When I was initially considering converting to Judaism, I immediately went to the Yelp reviews before making a decision to commence study. To echo the sentiments of other students, I must say that there is no better teacher than Rabbi Weinberg. When people ask me to describe Rabbi Weinberg's style of teaching, the best analogy I can provide is that he teaches as if it were his first day on the job. While he has been teaching for many years, he brings a level of enthusiasm and excitement to his classes as if he were just starting out - a spark many teachers of any subject matter can often lose over time. You can feel the warmth, love, and passion he has for Judaism in every meeting. The only way one can study Judaism is to immerse yourself not only into the teachings, but into the community itself. Judaism By Choice offers events, parties, and dinners throughout the year in tandem with the classes. From monthly Friday evening Shabbat dinners, Saturday Havdalah parties, and Jewish holiday parties in between (epic Purim Party 2015), Rabbi Weinberg provides a first hand experience as to what it is like to live as a Jew. Within the JBC community, it is not uncommon to walk away with several friendships that provide additional support whether you choose to convert or not. To that effect, Rabbi Weinberg's wife Miri is a wonderful compliment to the Rabbi's teachings. Miri is an incredible light and spirit who is at the epicentre of each event to ensure all who attend feel at home and welcomed. In addition she offers Hebrew lessons in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. In practical terms, there are classes 6 days a week that follow different time tables, meaning you can jump in at any point. If you miss one topi/ class, you can easily make it up on another evening. You can go at your own pace with the conversion process and there is never any pressure from the Rabbi either way. The convenience factor is huge. I have taken the entire course two times spanning a little over two years first as part of couple and secondly on my own. From my personal experience, if you are in a relationship, the classes will bring you even closer to your partner. It's something special to share with someone else. On the flip side, taking the class on my own was also an incredible experience. I made 2 very close friendships and met several wonderful people in the process. I enjoyed each course with equal measure. Thank you, Rabbi and Miri, for introducing me to this wonderful gift of Judaism. Now a member of the Jewish tribe, I couldn't have asked for a more special experience and have nothing but the highest of regards for the Judaism By Choice program! -Asher Chaim B'Avraham read more

If you are looking for information or conversion into Judaism (non-Orthodox but information is included if you wish to seek orthodox conversion) this is your place. I have been through several online courses since I do not have a lot of Synagogues around me. The past three always left me lacking because there was literally no teaching. This program is the exact OPPOSITE and worth every bit of the low cost and your learning time. Instead of being sent home to read books and celebrate alone reading cookbooks (not very Jewish), the Rabbi leaves you with more of being included. You get a much better sense of Judaism, the sharing of that spirit, and a great sense of community. Rabbi Weinberg even helped to find me a sponsoring local Rabbi (with credentials) even on the opposite coast he lives in. I had no clue where to start. I even ended up with a home synagogue to now be apart of. Most importantly, you really get a chance in this program to ask questions and maneuver through the many special events celebrated in Jewish Life. In this education, you get a sense of community, reinforcement, the celebration of life itself, and a closeness you may really have missed in other circumstances. My personal conversion journey has been going on since 2017. I would have been much further along had I started here first. You get a real sense of the Hebrew language. You get a chance to get comfortable with Torah, the Siddur (which can get complicated), even the Talmud. All of these important aspects of Jewish life and living were either "glossed over" or not even addressed in other courses. Finally, for me, completing a conversion course where the Rabbi is not actively engaged with you is a real failure for the convert and in this program you get all of that direction from Rabbi Weinberg. One thing you can count on from this program is walking out of it informed and able to "begin" your amazing transformation and joining your new family/people. This is a fantastic program and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to convert, know about their heritage, or just learn more perhaps about the Jewish faith/people. Thank you Rabbi Weinberg for teaching and making this course possible for people who may not have ever had a chance otherwise. Shalom read more

