#conversion students

Mod here. This is a common question around jumblr that I’ve seen result in some misunderstandings. It might be helpful if folks explained the differences between converted Jews, conversion students, and prospective converts. It may also be helpful to explain some synonyms for these terms, as well as the origins/interpretations of the term gerim. If folks with experience around conversion want to talk about their own preferred terms, this ask is a great place to do so. I will try to add it to FAA so folks can see it and reference it in the future.

[Image text: The Power of Prayer. Once on the eve of the New Year, when they were in synagogue, Rabbi Nahum of Chernobyl was reciting the afternoon prayer with great fervor, but his grandson-in-law who stood near him felt a sinking spirit. Everyone seemed to be praying with great concentration, but it took all the strength he could muster just to be able to figure out a single word and to grasp its meaning. Afterward he approached Rabbi Nahum, concerned that his prayer was unacceptable, for he had been unable to make his way through the service. Rabbi Nahum said to him: “My son, how your prayer took Heaven by storm today! It lifted up all those prayers that could not come through the gates.” --A Hasidic Tale]

(From the Lev Shalem someone brought me to daven with since I’ve been sick. I just had to show all y’all this!)