Converting to Judaism for love isn’t new — it’s ancient.
People love to say “don’t convert for a partner,” but love has always been one of the holiest doors into Judaism. Relationships — romantic, familial, or friendship — are how most people have joined the Jewish people throughout history.
You’re not doing it wrong. You’re doing it human. 💙
Curious about conversion or already on the path? You don’t have to figure out Jewish life alone — get grounded support and practical tools in my newsletter and this blog. Sign up in the sidebar to the right!
Transcript below.
Transcript:
I started converting to Judaism because I was dating a nice Jewish boy.
Our relationship didn’t last, but I’m still here 22 years later, so maybe we should stop pretending that that’s a bad reason to start exploring Judaism. Historically, that’s exactly how most people joined the Jewish people.
So you fell for a Jew, or you have Jewish friends, and now you’re curious about Judaism? Mazel tov! Now you’re part of an ancient tradition!
Because that’s exactly how tribal societies worked in pre-modern times, and Judaism is still fundamentally a tribe.
People didn’t convert because of philosophy or study groups. They joined through relationships, through kinship, loyalty, and yes through love, romantic or otherwise. That’s how you become part of a people.
The famous convert Ruth didn’t convert because of a theology class. She converted because she loved her mother-in-law, Naomi, after her husband died.
So why do we act like love isn’t a valid doorway into Judaism? Some of y’all say “don’t convert for a partner” like love isn’t one of the holiest forces in the world. Ruth said, “where you go, I go” and we’ve been saying that ever since.
Do you think it’s an accident you met this person? Maybe, just maybe Hashem brought you both right where you need to be.
