Besides directing Route 613, Maury Kelman is the rabbi of Congregation Agudath Achim in Bradley Beach, NJ, and chairman of Kedma, a student organization. He is also a lawyer who advises investment funds.
Foundations of Conversion
This 8-part series will examine the fundamentals of giyur (conversion). We will first look at the historical foundations of conversion, tracing perceptions and laws of conversion from the Talmud to the great medieval commentators, and through modern times. We will discuss what an Orthodox giyur entails in modern times, while reviewing both the philosophical and Halakhic (legal) foundations of Judaism that ensure a successful conversion. We will also briefly discuss some of the sociological issues inherent within conversion, and hear from a convert about her experiences both before and after becoming Jewish. This course is designed for people contemplating conversion who would like a better understanding of the process and expectations, but is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the intricacies and experiences of giyur.
Disclaimer: This course is a wonderful opportunity for those considering and preparing for Jewish conversion to study Torah under Orthodox auspices with WebYehsiva.org and Route613. This is NOT online conversion, nor are we a Beit Din (rabbinical court) which conducts conversion. Students who complete the entire series can receive a letter attesting to their participation. Route 613 - Your Route to GeRut, provides a comprehensive conversion program for approximately 60 conversion candidates each year. The program is comprised of three weekly classes,
and a variety of extra-curricular activities, including Shabbatonim, chesed activities and trips to places of Jewish interest. We hold shabbatonim for the students two to three times per year to get them to experience Shabbat and community first-hand. By offering an intensive Orthodox conversion curriculum in a group study format, Route 613, directed by Rabbi Maury Kelman, allows students to learn at their own pace in a supportive environment. Approximately 25 candidates successfully complete their Orthodox conversion process annually. Over the past 13 years, approximately 300 students have converted under Rabbi Kelman’s direction, with many of them now raising families, strengthening the Jewish community throughout North America, Israel and beyond.
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