I have been considering converting to Judaism since elementary school. I have researched conversion off and on for years. When I came across Judaism by Choice and read the reviews and read the website I finally became ready to take the first major step toward conversion and attended the first class in the fall series of 2014; when I met Rabbi Weinberg I felt completely at ease. Rabbi Weinberg is incredibly welcoming and seems to get all the different feelings a new student may have and knows how to give you instruction so you don't worry if at first you are lost. The classes are setup in such a way that you can go to different locations and in different orders to fit your schedule. This was excellent for a 9-5-er like me that has many late meetings. Rabbi Weinberg is very organized with the syllabusl. He ensures all students are following along correctly in the books and asks that you hold any questions until he pauses the lecture and asks if you have any questions. He says he does this because often he answers the question in the lecture and also to stay on track, ensure you wait because often he does answer the questions. I wrote questions down when they came up. There is some much history covered in the classes it's incredible. The supplemental reading is definitely helpful otherwise it can be a whirlwind of information. Rabbi Weinberg covers different branches too, to help you look into what branch suits you. The social outings were fun, I particularly like the Friday Night Live at Temple Sinai in Westwood. There are a few out of class requirements and it's great because you get to experience different temples. Rabbi Weinberg's wife Miri teaches Hebrew and she is also very welcoming. She made Hebrew seem easy (obviously it will take a lot of time and practice to be proficient) but I was scared just looking at the letters and within 30 minutes I was reading words. Amazing. I am going for my conversion on the 24th and cannot wait! Judaism by Choice reaffirmed by desire to convert to Judaism and I am fortunate to currently live in LA and go to such a great program. Thank you Rabbi Weinberg and Miri of course :) read more

If you ever wanted to learn about Judaism from a Jew, Judaism by Choice is the right choice. You will understand who a Jew is and by whose definition, why not to refer to Scripture as the "Old Testament", what Jews do on Saturdays, and what the big deal is about celebrating Sabbath and living kosher. Are you curious about learning how to read Hebrew? Rabbi Neal Weinberg's lovely wife Miri will give you an introduction at a café. JBC will take you on a journey that spans 3500+ years, most continents, the three Mosaic religions, and may involve your own family tree. You will learn about the incredibly rich Jewish history throughout the ages, including the horrors of antisemitism and the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel. Rabbi Weinberg takes great lengths to teach and explain Jewish thought and practice from different perspectives - Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox, rational and mystic. What sets this class apart from a college class is that you will not just learn about Judaism but experience it. Throughout the Jewish year, you get invited to take part in religious celebrations and dinners where you can meet your classmates, former graduates, the rabbi and his wife, and make friends. The classes are warm and welcoming, and never get boring - twice a week Rabbi Weinberg will demonstrate how to recite and sing prayers in Hebrew, and he will tap from a plethora of historic minutiae and personal stories. After each class segment, you are encouraged to ask questions. In fact, you will learn that being Jewish is all about asking questions rather than accepting dogma. My wife and I are more than halfway through the program. My only regret is that I didn't know about this class earlier in my life. read more

I highly recommend the Judaism by Choice program for anyone looking for a fully online conversion course - or simply hoping to connect with their Jewish roots - while maintaining a busy schedule. This program is well-structured (SUPER important for me), flexible, and incredibly thorough, covering all key aspects of Jewish beliefs, traditions, and history in a way that is both engaging and easy to follow. Each lesson builds on the last, creating a deep and meaningful learning experience. The assignments seamlessly complement the class material, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned. You'll explore the Tanakh (Jewish Bible), medieval and rabbinical Jewish civilization, the relationship between Judaism and Christianity, as well as all the Jewish holidays and life cycle events. Rabbi Weinberg is BIG on history, so if you're a history buff, this class is perfect for you! And let's not forget Prayerobics--an unexpected but fun bonus! With all the standing and sitting, you'll keep the blood flowing while immersing yourself in prayer. Plus, you can enhance your learning with optional Hebrew classes taught by Rabbi Weinberg's wife. Most importantly, Rabbi Weinberg is always available to help, offering invaluable guidance throughout the process. With his many years of experience, he is an incredible resource for anyone considering conversion. 100% Recommend. If you're looking for a comprehensive, flexible, and enriching introduction to Judaism, this program is an outstanding choice! Note: This course is designed to prepare you for the conversion process - including assistance with selecting a sponsor - but does not itself grant conversion. read more

Taking the 19-week Judaism by Choice class with Rabbi Neal Weinberg has been one of the most meaningful and surprisingly fun educational experiences of my year. I recently found out I'm Jewish, and this course became an anchor and friendly environment to explore my heritage and learn in a structured, joyful way. Rabbi Weinberg is truly a standout teacher. He's funny, engaging, welcoming, and brings every topic to life with humor, great anecdotes, and a lifetime of insight. I think it's honestly the most fun someone can have learning about Jewish history, culture, and tradition. One thing I especially appreciated is that this class is not only for people converting. There were also people, like me, discovering or reconnecting with their Jewish ancestry. We also had allies who wanted a deeper understanding of Jewish life and people curious about Jewish culture, spirituality, and community. Since I'm not LA-based, the only thing I would have loved is a bit more interaction with fellow students. Being remote made it harder to connect as much as I would have liked, but even so, the content and Rabbi Weinberg's teaching more than made up for it. Each session covers something rich and important like holidays, traditions, history, philosophy, and more, and always taught with humor. I consistently left class feeling inspired and more connected to Jewish life. If you're exploring your roots, considering conversion, or simply curious about Judaism, I recommend this class. It's welcoming, insightful, and truly a joy to take. read more

