Halachic Standards

Our organization works hand in hand with respected Orthodox Rabbonim and Batei Dinim worldwide, and we are globally recognized as a trusted source of authentic Orthodox Jewish education.

We do not function as a Beit Din, nor do we replace the authority of local Orthodox Rabbonim. Our programs are here to provide structured Torah education and guidance for Jews, prospective converts, and sincere seekers engaging with Torah at various stages.



All of our programs are conducted in strict adherence to Orthodox Halacha and are structured to reflect the accepted standards across Orthodox communities both nationally and internationally.

Standards and Expectations

Our educational structure and model for conversion follows the standards and expectations of the Chief Rabbinate and the Interior Ministry of Israel. Students are required to complete both the educational components of the program and the practical process of living a fully Orthodox Jewish life.

Progress within our program is not determined solely by coursework — students must demonstrate full observance, sincere commitment, and a deep understanding of the sacred and lifelong nature of this decision.

For those pursuing conversion, the conversion process is structured in three levels. SJO provides foundational Jewish education as Level 1. CTJ comprises Levels 2 and 3, which build upon that foundation.

Community Integration and Local Rabbinic Oversight

All individuals pursuing conversion through our organization are required to be under the ongoing oversight of a local Orthodox Rabbi and actively integrated within an Orthodox community.

Community participation, synagogue attendance, and local Rabbinic oversight are fundamental and are continuously emphasized. However, not every Rabbi and community can provide the full range of education and guidance that is needed, especially for converts.

At the same time, Beit Din expectations are increasingly specific and standardized, while local instructional frameworks naturally vary. This can create gaps in preparation despite sincere guidance and effort, resulting in delays or requests for further study at the Beit Din stage.

This is where we come in.

The Two Tier Conversion Structure

Generally, Orthodox conversion outside of Israel operates within a two-tier structure, consisting of the Beit Din and the Local Rabbi.

While this model is well-established and works well in theory, it often places a significant educational and administrative burden on Local Rabbis, who are expected to teach, guide, and monitor a conversion candidate’s progress in addition to their existing communal responsibilities.

In practice, there is frequently a lack of clarity and uniformity between the educational expectations of the Beit Din and the instructional scope available at the local level. This can create gaps in preparation, not due to negligence, but due to the absence of a standardized curriculum and defined preparatory benchmarks.

As a result, candidates may experience delays or setbacks in the process despite sincere effort and consistent guidance from their Local Rabbi.

Our Unique Approach: Three Tier Conversion Structure

We provide streamlined, high quality Jewish education and a standardized curriculum that has been developed over many years under the guidance of Batei Dinim recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

• Students receive one on one mentorship directed by experienced mentors and highly accredited Orthodox Rabbis.
  
  
• We maintain student records including progress reports, assignments, class participation, evaluations and more.

Change In Local Rabbis Role

Since the necessary education and general mentorship for conversion is provided within our program, the responsibility of Local Rabbis for potential converts changes.

The Local Rabbi's primary role is simple yet powerful:

• Bridge the Gap – We provide the curriculum, classes, and rabbinical advisors that may not be available locally.



• Remain the Local Anchor – Students continue to stay rooted in their local synagogue and community, while we provide the wider education and oversight.

When working with our organization for candidates for conversion, the Local Rabbi’s main responsibility is to attest to the candidate’s regular attendance at synagogue services and serve as a witness to the candidate’s commitment to Jewish life.