FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about our programming

Do I have to be a Humanistic Jew to participate in Shalom V'Tzedek programming?:

No, we are open to participants from a variety of Jewish traditions, as well as folks who are not Jewish.
Why do your book discussion groups include non-Jewish books?:

We explore a broad range of books for a few reasons.
1. The books may touch on issues of interest and concern to Jewish people.
2. The books may have deep wisdom and teachings that we believe fall under the broader category of "Torah."
3. These are books that Jews are reading and discussing.

Questions about Jewish Conversion/Adoption

Does your Jewish conversion program restrict students from certain countries?

No, we do not. Article 18 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights provides that: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

That said, we also recognize the safety issues that converts to Judaism may have in some parts of the world and the Jewish principle of placing the presevation of life as our higest value, so we do encourage students facing such safety issues to exercise appropriate precautions to stay safe.

It is out of concern for safety that we also are glad to use only a student's chosen Hebrew name on certificates of conversion, when requested.

Please also note that we do not ask for donations from students in countries under US sanctions (such as Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria) or from any place where making such a donation would place a student in jeapardy. We instead ask that you simply give to someone in need in your community in lieu of giving to us.
How much does your Jewish conversion program cost?:

We do not charge a fee for conversion but do ask students who are able to, to make a donation to support our work.

General Questions

Is this a Zionist organization? Is it an Anti-Zionist organization?:

Shalom V'Tzedek is rooted in a diasporist/non-zionist philosophy, but we welcome students from a variety of philosophical persuasions including liberal Zionism, Anti-zionism, and other idealogies. We do ask that students engage with each other from a perspective of mutual respect.
Is this a peace organziation?

Yes. We reject war and all forms of state-violence.
Where does this organization stand on LGBT+ rights?:

We unapologetically are an open and affirming community of learners. We fully support the full LGBT+ spectrum.
What is your position on Mult-religious practice (MRP)?:

As Humanistic Jews, we believe that we often have overlapping cultural, religious, and ethnic identiies. We affirm the right of Jews to engage in MRP. We also do not require converts to renounce their prior religious tradition.
What about so-called "Messianic Jews"? Surely you don't accept them, do you?:

Becase we support the right of MRP (see question #5 above), we do not bar Messianic Jews from our programming, however, we do ask that students not engage in religious proselytization during our programs.
What kind of liturgy do you use?:

We do not do plan to do Shabbat services (there are many other communities who do these service, but we recommend especially the services from Spinoza Havurah), but we may in the future do special holiday services, which will use non-theistic/humanistic liturgy.

As for our study sessions, we will at times engage with many traditional texts, including the more traditional versions of the Siddur. When we do engage with theistic texts, our approach is to approach it through the lenses of history, literature, and imagination.

Did we miss your question?:

Shoot us an email at ShalomVtzedek(at)proton(dot)me.