Judaism By Choice is an excellent option for those looking to learn about Judaism, develop a deeper connection to Judaism, or who are wanting to start the process of converting to Judaism. The class is taught in a syllabus-based, online format and the zoom classes make it accessible to people with busy schedules, or those who live in rural or more isolated communities, and for whom regularly visiting a synagogue twice a week would not be an option. The class covers important topics such as Jewish history, Jewish theology, Jewish concepts of life, death, sin, etc., and Jewish lifecycle events such as births, weddings, and burials. The class also teaches the order and practice of temple services, recitation of prayers and traditional songs, the myriad Jewish holidays and their associated practices, and how to make it through the Torah service without having gone to Hebrew school as a kid. Rabbi Neal Weinberg is extremely encouraging and open with his students, and he generously makes himself available via phone or email at all hours of the day. If you email him with a question at 9pm, except a call responding to your question at 9:05pm. ^__~ Rabbi Weinberg is also excellent at lining students up with sponsoring synagogues and sponsoring rabbis, and his vast network of fellow clergy and Jewish educators helps eliminate much of the overwhelm that many potential converts face in trying to find a rabbi to study with, as they work towards conversion. read more

I just completed the Judaism by Choice program as a requirement for my conservative Judaism conversion and I might say that I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of knowledge that I learned through the entire 18-class course. Rabbi Weinberg truly wants students to grasp an in-depth knowledge on Judaism culture, history and spirituality, as well as to be active in the Jewish community. Notes: *Classes can be taken whenever they are offered (Sunday-Thursday), so you do not have to stick to one schedule. *You will need to start visiting a synagogue as a part of your conversion requirement, so start early and find one that best suits you. *Learning to read Hebrew is also a requirement, so you can learn on your own or take advantage of Rabbi Weinberg's wife's tutor session. She can teach you in 90 minutes or less. *Classes are supposed to be 3 hours and 15 minutes long, but usually go over at least 10-20 minutes. Please plan your day accordingly. I am very happy that I chose Judaism by Choice as the program of study for my conversion. My Jewish partner was also pleased with taking the classes, as he not only now has a better understanding of the Jewish religion, but also of the cultural and historical aspects of being a Jew. If you're interested in converting or just learning about Judaism in general, I highly recommend this program! read more

Rabbi Neal Weinberg's Judaism by Choice program has been a tremendous blessing to me. Even before I joined the program, Rabbi Weinberg demonstrated great concern and responsibility by thoroughly explaining the complex regulations concerning conversion. Since I'm a Chinese citizen and would be spending a year in Israel, my conversion process is more complicated, particularly in terms of recognition by the state of Israel. Rabbi Weinberg's teachings encompass all movements of Judaism, as well as other religions, exploring the origins and development of their philosophies and teachings. I have benefited immensely from this dynamic, historical, and comparative method. As a former Christian whose initial exposure to Judaism was through Orthodox teachings, I realized that my perspective was somewhat fundamentalist, which came to me as a shock. Now, liberated from a literal interpretation of texts, I feel even more drawn to and fascinated by the spirit of the Torah. Rabbi Weinberg is erudite, passionate, understanding, and extremely patient. This course has been a transformative journey for me, with each class offering intellectual enlightenment and spiritual refreshment. read more

Rabbi Wienberg's course was a transformative journey for me. His profound knowledge of Judaism and his ability to present it in an engaging, inclusive manner made every class a delight. The course covered a wide range of topics from Jewish history to contemporary issues, and Rabbi Wienberg's teaching style was both accessible and thought-provoking. What stood out to me was his passion for the subject and his genuine interest in every student's learning experience. His approach was not just academic; it was deeply personal, fostering a warm and welcoming environment. This course guide me through my conversion process but not only, it's deepened my understanding of Judaism and also strengthened my connection to the Jewish community and teach me to be a better person. Rabbi Wienberg is always available for questions and guidance and his dedication to teaching and his compassion towards students of all backgrounds truly set this course apart. I highly recommend "Judaism by Choice" to anyone seeking a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Judaism. Rabbi Wienberg's expertise and warmth make this course a remarkable and fulfilling experience. read more

