The "Unofficial List" of Accepted Conversion Rabbis for Aliyah: What You Need to Know
For converts to Judaism seeking to make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return), the process can be complex due to the Israeli government's strict criteria for accepting conversions. While there is no official public list of approved conversion rabbis, an “unofficial list” exists—a set of recognized conversion courts (Batei Din) and rabbis whose conversions are more likely to be accepted by the Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) and the Jewish Agency.
This guide will explain the role of the unofficial list, how conversions are evaluated, why some conversions are rejected, and what steps you can take to ensure your conversion is accepted for Aliyah.
1. What is the "Unofficial List" of Accepted Conversion Rabbis?
Israel does not publish an official list of approved rabbis for conversion acceptance under the Law of Return. However, in practice, certain conversion courts and rabbis are known to be accepted, while others are frequently challenged or rejected.
📌 The "Unofficial List" refers to:
Rabbis and Batei Din (Jewish courts) affiliated with recognized Jewish organizations.
Conversion authorities whose converts have successfully made Aliyah in the past.
Religious institutions known to follow standards that Israel's Ministry of Interior trusts.
This unofficial list is not publicly available, but it is well known among Jewish communal organizations, immigration lawyers, and Aliyah advisors.
Key Issue: Even if a rabbi is highly respected in their own community, this does not guarantee their conversions will be accepted for Aliyah.
2. Who Maintains or Uses This Unofficial List?
While no single body controls the list, the following organizations effectively determine which conversions are accepted:
A. The Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim)
Has the final authority on Aliyah applications.
Relies on past precedents and internal policies rather than an official public list.
Works closely with the Jewish Agency to verify conversion credentials.
B. The Jewish Agency for Israel
Screens and initially approves Aliyah applications.
Has its own standards for accepted conversions.
Checks whether a rabbi is affiliated with a recognized Jewish movement.
C. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel
Controls Orthodox conversions in Israel.
Influences the Ministry of Interior’s stance on Orthodox conversions abroad.
Does not recognize non-Orthodox conversions, but Israel's civil authorities do.
D. The Israeli Supreme Court
Has ruled in favor of some converts whose applications were denied.
In a landmark ruling, recognized non-Orthodox conversions performed in Israel for Aliyah.
3. Which Conversions Are Generally Accepted for Aliyah?
While no official list exists, conversions performed by rabbis affiliated with major Jewish movements have higher approval rates. These include:
A. Orthodox Conversions
✅ Generally accepted without issue, especially when performed by recognized Orthodox rabbinical courts.
✅ Key recognized organizations:
Rabbinical Council of America (RCA)
Beth Din of America
London Beth Din (UK)
Israeli Chief Rabbinate-affiliated courts worldwide
📌 Warning: Some independent Orthodox rabbis may not be accepted if they are not part of a recognized Beit Din.
B. Conservative (Masorti) Conversions
✅ Accepted if performed under recognized Conservative institutions.
✅ Key recognized organizations:
Rabbinical Assembly (RA)
Masorti Movement (Europe, Israel, and Latin America)
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)
📌 Important: Converts must demonstrate active Jewish community involvement.
C. Reform Conversions
✅ Accepted if performed under a recognized Reform institution.
✅ Key recognized organizations:
Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR)
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)
World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ)
📌 Challenge: If a rabbi is not well known in Reform leadership, their conversions may be questioned.
D. Other Movements & Independent Conversions
⚠ If a rabbi is not affiliated with the above movements, acceptance is not guaranteed.
📌 Conversions likely to face challenges:
Independent or unaffiliated Orthodox conversions
Non-mainstream Jewish movements
Online or "quick" conversions
🔴 If your conversion is questioned, you may have to provide additional proof or appeal.
4. Why Are Some Conversions Rejected?
Not all conversions are accepted for Aliyah. Common reasons for rejection include:
1️⃣ The Rabbi is Not Well-Known or Affiliated
If a rabbi is not part of a major Jewish movement, the Ministry of Interior may question their legitimacy.
2️⃣ The Conversion Process Was Too Short
Conversions completed in a few weeks (instead of months/years) are often flagged as suspicious.
3️⃣ Lack of Jewish Communal Involvement
Converts must actively participate in a Jewish community before and after conversion.
4️⃣ Online or Private Conversions
Conversions done online or privately without a recognized Beit Din are not accepted.
5️⃣ Influence of the Chief Rabbinate
The Israeli Chief Rabbinate does not recognize Reform or Conservative conversions, but Israel’s civil authorities do.
This complicates Aliyah applications for non-Orthodox converts.
5. What If Your Conversion is Questioned or Rejected?
If your conversion is challenged or rejected, you can:
A. Provide Additional Proof
📌 You may be asked to show:
Letters from your rabbi confirming your Jewish involvement.
Proof of synagogue membership and Jewish activities.
Statements from Jewish community leaders supporting your application.
B. Appeal the Decision
📌 You can appeal a rejection through:
The Jewish Agency.
The Israeli Ministry of Interior.
The Israeli Supreme Court (as a last resort).
C. Seek a New Conversion in Israel
📌 Some converts undergo a new Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform conversion in Israel to avoid issues.
📌 If you are living in Israel on a temporary visa, you may be able to convert under the Israeli system and apply for Aliyah later.
6. How to Ensure Your Conversion is Accepted for Aliyah
To avoid complications, follow these steps:
✅ Convert through a recognized Beit Din (Jewish court).
✅ Choose a rabbi affiliated with a major Jewish movement.
✅ Document active Jewish community participation.
✅ If in doubt, consult with an Aliyah advisor or immigration lawyer.
7. Conclusion: A Challenging but Doable Process
The “Unofficial List” of accepted conversion rabbis plays a critical role in determining whether a conversion is recognized for Aliyah. If your conversion is done through a recognized movement, your process will likely be smooth. Otherwise, you may face challenges and need to appeal or reconvert in Israel.
📌 Need Help? If you are unsure whether your conversion will be accepted, consult with Jewish community leaders, Aliyah experts, or immigration lawyers before applying. 🚀