Post-Denominational Judaism
Conversion requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Not required
Mikveh: Not required but may be arranged, upon request (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.)
Bet Din: Not required but may be arranged, upon request (Rabbis, cantors, and/or lay Jews)
Conversion Location: Glens Falls, N.Y.
Students Accepted: Mitzvah, Chai, and Scholarship
Conversion requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Not required (No change)
Mikveh: Not required but may be arranged, upon request (No change)
Bet Din: Not required but may be arranged, upon request (Virtual bet din via video conferencing is acceptable.)
I am happy to work with
Families with children
LGBTQ+ candidates
Interfaith or dual-faith relationships
Personal statement
Shalom! I am a warm, compassionate, and inclusive rabbi who wants to give you the best possible Jewish conversion experience. This journey is about you and your neshamah (soul), and I want to do all I can to nurture this profound decision. You have found a safe and joyful place to explore the vast richness of Judaism!
I began my career as a professional actor/singer which led to my wife and beshert (destiny), Meghan. We have two, young children, Cameron and Lena. In addition to my service as a rabbi, I am a mental health professional. I am a nationally certified trainer in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-informed Care, and many other programs, and I have designed and delivered an array of wellness and mental health training and education to a vast assortment of audiences, including school administrators; primary school, high school, and college students; social services professionals; clergy members; and law enforcement officers, among many others.
I also love to combine my love of Jewish wisdom and t’filah (prayer) with my trained tenor singing voice. I truly believe there exists a song for everything in this life, and I am always exploring new music and niggunim (songs without words) to enhance spiritual experiences. Perhaps most importantly, I seek to help you deepen your personal connection with divinity, and I am open to guiding people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, etc. I would be honored to take this journey with you. Let us walk together and learn from one another as you join the amazing covenant of Am Yisrael (the Jewish People). You can learn more about me by visiting my website at rabbijoshuagray.com.
Education
Rabbinical Seminary International
Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination)
Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
More about Rabbi Josh