Conversion Requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat: No
Mikvah: No (Natural bodies of water or Louisville, Kentucky if a student would find it meaningful)
Bet Din: Yes, (Jewish clergy and/or lay members)
Conversion Location: Louisville, KY (but willing to travel when possible)
Students Accepted: Scholarship, Chai, Mitzvah
Additional Languages: French, Spanish
Rav Nadia parle français et elle est heureuse de travailler avec des étudiants qui préféreraient avoir un mentor francophone.
Working with people who are discerning whether Judaism will become the language they will use to connect with The Sacred is a profound privilege. For me, this is especially meaningful because my mother converted to Judaism. I have a unique understanding of some of the issues and questions that individuals upon the conversion path may face. l feel truly blessed and humbled by the opportunity to journey with Jews by choice, and enlivened by their questions and perspectives.
I do not have specific rules, conditions or expectations that students must meet: rather together, we will create the uniquely meaningful path that will feel right for each student. The Eternal One is infinite and endless, and there are infinite variations to the ways each of us understand how to live out the Call that we receive.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, I spent time living in France, Cuba and Israel before moving to the United States in 1997. I studied at several Orthodox yeshivas, including Pardes in Jerusalem, prior to beginning my studies, as a Reform rabbi, at Hebrew Union College, because it was important to me to understand what I was reforming. I believe in making educated choices from the rich set of resources provided by Jewish tradition, in order to ensure that every ritual and prayer is meaningful.
While my years living and studying in an Orthodox community have definitely shaped me, I am a founding board member of the Society of Classical Reform Judaism, due to my unwavering commitment to advocacy for interfaith families and the creation of inclusive Jewish communities that are unconditionally welcoming of all spiritual seekers, regardless of their religious background, relationship status, identity or Hebrew speaking ability.
In addition to nearly a decade working in synagogues, teaching, counseling and participating in life cycle events, I also trained as an interfaith chaplain, and worked with the American Red Cross after 9/11, providing counseling and support at the family assistance center, Ground Zero and the morgue. This led me to get a second Masters in Social Work, and I have spent several years working as a psychotherapist, social worker, counselor and chaplain in multiple settings including hospice, palliative care.
I bring each of these perspectives and experiences into my work with my students, to give them as much support and resources as I can to help them make Judaism their spiritual home. I welcome all new students and look forward to learning from them, as well as sharing with them.
Rabbi Nadia Siritsky is currently unavailable.
