Conversion to Judaism in Israel – Options and Recognition

If you’re part of an international couple in Israel, the topic of conversion to Judaism – and questions like how to convert to Judaism in Israel – has probably come up at some point, whether in conversations with your partner’s family, at a Shabbat dinner, or in your own thoughts as you build a life here. But for anyone who has ever considered this significant religious decision, practical and honest information about how the process works in Israel can be surprisingly hard to find.

We’ve put together this overview to help fill that gap. AIC doesn’t provide religious advice or legal support on conversion or Aliyah-related matters, and this guide won’t try to introduce you to Judaism. Rather, our aim is to lay out the main options and some important realities, so that those considering conversion can understand what’s involved.

The guide starts with some honest considerations, then walks through the main conversion paths, before covering recognition, Aliyah, and where to go for help.

Special thanks to Adv. Naomi Kassel of the Israel Religious Action Cetner (IRAC), for reviewing this article and contributing her professional comments and feedback.

Things to consider first

Judaism has a long tradition of celebrating those who choose to join the Jewish people for genuine reasons – whether that comes from a deep connection to Jewish values, traditions and religious life, or from a feeling of spiritual belonging. Many converts find the process itself to be deeply meaningful, and it often provides a sense of identity, a ready-made community, and a feeling of connection to Israeli society and culture.

That said, it is important to go in with clear expectations.

From a religious perspective, Judaism views conversion for non-spiritual motives (such as to gain immigration benefits or because of partner pressure) very negatively. Rabbis were traditionally expected to discourage potential converts, and even today, most will turn away those whose motivations are not spiritual and based on a genuine desire to join the Jewish people.

Beyond the religious perspective, conversion in Israel is not a practical alternative to the partner-visa process. All major conversion frameworks in Israel require at least an A5 visa, meaning you need to be advanced in the gradual process before conversion is even possible. Aliyah is discussed below, but the bottom line is this: conversion is not an easy or fast path to Israeli citizenship and is not a shortcut around the partner-visa process. If that’s the reason you are considering conversion, reconsider.

Some people may also feel pressure from their Israeli partner or their partner’s family to convert. While this can come from a genuine place, conversion is not something that should be done to keep the peace or meet someone else’s expectations. If family dynamics are a significant factor in your thinking, it may be worth speaking with a counsellor to work through what you actually want.

Very few converts will describe the process as “simple”, regardless of the stream of Judaism they choose. All paths require lifestyle changes, and candidates will be expected to leave behind any previous religious identity, which may affect relationships with family back home. But those who do choose Judaism with sincerity often find the journey to be genuinely worthwhile.

The Main Paths

There are several ways to convert to Judaism in Israel, but they differ significantly in terms of process, requirements, and state Rabbinate recognition.

Official state Orthodox conversion (under the Rabbinate)

This is the “official” state-recognised conversion path. It’s administered through state’s Conversion Authority, and the Beit Din (the religious court that assesses the conversion) operates under the authority of Israel’s Chief Rabbinate according to the standards of Orthodox Judaism. It is sometimes informally referred to as a “Rabbinate conversion”.

Orthodox Judaism holds that Jewish law (halacha) is divinely given and must be observed as it has been interpreted by rabbinic authorities over centuries. Within Orthodoxy there is a spectrum from “Modern Orthodox” to “Haredi” (ultra-Orthodox), but all share a commitment to halacha as traditionally understood.

