argentine oleh (new immigrant to Israel) who made aliyah 20 years ago celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Eilat after a long period of conversion.

Argentinian oleh celebrates his Bar Mitzvah, conversion to Judaism 20 years after making aliyah

Ariel Weintraub, an Argentinian-Israeli who has been living in the country for the past 20 years, decided to fully convert to Judaism after connecting with his Jewish coworkers.

FEBRUARY 4, 2026|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

A Spanish flag flutters in the air as the capital of Spain is seen from the observatory deck of Madrid's city hall August 7, 2013.

I traveled from Israel to Spain to convert new Jews. A single ‘Sababa’ made me feel safer - opinion

No matter how unjustly countries treat Israel and their local Jewish populations, we traveling mohalim must make the journey to ensure our most sacred tradition continues, even on the hardest days.

FEBRUARY 3, 2026|ByRABBI HAYIM LEITER/JTA

Converts share their stories in a discussion circle at the Under Your Wings event.

Under Your Wings: A gathering to celebrate, support Israel's converts to Judaism

The evening offered a rare chance for converts to come together, share their stories, and celebrate the blessings of their journeys.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025|ByBATSHEVA SHULMAN

Gazan who escaped to Israel, converted to Judaism shares his story

The amazing story of the Gazan who escaped to Israel and converted to Judaism.

NOVEMBER 27, 2023ByOMRI GALPERIN/MAARIV

Dor Shachar escaped life in Gaza, and is now living in Rishon LeZion.

Would Ruth, a convert, be good enough for Israeli citizenship? - opinion

It’s time for a clear, predictable path to citizenship with an explicit list of requirements for converts wishing to live in Israel.

MAY 29, 2023ByLEAH AHARONI

INTERIOR MINISTER Moshe Arbel arrives for a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.

Shavuot: 7 things converts can teach us about Judaism

Just as our sages learned about Jewish affirmations from Ruth, so I have found through my work with converts that we can learn much about Judaism from them.

MAY 26, 2023ByRAPHAEL SHUCHAT

FOR MANY converts, the original impetus was not actually a Jewish partner. Pictured: Huppa in Cape Town, 1979.

Ukrainians trying to convert to Judaism in Israel face Kafkaesque trials

Yael and Aaron Agpov from Ukraine had tried to convert to Judaism in 2022, but then the war broke out. This, plus Israel's Kafkaesque bureaucracy, thrust them into uncertainty.

MAY 25, 2023ByALAN ROSENBAUM

THE AGPOV family with ITIM head Rabbi Seth Farber (L) after receiving Israeli citizenship at the Netanya Interior Ministry offices.

Condoms and tikkun olam: An Orthodox woman strives to aid sex workers in Prague

L’Chaim is an organization dedicated to helping sex workers in the Czech Republic.

MAY 24, 2023ByDINAH SPRITZER/JTA

Yael Schoultz founded a group called L'Chaim, which counsels and supports sex workers.

Editor's Notes: Love the convert

As Jews in Israel and around the world read the Book of Ruth during the holiday of Shavuot, it is worth asking how beloved converts truly are today.

MAY 24, 2023ByAVI MAYER

THEN-JEWISH AGENCY CHAIRMAN Natan Sharansky speaks at a protest held outside the Chief Rabbinate in Jerusalem, in 2016. The signs read ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ and ‘Judaism without coercion.’

Converting to Judaism in Israel is nearly impossible - ITIM report

The number applying for conversion in the last decade has been low but even among those who did apply, fewer than half were able to complete the process.

MAY 22, 2023ByZVIKA KLEIN