JBC Becoming Jewish

Temple Israel recognises that there are many journeys to becoming Jewish. While some of us are born Jewish, some of us find our way to Judaism later in life. Every year we run a one-year course for those who are curious about Judaism and those who are becoming Jewish. This course begins every January and runs for 12 months and involves study of Hebrew and Judaism, and introduction to the Jewish festivals and Jewish practice. 

 

The students of the Jews-by-Choice appear before our beit din in the middle of January the following  year after having written an examination on the material they have studied during the year. This three-hour examination takes place in November. Applications for the JBC class must be in by the beginning of October of the previous year to be considered.

 

Anyone interested in joining our Jews by Choice Programme must contact Rabbi Malcolm Matitiani via email (rabbimalcolm@templeisrael.co.za) so that he can schedule an interview. Please include your cell number and your partner’s full name if applicable.

 

Some of the subjects covered are:
· Judaism in the Synagogue
· Judaism in the Home 
· Shabbat and Festivals

· Shabbat and Festival Home Rituals

· Life Cycle Events

· Jewish History

· The Jewish Concept of God

· Jewish Literature

· Progressive Kashrut

· The Structures of Temple Israel

· Social Action

· Israel Today 

· Structures of the Cape Town Jewish Community