What’s typically involved in an official state Orthodox conversion:

Ten to twelve months of classes, once or twice a week.
Conversion students commit to adopting a traditionally observant lifestyle. This includes shabbat, kashrut, family purity laws, as well as regular prayer and synagogue attendance. This is actively monitored throughout the process.
- For those who are not already religiously observant, this is a significant undertaking that can require major changes to daily life, household routines, and social commitments.
- The candidate’s Israeli partner is usually expected to attend the conversion classes and to also adopt a traditionally observant lifestyle (relationally, it is very difficult to sustain a household where one partner is living an Orthodox lifestyle and the other isn’t or feels reluctant).
- If the Israeli partner is not Jewish according to the Rabbinate’s standards, they will be required to convert as well.
- Candidates’ children may be required enrol in Israel’s religious school system and may also be required to convert if not already Jewish.
During the process, conversion students and their partners are required to spend shabbatot and Jewish holidays with an observant host family.
The process is completed by appearing before the Beit Din for a thorough examination of the candidate’s Jewish knowledge, immersion in a mikveh, and for men, circumcision or hatafat dam brit.

An Orthodox conversion is a commitment to living as a religiously observant Orthodox Jew. The Beit Din will want to see that you are genuinely living this way and intend to continue doing so. Choosing the Orthodox path because it’s the “recognised” one without a genuine desire to live an Orthodox Jewish life is likely to lead to frustration.

Although the Conversion Authority oversees the process and the Rabbinate runs the Beit Din, the classes themselves are taught by various approved organisations around the country, which can be on different places on the spectrum of “Orthodox Judaism”.

Classes are available in Hebrew, English, Russian, French, Spanish and other languages, but availability varies by location. Larger cities tend to have more options. The programme is government subsidised and is free. Official state conversion is generally not available to those in same-sex relationships.

Note: Many Israelis will be familiar with official conversions that take place during IDF service through the Nativ programme. This is a very supported and streamlined process within the military system that should not be taken as representative of what non-citizen civilians can expect.

Eligibility for those in the partner-visa process

By default, the official state conversion is only available to Israeli citizens and permanent residents. Those still in the gradual process will need to formally begin the process by applying to the Conversion Authority’s “exceptions committee”:

The exceptions committee automatically rejects applications from those on B1 visas and from those who have held an A5 visa for less than one year. Applications from those on student and tourist visas are theoretically open to consideration. In all cases, approval is not guaranteed.
The process usually takes at least half a year and involves a formal interview, a motivation essay, and letters of recommendation. A set of strong recommendation letters is important, particularly from observant community members and rabbis who can speak to the candidate’s genuine interest and involvement in Jewish life.
This underscores the importance of building a relationship with a rabbi and getting involved in an Orthodox synagogue well before applying, as well as making a connection with one of the approved study programmes. This can be started regardless of visa status.

Despite being organs of the state, the Conversion Authority and the Rabbinate are not always transparent organisations. Their processes may not be consistent and individual experiences can vary.

Non-Orthodox Conversions: Masorti and Reform

The Masorti and Reform movements operate as independent Jewish communities in Israel, but they do not hold official status under the state Rabbinate system. Their approaches to Jewish life and conversion differ from Orthodoxy in several ways.

Reform Judaism emphasises personal autonomy and ethical principles over strict observance of halacha: individuals are encouraged to find their own meaningful connection to Jewish practice. Reform Judaism was the first movement to ordain women and has been at the forefront of inclusion and social justice causes, including for LGBT+ rights.

Masorti Judaism (also known as Conservative Judaism) occupies a middle ground between Orthodox and Reform. It views halacha as binding but believes it can evolve in response to modern circumstances. Masorti Judaism is egalitarian: women can be rabbis and participate fully in religious life, and the movement is generally welcoming to LGBT+ people.

While their philosophies can differ, their practical conversion processes are similar, so we cover them together.

What’s typically involved in Reform and Masorti conversions:

Around a year of formal conversion classes, usually once or twice a week.
Conversion students are expected to become involved with a local synagogue (regularly attending prayer services, events, etc.), to observe Jewish holidays, and to begin adopting a Jewish lifestyle.
- The style of observance expected from conversion candidates may vary widely depending on both the standards of the movement and the particular community in which the conversion classes are taking place.
- The candidate’s Israeli partner is usually encouraged to participate in synagogue life and classes, but this may not be mandatory. (That said, it is recommended that partners to have an understanding about the role that Judaism, observance, and community will play in their relationship).
- If the Israeli partner is not Jewish according to the relevant movement’s standards, they may be required to convert. The Reform movement sometimes offers a shortened process to those who have a Jewish father or grandfather if they attended school in Israel or served in the IDF.
The process concludes with an interview before the organisation’s beit din, immersion in a mikveh, and for men, circumcision or hatafat dam brit.

