Judaism By Choice

I was introduced to Judaism years ago and had a strong interest in converting but never pulled the trigger so to speak until I met my boyfriend. Several months we both knew that we wanted to raise our children (or child) in a Jewish home as it was very important to him but also to me and thus my journey to conversion began. I started to do some research and looked at a couple of programs and I kept finding myself going back to the JBC site and reviews and finally made the choice to register with JBC because it felt like it was more of a community as opposed to a standard classroom setting. I am grateful for Rabbi Weinberg’s program as I prepare for my upcoming conversion. The classes were comprehensive and I especially enjoyed «prayer aerobics.» Through the Rabbi’s teachings, readings, attending services, Shabbat dinners, and other activities, you are fully immersed into Judaism and the transition from non-​Jew to Jew becomes a lot easier. There is still so much to learn but Rabbi Weinberg gives you all of the tools you need to continue on your lifelong journey as a Jew and I am thankful for JBC for providing this wonderful program. I can’t recommend it enough for those who are interested in conversion or who are simply curious and want to know more about Judaism.

Judaism By Choice is simply wonderful. I cannot possibly express in a few words what this program has meant to me in my life. Rabbi Neal Weinberg is a great teacher, open-​minded, and funny! I completely enjoyed attending every single class. We learned all aspects of Judaism; world history, the rich traditions, the bible, Hebrew language, and beyond. Even though this is a conservative program, Rabbi Weinberg explains the different views of other sects of Judaism.
Through the classes, gatherings, and lively parties we attended through JBC, I have cultivated lifelong friendships in the Jewish community. Also, because of everything I have learned and experienced, I am completely confident about my Jewish faith and feel included in the community whether I am doing my grocery shopping on Pico/​Robertson, or attending services at shul. Whether you are simply interested in learning about Judaism, or your intention is to convert, this is the perfect program to do both.
I am so thankful for Rabbi Weinberg and his wife Miri for putting together this exceptional program and helping me to enrich my life. — Nikki

If you are interested in converting to Judaism, learning how to live a Jewish life, and/​or exploring your Jewish identity — either as an individual or with a partner/​family members, then I highly recommend Rabbi Weinberg’s Judaism By Choice Program!
Judaism By Choice offers an embracing, comprehensive educational experience, including classes, resources, a rich social community and travel opportunities. If you are planning to convert, the program requirements are rigorous and meaningful, yet transparent, achievable and flexible enough to accommodate your individual needs and schedule, as necessary.
Rabbi Weinberg is an exceptionally dedicated, gifted, and engaging teacher. The JBC Program is distinguished and enriched by his unique background and skills. Rabbi Weinberg is affiliated with both the Reconstructionist Jewish Community and the Conservative Jewish Movement. He also holds a Master’s Degree in the study of Religion, and has a background in music and composition. All of this means that the JBC Program is truly interdenominational: exploring all facets of the Jewish religion, history and culture; encompassing the different movements within Judaism; and understanding them in context to Christianity and Islam. If you are interested in an Orthodox conversion instead of an Interdenominational one, Rabbi Weinberg can certainly help you find the necessary resources to do so.
Completing the program is not the end of your journey, but the beginning — as JBC Program alum are welcome and encouraged to continue to participate in courses and social gatherings. The community you join will continue to learn and grow with you!

What a great program! My fiancée was trying to find a conversion program, and was fortunate enough to find the Judaism by Choice program. Rabbi Weinberg leads the program, and he is such an amazing teacher. He does a great job of teaching all aspects of Judaism. He doesn’t teach just conservative or just orthodox or just reform; he teaches how all of the movements of Judaism handle the holidays, customs, etc…
It’s very well rounded, extremely interesting, and although the classes are 3 hrs long, they fly by and are over before you know it. I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed this program. Also, you’ll meet others in the program through their social events. It’s really a great program. I never write Unilocal reviews but just felt so strongly about this that I felt I had to. If you’re looking for a program, CHOOSE THIS ONE! You won’t regret it.

