What to Prepare for your First Meeting with A Rabbi (attend, service)

[Avi]

Having a date to convert in mind prior to going to synagogue and finding a
rabbi is usually a bad idea. Most rabbis will drag your conversion longer
than a date you have in mind as they want to make sure you are willing to
make the sacrifices required and can deal with some of the problems converts
do after beit din/mikvah.

A couple of things to do before you meet with the rabbi.

1. Write up a personal statement, there is a sample template for this in the
conversion folder in the files section (

http://tinyurl.com/bhyxp) of our
website - bring copies of this to your meeting for both you and the rabbi

2. Go through the suggested books in the Book database
(http://tinyurl.com/d8fwq) and mark off which you have read and which you
haven't then see if your local library carries the book - or if any of the
libraries that they inter-library loan programs have the book. Do NOT read
all the books its just good to have a list of what you have read and what
you are intending to read to take to your rabbi to confirm you are reading
the right materials (again bring 2 copies with you to your meeting)

3. Read our FAQs on meeting the rabbi/beit din in the FAQ database
(http://tinyurl.com/d8fwq)

4. Be prepared to be turned away gently or not so gently by the rabbi(s) so
be prepared for the emotional toll that finding a rabbi consists of

5. Ask the rabbi for suggestions on what families in the community might be
willing to have you over for shabbat meals

6. Ask the rabbi what you should be doing NOW and when you should come back
to check in with him

7. Ask the rabbi if it is ok for you to attend services, classes, social
events and if there is anything special you need to be aware of in any of
those situations

I got this from a post at a Yahoo Groups dedicated to those who wish to convert in an Orthodox fashion. If anyone is interested in joining, please don't hesitate to PM me and I will provide you with a link (reason I don't post the link is because they are very inclusive)