Both communities in Israel are much smaller than the Orthodox mainstream, so programme availability varies by location. Even where available, it may be necessary to wait some time for a new cohort to begin. Classes are often offered in English. Fees may apply.

The Reform and Masorti movements in Israel generally require conversion candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents to hold an A5 visa, at least by the time they complete their studies. Unlike the Rabbinate conversion, however, there is no additional waiting period or exceptions committee. Those on B1 or other visas will generally not be converted.

Internationally, Masorti and Reform are major movements, encompassing the majority of Jews in the United States and South America. In Israel, however, they are minorities and there is not widespread public understanding of non-Orthodox Judaism. As a result, some Israelis (including some who are not personally observant) may not fully accept Masorti or Reform converts as “truly Jewish”.

Consistent with this, neither Masorti nor Reform conversions are recognised by the state Rabbinate. This can have practical implications, as discussed below.

Private Conversions

There are also private Orthodox Batei Din in Israel that operate outside the official Rabbinate-controlled system. One well-regarded programme is “Giyur K’Halacha”, which is run by an organisation called ITIM and is Modern Orthodox in orientation. Haredi options also exist.

These programmes may be preferred by those who want an Orthodox conversion but find the official Conversion Authority process difficult or inaccessible (for example, non-citizens who cannot get an exception). The visa requirements will depend on the organisation.

Like Reform and Masorti conversions, private conversions will normally not be recognised by the Rabbinate.

A word of caution: many scams exist in the world of private conversions. Be wary of rabbis and organisations that charge large fees for conversions or promise a “quick”, “easy” or “online” process. Many target vulnerable people, especially those in difficult visa situations, offering “conversions” that will not be recognised by anyone in Israel for any purpose – religious, immigration or otherwise.

Legitimate private conversion programmes involve many months of sustained study combined with genuine, in-person community involvement. Any rabbi or organisation that offers to skip or significantly shorten these steps, or who request significant sums of money, should be treated with real suspicion.

What Does “Rabbinate Recognition” Actually Mean?

This is important to understand. Although only the state Orthodox conversion track is accepted by the Rabbinate, there is a distinction between being accepted by the Rabbinate and being recognised by the state for other purposes.

When a conversion is recognised by the Rabbinate, it directly affects a limited number of matters relating to legal status:

Marriage and divorce: Only Jews according to the Rabbinate can marry other Jews in Israel. (Those not recognised by the Rabbinate can marry outside Israel and register the marriage afterwards). Divorces between Jews recognised by the Rabbinate must also be conducted through the Rabbinate’s courts, even if the marriage itself was not performed by the Rabbinate or took place abroad.

Children’s status: If the convert is a woman, any children she later has will be considered as Jewish by the Rabbinate, which is relevant for their marriage and divorce in Israel.

For religious purposes, a Rabbinate-recognised conversion is likely to be readily accepted by most mainstream Orthodox (as well as non-Orthodox) communities both in Israel and abroad, although it does not guarantee recognition everywhere.

Despite not being recognised by the Rabbinate, non-official conversions can be recognised by the State of Israel for other civil purposes. Non-official converts can be registered as “Jewish” in PIBA’s internal database through a court process, which is often straightforward. For many, this official recognition of their Jewish identity is meaningful in its own right. It can also enable access to Jewish burial in Israel through the Chevra Kadisha, which operates according to PIBA’s records.