When I was initially considering converting to Judaism, I immediately went to the Unilocal reviews before making a decision to commence study. To echo the sentiments of other students, I must say that there is no better teacher than Rabbi Weinberg. When people ask me to describe Rabbi Weinberg’s style of teaching, the best analogy I can provide is that he teaches as if it were his first day on the job. While he has been teaching for many years, he brings a level of enthusiasm and excitement to his classes as if he were just starting out — a spark many teachers of any subject matter can often lose over time. You can feel the warmth, love, and passion he has for Judaism in every meeting.
The only way one can study Judaism is to immerse yourself not only into the teachings, but into the community itself. Judaism By Choice offers events, parties, and dinners throughout the year in tandem with the classes. From monthly Friday evening Shabbat dinners, Saturday Havdalah parties, and Jewish holiday parties in between (epic Purim Party 2015), Rabbi Weinberg provides a first hand experience as to what it is like to live as a Jew. Within the JBC community, it is not uncommon to walk away with several friendships that provide additional support whether you choose to convert or not. To that effect, Rabbi Weinberg’s wife Miri is a wonderful compliment to the Rabbi’s teachings. Miri is an incredible light and spirit who is at the epicentre of each event to ensure all who attend feel at home and welcomed. In addition she offers Hebrew lessons in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
In practical terms, there are classes 6 days a week that follow different time tables, meaning you can jump in at any point. If you miss one topi/​class, you can easily make it up on another evening. You can go at your own pace with the conversion process and there is never any pressure from the Rabbi either way. The convenience factor is huge.
I have taken the entire course two times spanning a little over two years first as part of couple and secondly on my own. From my personal experience, if you are in a relationship, the classes will bring you even closer to your partner. It’s something special to share with someone else. On the flip side, taking the class on my own was also an incredible experience. I made 2 very close friendships and met several wonderful people in the process. I enjoyed each course with equal measure.
Thank you, Rabbi and Miri, for introducing me to this wonderful gift of Judaism. Now a member of the Jewish tribe, I couldn’t have asked for a more special experience and have nothing but the highest of regards for the Judaism By Choice program!
–Asher Chaim B’Avraham

If your considering converting to Judaism my best recommendation is go to Judaism By Choice. Rabbi Neal Weinberg is very knowledgable in Judaism. He will guide you through the process and you will learn both tradition and spirituality. The program is also very affordable.

Rabbi Weinberg’s program in conjunction with converting has truly been one of the most important things I’ve ever done. With a Jewish husband who hadn’t known too much about rituals and traditions, we both walked away from each class enriched, and in more in touch than ever with eachother. The way Rabbi teaches, you won’t find yourself feeling overwhelmed, but only wanting more.
The program also opens you up to incredible hands on learning experience, where we’re doing and not just reading. Including attending Shabbat services and attending Havdahlah celebrations, this program opened the door to a warm community of people just like me. I’ve met so many great people through this experience, and plan to keep in touch.
Thank you Rabbi Weinberg for all of your guidance throughout this process, I am so excited to continue to grow in Judaism, and uncover more about my personal spirituality.
Finally, Rabbi’s wife Miri is amazing! I felt an immediate connection with her upon meeting — which made learning Hebrew from her that much more fun!

Rabbi Weinberg has done a great job in making my fiancé and I feel comfortable in his class while being available with meetings outside the class as well. Thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do for students looking to convert or are just interested in refreshing there knowledge of jewish culture.

Rabbi Weinberg’s program can work for anyone’s schedule. The genius of the program is that is it not a standard «semester,» which binds students to a particular timeline and each class is offered multiple times throughout the year. This means students have a great deal of freedom in terms of how quickly or how relaxed they prefer to take the program. There is also absolutely no pressure whatsoever for gentiles who take the class to convert. This is a great informational course for anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism and the Jewish people, and if one is taking the course to prepare for conversion, they are in excellent hands with Rabbi Weinberg.
Rabbi Weinberg also does a great deal to create community amongst his students. The socials associated with the program are a must! Not only does it make people feel warm and fuzzy to connect with like minded folks exploring a similar life path, but the food! The delectable food!!!
In short, I’d highly recommend this program. Be sure to read the supplemental material that goes along with the class to delve into the topics more deeply. If you are seriously considering conversion, enroll in this class and don’t doubt yourself out of taking this step. Don’t worry about how you’ll be received: those with an earnest interest in affirming Judaism are warmly welcomed by Judaism by Choice. This course is a great foundation, but don’t stop there. The work of transforming oneself into a better person and striving to transform the world into a better place requires a great deal of learning and practice. What you’ll gain from Judaism by Choice is a great start towards building a more ethical and ritual life.

Nothing new to say here — my boyfriend and I found/​chose JBC from Unilocal because of the many glowing reviews — but to reiterate what others have said, the class is great. Rabbi W is incredibly thorough with his curriculum, makes it interesting, and takes the time to get to know his students. I am Jewish by birth but came to all the classes to accompany my boyfriend on his learning journey, and I was amazed at how much I learned in the process. I highly recommend JBC for anyone considering converting or just interested learning more about the Jewish religion and culture.

