Israeli Conversion System in Israel

פרנקל אמסלם ושות'
Feb 12
4 min read

The israeli Conversion System, established in 2000 under the Prime Minister's Office, represents the most official and recognized framework for the conversion process in Israel. However, it's important to note that it is not the only body authorized to perform conversions in Israel. While there are advantages to converting through this system (Rabbinic conversion), there are also several limitations. As a law firm specializing in conversion and immigration law, we at Frankel Emsalem Law Office recognize the importance of understanding this system thoroughly, and this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview.

Historical Development

The State Conversion System evolved in response to the changing needs of the state. Beginning during the British Mandate in 1927, through the establishment of mobile religious courts in 1977 by Rabbi Shlomo Goren, and culminating in the establishment of the Conversion Administration in 1995 under Rabbi Israel Rosen. The most significant development came with the establishment of the current system, which combines halakhic standards with maximum accessibility for converts.

Conversion Tracks of the System

Classical Track ('NATIV')- Chief Rabbinate Conversion

The classical conversion track of the Chief Rabbinate is designed for citizens and permanent residents interested in conversion. The process consists of several structured stages:

Preparatory Studies - Including fundamentals of Judaism, halakha (Jewish law), tradition, and customs, comprising 300-550 study hours
Adoptive Family Accompaniment - Experience of Shabbat and holidays within a Jewish family framework
Community Participation - Engagement in prayers and community activities
Appearance Before the Beit Din (Rabbinical Court) - Knowledge examination and assessment of the candidate's sincerity
Conversion Ceremonies - Brit Milah (circumcision) for men and immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) for all
Receipt of Conversion Certificate - Granting official recognition from the Rabbinate and the State

Studies take place at recognized and supervised institutes throughout the country. While the total process typically ranges from 9-18 months, depending on the candidate's background and level of involvement, we have encountered cases that extended for many years.

Military Track (NATIV IDF) - The IDF Conversion Program

Nativ, the National Center for Identity and Conversion, is the educational arm of the State Conversion System focusing on IDF soldiers. Established in 1999 following the recommendations of the Ne'eman Committee, the program offers a unique track adapted to the military framework and consists of three stages:

Nativ Course - Basic course on Jewish and Israeli identity
Conversion Seminar A - For those interested in beginning the conversion process
Conversion Seminar B - Final stage for completing conversion within the military framework

The program excels in its approach tailored to young people in military service while maintaining the halakhic standards required by the Chief Rabbinate. This is a preferred track for soldiers interested in conversion, both due to its compatibility with military service and the close professional guidance throughout the process.

After completing the Nativ study track, candidates continuing to the final conversion process undergo it under the authority of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

Advantages of State Conversion through the Rabbinate

State conversion offers several important benefits:

Automatic registration in the Population Registry as Jewish
Registration in the Chief Rabbinate's genealogical registry
Full automatic recognition by all state institutions and the Rabbinate
Halakhic status accepted by all Orthodox streams
Unrestricted ability to register for marriage
Significantly subsidized costs
Wide national distribution of study institutes
Professional guidance throughout the process

Need advice about conversion? contact us for an initial consultation >>

Disadvantages of Rabbinate Conversion

The Rabbinate conversion process involves significant challenges:

Extended Duration - The process may take years, even in relatively "simple" cases like descendants of Jews
Stringent Requirements - Policy influenced by the Ultra-Orthodox stream sets particularly high halakhic standards
High Dropout Rate - Strict standards lead to many candidates dropping out even after investing considerable time and effort
Inflexibility - In emergency cases or urgent conversion needs (such as before birth or death), the system struggles to provide quick solutions
Lack of Alternatives - In the absence of tracks adapted for special cases, many candidates turn to private religious courts

It's important to note that despite these challenges, Rabbinate conversion is the only one that automatically receives recognition from both state institutions and the religious establishment in Israel.

Structure and Leadership

Over the years, the following rabbis have served as heads of the Conversion System:

Rabbi Haim Druckman (2004-2012)
Rabbi Yitzchak Peretz (2014-2018)
Rabbi Moshe Weller (2018-2021)
Rabbi Benayahu Brunner (2021-2022)

National Distribution and Accessibility

The system operates in four districts: North, Central, Jerusalem, and South, with an annual budget of approximately 120 million shekels as of 2023. In this year, approximately 1,700 conversion procedures were completed.

Important Note: Professional legal guidance can significantly increase the chances of success in the conversion process. To schedule a consultation with an attorney specializing in this field, call: 03-7716647 or leave your details.

The Conversion Process

The process includes several key stages:

Theoretical Studies within the Nativ Framework covering:
Bible, Faith, People of Israel (History), Conversion, Shabbat, Kashrut, Family Purity, Blessings and Prayers, Annual Cycle, Life Cycle, Interpersonal Relations. Maximum teaching hours for the curriculum - 550 hours. - It is recommended to complete at least 300 teaching hours for optimal preparation of students for the conversion process.
Practical experience in Jewish lifestyle
Appearance before the Beit Din
Circumcision and immersion ceremonies
Receipt of conversion certificate and official registration

Summary

The State Conversion System offers the most comprehensive and recognized path to conversion in Israel. However, the complexity of the process and its legal implications require professional guidance.

Frankel Emsalem Law Office specializes in guiding converts through the State Conversion System. To schedule a consultation with an attorney specializing in this field, call: 03-7716647 or fill out the form on the website.