I attended synagogue regularly and knew that I wanted to convert to Judaism, but I also felt I was missing a comprehensive foundation for that conversion. I did a lot of research, took my time and kept coming back to Judaism by Choice. Then I spoke with Rabbi Weinberg over the phone and that's when I knew that this was the course I needed and wanted to take. I have enjoyed the classes immensely along with the study materials. I also find being on Zoom with other students--often from all over the world--is an added dimension of shared learning and experience with one another that I have treasured. Rabbi Weinberg has chosen a curriculum that covers every aspect of learning from the history of Judaism, to Shabbat, the Jewish holidays to learning about antisemitism, Israel and so much more. I highly recommend this course, whether you know nothing about Judaism or you feel there is still more for you to learn. As I write this review now, I have neared the completion of the course of study and then I will be converting. I am immensely grateful to Rabbi Weinberg that this course exists. read more

I completed Rabbi Weinberg's JBC classes over the summer for my recent conversion that took place this month. Rabbi Weinberg did an extraordinary job of not only explaining many of Judaism's rituals and customs, but provided the reasons for them in a complete and accurate manner. The twice weekly classes were both informative, compelling, interesting, all while being fun and entertaining. Not an easy task for a Judaism course! However, Rabbi Weinberg does a wonderful job teaching the different concepts of Judaism to his students. I enjoyed the Shabbat and Havdalah dinners I went to where he and his wife Mimi also attended. They provided a warm and welcoming environment for me to learn and participate in the classes and special events. There may be other introductory Judaism classes available in Los Angeles, but this would be the gold standard of them all! The JBC course provided me with the tools that made me completely ready when I met with the Beit Din this month prior to my conversion. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Thank you Rabbi Weinberg!!! read more

A Remarkable Journey with Rabbi Neal Weinberg and Judaism by Choice My experience with Judaism by Choice has been truly transformative, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Rabbi Neal Weinberg. Rabbi Weinberg's dedication, compassion, and deep expertise shine through in every session. His teaching is comprehensive, covering all aspects of Jewish history, rituals, holidays, Zionism, and Torah. What sets his program apart is his remarkable ability to make the content relatable, often weaving in personal anecdotes that bring the lessons to life. Rabbi Weinberg's meticulous attention to detail and his caring approach create an environment that is both welcoming and profoundly educational. His dedication to ensuring each participant feels connected and informed is inspiring, making the learning process not just educational but deeply personal. For anyone seeking a thoughtful, thorough, and meaningful journey into Judaism, I wholeheartedly recommend Rabbi Neal Weinberg and Judaism by Choice. It has been an incredible privilege to learn under his guidance. read more

I joined this class after a long journey of experimentation with various religions. I eventually heard about Judaism's intellectual tradition and culture of debate, and the more I learned, the more I was hooked. I decided to try a class and start the conversion process. I immediately liked this class when Rabbi Weinberg said he was a Reconstructionist. I'm not one myself, but I find that the more diversity of ideas one learns from, the better. Over the next few months, it was confirmed for me that I had made the right choice! This class is a wealth of knowledge and information, with fast paced courses and lots of reading, so come prepared to put in work. In addition, if you want to convert, he requires extracurriculars such as trips to Jewish cultural locations (museums, kosher shops, etc) and regular synagogue attendance. All this has helped me make inroads into the Jewish community that I otherwise wouldn't have. Beyond giving me an excellent education, Rabbi Weinberg has inspired and helped me to become Jewish. What better review could I give? read more

My husband and I decided for Rabbi Weinberg's Judaism By Choice and it was the best choice! We live in the SF Valley and it was hard to find something around, nothing really caught our attention. In only 18 classes Rabbi Weinberg covers everything you need to/want to know about Judaism! Besides the theoretical part there are also practical parts, where we could see and try on our own how certain rituals are done. The classes are few times a week at different times and different places, so it fits to everyone's schedule. We also made new friends through the Judaism By Choice social events where you get to meet lots of great people. Rabbi also recommends some good books for deeper study and collecting even more information, including a book that teaches you how to read Hebrew. I learned super fast! And if you don't want to do it yourself, there is always Rabbi's wife who teaches you in only hour and half! If you want to convert to Judaism or just want to learn more, this is definitely the best choice you can make! read more