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TESTIMONIALS
Student Stories
Real stories from some of the conversion candidates Rabbi Kaplan has worked with.
Studying with Rabbi Phil was one of the most formative parts of my conversion journey. His knowledge and care created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and growing in both my understanding and my commitment to Yiddishkeit.
He didn’t just teach me halacha and Jewish tradition—he helped me appreciate the values and the purpose behind each one, making my learning feel both practical and meaningful.
His guidance gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to continue my journey in Jewish learning which is something I’m deeply passionate about. I’m incredibly grateful for his mentorship and would deeply recommend him to anyone exploring conversion or seeking to deepen their Jewish learning.
Luke
New Orleans, Louisiana
Rabbi Kaplan guided me through my orthodox conversion in Sydney in 2021-22. His welcoming personality and measured way of teaching was wonderful.
Breaking down quite complex and difficult concepts into manageable pieces was vital for a successful and enjoyable conversion process.
I feel very lucky to have had Rabbi Kaplan involved in my conversion process.
Isabella
Sydney, Australia
I came to this course with a basic knowledge of Judaism, but I left feeling much more prepared and confident for Jewish life and my conversion journey.
Rabbi Kaplan created a welcoming and supportive environment where I always felt comfortable sharing comments, asking questions, and exploring difficult topics.
One of the things I valued most about this course was that the teachings were grounded directly in traditional Jewish sources, including the Torah, Talmud, and other important texts. This made the learning experience feel authentic and deeply connected to Jewish tradition.
The course was also incredibly comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics in great depth — from Shabbat and holidays to Jewish garments and many other aspects of Jewish practice and life.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a meaningful and thorough deep dive into Judaism.
Gulnaz (2025-2026 Cohort)
Toronto, Canada
Rabbi Phil Kaplan has opened doors and opportunities for me to become an Orthodox Jew that would not have been possible without him.
His passion and dedication to his students’ success through the Amech Ami program is ironclad and he is very supportive in helping be a guide and mentor for people going through the challenging Orthodox conversion process. He has a wonderful teaching style that gets students thinking extensively and energizes us to ask lots of questions.
For people seeking to convert that desire to live a religious life of halacha, but who have previously faced rejection, Rabbi Kaplan lifts his students up in a beautiful way which opens up doors for them and is a strong advocate for his students with the beis din.
He inspires me to be the best Jew I can be in this world and is the perfect rabbi for conversion candidates with his halachic rigor and warm, caring personality that brings out the Yiddishkeit in the souls of people longing to be part of the Jewish people.
Vanessa (2025-2026 Cohort)
Miami, Florida
Converting to Judaism was one of the most meaningful and life-changing journeys I have ever undertaken, and I feel incredibly grateful that Rabbi Phil Kaplan was there to guide and support me throughout the process.
From the beginning, he treated my journey with patience, compassion, and genuine care. He was always willing to answer my questions, offer guidance, and encourage me as I grew in my knowledge, faith, and commitment to Jewish life.
His support helped make a journey that could sometimes feel overwhelming into one that was deeply meaningful and fulfilling.
I will always be grateful for the important role Rabbi Kaplan played in helping me find my place within the Jewish people and begin my life as an Orthodox Jew. I wholeheartedly recommend him and his organization to anyone sincerely considering Orthodox conversion.
Jessica
New Orleans, Louisiana
I’m very grateful to Rabbi Phil Kaplan for guiding my family and me through my Orthodox Jewish conversion.
He was always patient, kind, honest, and took his time to explain every step of the whole process.
Rabbi Kaplan is very welcoming, he truly listens and cares about you, especially during difficult times. I will always appreciate his guidance and support. Thank you!
Eliana
New Orleans, Louisiana
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