Conversion Mentoring Workshop

Congratulations on accepting the invitation of your rabbi or synagogue professional to become a mentor and help a new Jew by choice negotiate the newness of the first year of being Jewish! The Conversion Mentoring Program was made possible through the generous support of the Gallant Family Fund / The Herbert H. Schiff Foundation. The Conversion Mentor Workshop takes place Sunday, November 8th, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm PDT.

Through a zoom training session, mentors will be provided an opportunity to orient themselves with the mentoring program and its expectations, to meet fellow mentors, and to learn first-hand from SCCBD Senior Consultant Arlene Chernow about building a supportive, sustained relationship with your mentee throughout the year. During the workshop, The Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din will provide and discuss supportive materials and reinforce the sponsoring rabbi's role in the program. 

Arlene Chernow’s career creating innovative, valuable programming is inspired by a deep commitment to help Congregations value, welcome and support their congregants. She was eager to work with the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din (SCCBD) to apply her 32 years of outreach experience in the Union for Reform Judaism to a pluralistic organization. Under different program names, Arlene worked in the Pacific Southwest and Northwest URJ regions to welcome and integrate Jews-by-choice, individuals exploring Judaism, and interfaith families into congregations. 

Arlene has authored numerous articles and publications, created strategic programming for congregations and their schools, and served as a speaker at URJ conventions throughout the country.  At SCCBD, Arlene Chernow has been helping reimagine what outreach means for a Bet Din. Asked about her work, Arlene says, “I believe that the Jewish community (from the time of the Torah) has been enriched by the individuals who have joined over the centuries.” Arlene co-led the creation of our Shavuot Resource Guide, contributing one of the nine text study lessons for teaching about conversion for rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators. The Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din is grateful for the leadership, innovation and gentle, welcoming spirit that Arlene Chernow brings to all aspects of her work with the Bet Din.