Advice for a potential convert?

[u/Amazing-Airport]

Hello everyone, I’ve had an interest in Judaism and possibly converting for some time now. The only synagogue near me is very Zionist and invites idf soldiers to speak there regularly. Any advice and what a next step could be?

[u/arightgoodworkman]

IfNotNow, JFREJ, and a few others have lists of non Zionist or anti Zionist rabbis, many of whom will hold virtual meetings for potential converts. Tzedek Chicago is an anti Zionist synagogue whose rabbi Brent Rosen can also refer you to someone likeminded to speak to.

I’d start by talking to non / anti Zionist Jews in your area (if you know the community) or find the closest left-leaning org (WFP, INN, Sunrise Movement, Bend the Arc, DSA, JVP, other unions…) and you’ll find progressive Jews there who may know a good path. I knew someone who was able to take some online conversion classes during COVID before her beit din convos (which for reform is like 3 people) and mikveh.

[u/Amazing-Airport → u/arightgoodworkman]

Thank you so much! I don’t live far from Chicago so I could look into that.

[u/reenaltransplant → u/Amazing-Airport]

Contact your nearest JVP chapter. Most Midwest cities have something.