Rabbi Weinberg ’ s class is prefect for anyone who wants knowledge, exposure to Jewish culture, or is considering converting (but without any pressure) You’ll get details on each branch, learn to read hebrew, and develop a community and family.
Loved it!
Mqp

I would give 10 stars + if possible, but they game me only 5 (:
I found the program online, through Google search. I started to attend and I totally fell in love with Judaism even more than when I actually decided to enroll and convert. Rabbi Neil Weinberg is phenomenal! I loved every single second of his teachings through the whole program! I’d advice anyone who not only wants to convert to Judaism, but also has the spark for knowledge within, to enroll for his classes. Open minding! Loved also the fact that one can make up classes any time, since he has various days and locations to choose from. Judaism By Choice also organizes parties (Shabbats, main Holidays, etc…) and the atmosphere is absolutely amazing, not to mention the food! I’m really grateful to have been part of this program and to have had the chance to meet Rabbi and my other ‘class mates’. An experience you want for your spirit & soul!

My fiancée and I took the Judaism by choice course for the last few months. Rabbi Weinberg’s ‘dedication to the cause’ is something to behold as you feel that this is beyond work for him. As the Rabbi is taking you through the evolution of Judaism, we found ourselves learning so much and we’re thankful for that. On a personal level, this course has helped us to understand how to build the foundations of a Jewish home with future kids in mind and it’s exciting to think about how we’ll transmit our knowledge onward.

To say that this class literally changed my life, would be an understatement. It was through Rabbi Weinberg’s «Judaism by choice» class that I not only learned about myself, but also my amazing partner Tanya. I am very happy to say that I completed my conversion with the bet din yesterday, and am getting married on Sunday! Thank you so much Rabbi!
P. s. His wife Miri is wonderful, and a great teacher as well!

This by far has been the most memorable and life changing experience for me! I feel so blessed and lucky to have taken Rabbi Neal Weinberg’s classes of Judaism. It truly was «my» own choice and decision to convert to something that I love and believe in. I have learned so much about the Jewish heritage and traditions. It was pretty addicting for me to attend his classes. Even though I have completed all required courses, I still sit in a couple of his classes just to listen once more of everything he has to say because it’s so enjoyable for me. I HIGHLY recommend everyone to take his «Judaism by Choice» program! You will not regret it. Like I said earlier, it was the best and life changing experience for me. I’m so happy with everything! And I love my Shabbat weekends! :)
Tikkun olam — (heal the world)
Sincerely,
Alana Hillen

I trolled the internet for over a year in search of a local program that could help me fill in the blanks with respect to Judaism. The name «Judaism By Choice» (JBC) continued to pop up amongst a couple others. The stand-​out distinction was that I could not find a single bit of negative or controversial commentary about JBC. Multiple reviews on Unilocal,and they are all perfect. I kept thinking myself, «this is just too good to be true». So, not long after perusing the website for maybe the 10^th time, I decided to check out the program by registering for the upcoming series of classes. Within an hour of completing registration, I received a phone call from Rabbi Neal Weinberg (program instructor), personally welcoming me and to provide a brief overview of how sessions are conducted. Before finishing the call, Rabbi Weinberg made himself available by providing his personal phone number for any questions or concerns I might have. Needless to say, I showed up to the first day of class really stoked. But I must admit, there was still some ambivalence about being able to finish 18 separate 3-​hour + class sessions. Well, less than half-​way through the first session, my doubts were put to rest altogether. Rabbi Weinberg’s style of instruction firmly delivers while drawing the listener/​student in completely. I have always loved learning and having an instructor with the ability to keep his audience engaged makes all the difference.
9 months and 18-​class sessions later, I completed the JBC program. With pages of notes, a brain bursting with new information and multiple life-​changing experiences to show for it. This program helped me realize and accept a truth that has existed in me for some time. Early this year, I completed my conversion to Judaism. I have not been more excited about learning and change toward improvement for as long as I can remember. I will forever be grateful to Rabbi Weinberg, his wife Miri, and JBC for this incomparable learning experience. Toda Rabbi Weinberg for always going out of your way to make me feel welcomed!
Shalom,
Shmuel Asher

I am very happy that I took Rabbi Weinberg’s class. I took the class with my fiancé and definitely recommend it to other couples, as it did bring us closer together and we were both on the same page of what we knew about Judaism. This class is great for those who want to learn more about Judaism, but I found that my Fiancé, who grew up Jewish, also learned things that he either forgot or never knew at all.
Rabbi Weinberg’s class is great for everyone, even if you have a busy schedule because the classes can be taken in any other. I took the classes in order beginning to end and found it more beneficial than taking it out of order. Rabbi Weinberg does teach it in a certain order which helps.
Rabbi Weinberg prepared me very well for my conversion and there is an amazing support/​family with Judaism by Choice.

