Interested in Becoming Jewish?
At Agudas Achim, we honor Judaism as a living tradition and believe that those who choose Judaism are as fully and authentically Jewish as those who are born into it. Conversion to Judaism is a meaningful voluntary choice—one made after a period of learning, reflection, and discernment, both in community and through ongoing conversation with the rabbi. Rabbi Hugenholtz is happy to meet with seekers, answer questions, and help explore what Jewish life might look like —at your own pace. She guides people on the path of learning and, as the rabbi, makes decisions regarding conversion, including admission to our tuition-free Introduction to Judaism course (see below) and the completion of the process.
Is Your Family Interfaith? Your Whole Family Is Welcome Here
Judaism affirms the dignity and validity of other religious paths, and values deep, respectful interfaith relationships. Within that expansive vision, we joyfully embrace interfaith families and are committed to creating a congregation where everyone feels respected, included, and at home.
Introduction to Judaism Course
This year-long, in-person course offers a thoughtful, welcoming entry into Jewish life, learning, and practice. A new cycle launches each year in early spring. Classes meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Agudas Achim Congregation and are taught by Rabbi Hugenholtz. The course is open to adults of all backgrounds and is designed for a wide range of learners: Jews seeking to deepen their knowledge, people who are “Jew-curious,” interfaith family members, and those exploring the possibility of conversion. There is no pressure or expectation to convert.
Agudas Achim is an affiliate of the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and the course follows the Miller curriculum. Core texts include ‘On One Foot’ and ‘The Alef-Bet of Blessings,’ which introduces Hebrew through the language of Jewish prayer and values. Over the course of approximately a year, students explore Jewish theology, ethics, history, holidays, ritual practice, and communal life, with the intention of allowing full integration into Jewish rhythms and the experience of an entire Jewish calendar year.
For students seeking conversion, completion of the course is required. An attendance rate of approximately 80% is expected, along with participation in Jewish communal life and a short reflective writing project at the end of the course. Completion of the class does not itself guarantee conversion. When the rabbi determines that a candidate is ready, the conversion process includes appearance before a Beit Din (a rabbinic court of three) and immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath).
The course is tuition-free, with modest costs for books and materials. Financial assistance and scholarships are available. Rabbi Hugenholtz is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful learning environment and congregational culture. Students are encouraged to share any access needs or ways they wish their identity to be honored (including names and pronouns). If economic hardship affects your ability to purchase materials or attend class, you are warmly invited to discuss this confidentially with the rabbi.
Visiting Our Synagogue: A Welcome to Interfaith Guests
We warmly welcome visitors of all backgrounds to Agudas Achim Congregation. Individuals—Jewish or not—are always invited to attend our Shabbat services and do not need to notify us in advance, though a brief heads-up is helpful so we can offer a warm welcome. For everyone’s safety, please expect a gentle security protocol upon entry.
We are also glad to receive visitors from churches and other houses of worship. If you hope to attend Shabbat services as a group, we ask that you contact the synagogue office or the rabbi in advance and limit group size to ten people (or arrange multiple visits). Shabbat worship is a sacred sanctuary in which Jews gather to be fully themselves, and its ritual flow and Hebrew may be challenging as a first-time group experience. For that reason, larger groups are encouraged to explore Judaism through weekday engagement instead. The rabbi is happy to arrange a class, lecture, or Q&A, offer a tour of the building, and explain the sanctuary and Torah scroll in an educational setting designed for questions and conversation.
We always welcome non-Jewish guests to observe respectfully and, where appropriate, participate. In addition, the rabbi and trained lay teachers are available—on an as-needs basis—to give talks or lead learning sessions at other houses of worship as part of our commitment to strengthening interfaith relationships in the wider community. The rabbi is especially available for Sunday morning engagements, outside of the synagogue’s Sunday School calendar.