Converting to Judaism

Today, most of us are finding our way within Judaism. Some want to reconnect, while others decide whether to choose Judaism as their spiritual home. 

The Astoria Center of Israel is proud to launch Pathways to Judaism, an opportunity for individuals to learn about Judaism from the ground up. The class is designed for individuals seeking an introduction to Judaism or those considering conversion to Judaism. ACI’s program is an affiliate of the Miller Introduction to Judaism program at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California.

This program is perfect for participants across Western Queens, including Astoria, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Bushwick, and Ridgewood.

Thanks to a generous grant from the National Center to Encourage Judaism, ACI will offer two courses in 2025. One course will be held on Mondays from September 2025 to January 2026, and the other will be held on Thursdays from February 2026 to June 2026. Class for both cohorts will be held via Zoom in the evening from 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET.

Additionally, participants will join the larger ACI Community at our monthly Open Door Shabbat, our learning service where we take a deeper dive into the tefillah (prayer) experience. Open Door Shabbat begins with a meditation service from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. ET and continues from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.

Classes will be taught by ACI’s rabbi, Rabbi Joshua Rabin, and can be taken as an individual or as a couple. The class will cost $180 per person.

Once you register, please purchase the textbook, Essential Judaism by George Robinson.