Because of you Unilocalers’ I found: Judaism by Choice, which is a fantastic program led by wonderful Rabbi Weinberg. It’s full of warm, loving and resourceful events, as well as, people. I am so incredibly grateful I stumbled upon this program and have enriched my spirit with it’s teachings. Wow… my only regret is I didn’t seek it out sooner. If you’re considering learning more about Judaism, this program is truly a ‘gem’. I’ve looked into similar programs but none ‘felt as good’ as this one.
And before you see me as an ‘only 5star reviewer’, I will say: Ummmm, no. I do prefer giving honest reviews and the more positive, the better. As you can see, I’m not shy about giving out warnings either. But clicking that Fifth star for reviews does put a smile on my face and ‘tooting the horn’ of the business’ which deserve them feels great to share with you Unilocalers’. :)

From the moment I met Rabbi Weinberg, in his Introduction to Judaism Class, I knew this was not going to be an ordinary program. I had already completed another Conversion course, and all requisite assignments for Conversion. However, someone suggested I speak with him about my questions and preparation. After a short meeting I decided I would rather repeat the entire class under his direction. I did so, and loved all of it. Rabbi Weinberg’s devotion to teaching his students and insistence that his students devote themselves to learning, is what makes his class so valuable and memorable.
As if this was not enough, Co-​Founders, Miri & Rabbi Weinberg of Judaism By Choice, have created a big social network (long before Facebook and Twitter), a big extended family with whom to continue to learn and celebrate Jewish Holidays such as Hanukah, Passover, or Shabbat and many more. This combination of education and social interaction and learning to love the celebrations and holidays is what makes the journey toward Conversion or reconnection to Judaism by those already Jewish, so special.
My daughter and I went through our Conversion almost a year ago and throughout this process Miri, Rabbi Weinberg and their son, Yonaton, were with us, supporting our journey. Since our Conversion, we have returned to Judaism By Choice for many celebrations. I just returned from an amazing Spiritual Retreat where we hiked, did yoga, meditation, listened to interesting speakers and shared Shabbat services, rituals and meals together. We ended our retreat, my 3^rd in three years, with a beautiful bon fire, songs and delicious S’Mores.
Wishing that all of you, interested in exploring the teachings, ethical principals, rituals, holidays, that Judaism and a Jewish way of life have to offer, find a home in your journey with Judaism By Choice.
Shalom
Natalie & Karen Gold
5774

I don’t know where to start on how lucky I was to find this program and how appreciative I am of the Judaism by Choice staff especially Rabbi Weinberg. My fiancé and I were looking for a program where she could convert to Judaism (I am Jewish and she was Catholic). We first found a program which did one-​on-​one classes and training to convert which held class twice a week for about $ 75 PER CLASS. On top of that, the program said that it would take 18 – 24 months of classes before being able to convert. Even with the prices as they were we tried it and the difficulty of the classes in the one-​on-​one environment would just send my fiancé home crying after ever class. It was awful and extremely depressing.
Then we found Judaism by Choice. Right away we noticed a HUGE difference in the cost for all the classes. We also noticed that you could finish the classes as quickly or as slowly as you’d like (we got it done in 4 month). The rabbi also encourages couples to come with their significant other (even though I am already Jewish) and I highly recommend to any couple thinking about joining to do it together. It’s a huge bonding experience and you will learn a lot. The classes were fun, entertaining and the time flew in each one. The groups of people attending are always friendly and everyone wants to always help each other. The program also has group events outside of the class sessions which make the experience even more fun and hands on.
My wife and I have taken all the classes, participated in the fun parties and just recently she went through her conversion in the Mikva. We are now ready for our wedding. We are so thankful we found this program and Rabbi Weinberg.
If you’re a couple and your serious about conversion OR if you’re just someone who wants to learn more about the Jewish faith (be it you’re Jewish already or not) then Judaism by Choice should be where you go and is hands down the best option.