If you’ve ever typed “How do I convert to Judaism?” into Google at 2 AM, you already know how vague the answers can feel.
You’ll find opinions. You’ll find arguments. You’ll find people telling you to just “follow your heart.” What you won’t always find are clear, grounded, real-world steps.
Conversion isn’t vibes. It isn’t aesthetic. And it isn’t emailing a random rabbi in a panic and hoping for the best.
It’s a process. A relational one. And it starts long before you ever sit down for a formal meeting.
If you’re serious about exploring Judaism, here’s what actually comes first – and skipping these early steps is what causes so much confusion later.
If you want clear, practical guidance like this – without the fluff or panic – join my mailing list. I share grounded next steps, honest explanations, and steady support for building a Jewish life with your eyes wide open.
Transcript below.
Transcript:
How do you actually start converting to Judaism? Not vibes, not Googling… real actual steps.
Step one: learn what Judaism is.
Before you email a rabbi, spend some time with lived Judaism. That means with other Jews. Shabbat, holidays, community, learning, and if you don’t live near a Jewish community, connect with people online and through books.
Read some books. Talk to people.
It’s not to perform or to prove your sincerity, just to understand what you’re being asked to choose.
You can’t make a real decision if you don’t know how Judaism is actually lived by real people today.
Two, get clarity on movements and expectations. Judaism isn’t one system. Different movements, what we call denominations, have different standards for Judaism.
And in the conversion process, they have different standards, timelines, and requirements.
Before starting “the process,” you need to know what process you’re actually entering and what counts long term.
Getting clear on this step alone will save you years of heartbreak.
Step three: then, and only then reach out to a rabbi.
I don’t mean going to synagogue. Definitely try going to a synagogue from the very beginning. I’m talking about scheduling a one-on-one meeting.
And I want you to schedule it with intention, not desperation.
You’re not auditioning, you’re opening a relationship.
Your job there isn’t to sound certain. Doubts and curiosity are okay.
Your job here is to be honest about why you’re here and what you’re seeking. And sometimes the answer is, “I’m not sure yet, but I wanna know more.”
A good conversion process starts with clarity, not pressure.
Conversion isn’t about rushing. It is a process that will take time, at least a year or more.
So it’s about choosing with your eyes open and building relationships.
Good luck to you, and if you like this, follow for more.