A convert’s ability to make Aliyah, however, is separate to both Rabbinate recognition and registration by PIBA for general civil purposes.

Conversion and Aliyah

For those who convert through the official Conversion Authority, there is a clear path to obtaining citizenship through Aliyah if desired.

It is worth noting, however, that on rare occasions the Rabbinate has opened investigations into converts who subsequently stopped observing Orthodox Judaism, and has sought to have conversions revoked on the grounds that they were not sincere. This can have implications for citizenship, although separate legal processes are required to revoke Aliyah.

For non-official conversions in Israel (including private Orthodox, Masorti, and Reform), the situation is complicated. A series of Supreme Court decisions, most recently in 2021 for Masorti and Reform, have established that such conversions can, in principle, grant the right to make Aliyah under the Law of Return.

In practice, however, Aliyah for non-official conversions conducted in Israel is difficult, involving delay and bureaucratic battles. PIBA applies very strict criteria. Cases involving online classes, quick conversions, or limited ongoing involvement in an established synagogue are at high risk of outright refusal. Even in cases that seem to clearly meet the criteria, the process can be lengthy and complex, and court action is sometimes required to force PIBA’s hand.

The government is reluctant to allow Aliyah for non-official converts and is actively seeking to limit the effect of the Supreme Court’s decisions. It is therefore important to keep in mind that Aliyah based on a non-official conversion remains a legally unstable area

AIC does not provide assistance in relation to Aliyah, including following conversion. If this is relevant to your situation, you should consult with an immigration lawyer or a relevant organization (see below).

Important: Most converts (official and non-official) who make Aliyah after being in the partner-visa process will not be eligible for the bundle of benefits usually available to new olim (such as tax discounts and the “sal klita” absorption basket). This is because amount of time spent living in Israel during the partner visa, conversion and Aliyah processes typically makes one ineligible for these benefits.

Where to Get Help

For those who are considering conversion, there’s no need to wait for an A5 visa to begin learning more about Judaism. Attending synagogue services, joining community events, and connecting with a rabbi is possible at any time. This exploration can be a good (if not crucial) way to get a sense of whether conversion is something you genuinely want to pursue, and many rabbis like to see that a candidate has “tested the waters” and understands what they are getting into before they begin a formal process.

AIC’s Facebook Community is also a good place to seek advice and hear others’ stories and recommendations, especially about synagogues and programmes that have experience with international couples.

We at AIC are not conversion or Aliyah experts. Individual circumstances can differ significantly, so details should always be confirmed directly with the relevant body. Those genuinely interested in conversion for religious or personal reasons can reach out to the relevant organisations directly, or contact or visit a local synagogue and arrange to speak with a rabbi.

For official Conversion Authority conversion:

Conversion Authority (gov.il) – their website has general information about the official process.
ITIM (itim.org.il) – a non-profit that helps people navigate religious bureaucracy in Israel, including conversion. The website includes a list of organisations that run officially recognised conversion classes.
- ITIM also runs the private Modern Orthodox conversion programme “Giyur K’Halacha” (giyur.org.il).
Nativ (nativhagiur.org.il) – the largest provider of state-recognised conversion courses in Israel. It is most famous for its conversion programme for those serving in the IDF, but it also operates a well-organised civilian track in various locations across the country.

For Masorti conversion:

Contact the Masorti Movement in Israel (masorti.org.il) to find out about Masorti synagogues and programmes in your area.

For Reform conversion:

Contact the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (reform.org.il) to find out about Reform synagogues and programmes in your area.
Beit Daniel in Tel Aviv offers a large and well-organised Reform conversion programme in Hebrew, English and Russian (www.beit-daniel.org.il)

This article provides general information only and should not be taken as legal or religious advice. Conversion is a significant personal and religious decision, and the processes described here may change. Always consult directly with a rabbi or with the relevant organisations for up-to-date information.

Conversion to Judaism in Israel: A Practical Overview for Mixed Couples