Many people delay beginning Jewish life because they believe it starts with finding the right synagogue.
But for a lot of people, that search takes time – and waiting can quietly stall the journey altogether.
Jewish life doesn’t begin in a building. It begins in time, in daily choices, and in the small practices you build where you are. This piece explores how Jewish life can start before, during, or alongside finding an in-person community, and why you’re allowed to begin with what you have right now.
You don’t have to wait for a synagogue to start building Jewish life. My membership Bayit Builders supports you wherever you are. Doors open to new members January 11–15. Learn more or join the waitlist here.
Transcript below.
Transcript:
You don’t need a synagogue to start living Jewishly.
That doesn’t mean synagogues don’t matter. They do, but they’re not the end all be all.
And too many people delay their Jewish journey because they think ” I’ll start once I find the right shul.”
But for many people, that search takes time. Even moving. Because of location, family situation, finances, health.
Or just not knowing where you belong yet.
Jewish life doesn’t begin in a building. It begins in time and inside you and your soul, your Neshama.
It starts with Shabbat practices in your home.
It starts with studying in small, steady ways.
With daily choices that align your life with Judaism.
Community deepens Jewish life, but waiting for an in-person community before you get started often means you don’t begin at all.
And community isn’t just a synagogue. You can find community online too. You and I are finding community right here.
You’re allowed to start where you are with what you have.
My membership Bayit Builders is designed for people building Jewish life before, during, or alongside finding an in-person community.
You can learn more, or join the wait list at Building a Jewish Life.com/membership.
And the doors to Bayit Builders open January 11th through 15th, 2026.
