If you’re considering converting to Judaism, you’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting advice about how the process works. Some of it is helpful. A lot of it is myth.
In this video, we’re breaking down three common myths about converting to Judaism that scare people away before they even begin. Understanding what’s actually expected can make the process much less intimidating.
If you’re exploring Judaism or thinking about conversion, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Join my mailing list for practical guidance, honest conversations about the conversion process, and resources designed to help you build a Jewish life step by step.
Transcript below.
Transcript:
Today I’m busting three myths about converting to Judaism that scare people away before they even begin.
And the third one surprises almost everyone.
Myth number one: you have to be perfect before a rabbi will take you seriously. That’s not how this works. You don’t even have to be perfect to finish a conversion.
Judaism recognizes that people make mistakes and we have mechanisms for repairing mistakes.
But I mean, before I contact a rabbi, I’d at least read a book about Judaism.
At the beginning they’re really looking for just sincerity and honesty about where you are right now. And the emotional maturity to go through with a life-changing decision.
Myth number two: once you convert, all the doubt disappears.
Conversion, doesn’t magically remove insecurity or imposter syndrome. If you struggle with that, you’re probably gonna have that for the rest of your life. Hopefully you just get better at talking back to it.
Building a Jewish life is ongoing. It’ll last forever, long after your conversion is complete.
Myth number three: if it takes a long time, then you’re failing.
Conversion timelines vary wildly based on circumstances and community.
But pretty much no one will convert you in less than a year. And that’s not exactly the sort of thing that most English speakers are expecting in looking to convert to a new religion. They’re expecting it to be a lot speedier. But they want you to experience the full cycle of Jewish life through the year, at a minimum.
Two years is fairly common, especially once you get into orthodoxy.
Length alone doesn’t tell you if someone is doing well or badly. Sometimes life circumstances just get in the way.
If you’ve ever believed any of these myths, you’re not naive.
There’s a lot of confusion and misconceptions about this process. It’s often pretty opaque.
It’s usually a pretty complex system with a lot of moving parts.
I talk about this kind of nuance all the time. What’s myth, what’s Jewish law, what’s culture, and what’s actually required.
If you’re considering a Jewish conversion and want context instead of rumors, follow along for more.
