Do you or your family want to learn everyday modern Hebrew? Talkbox.mom is what I use in my own home/our homeschool. It’s just as good for adults as kids. I studied linguistics in college – I know a thing or two about second-language acquisition. (True story: my independent study was about teaching Esperanto to older […]
A Wonderful Resource for Everyday Modern Hebrew (and a Coupon!) Read Post »
So you’ve been reading books, scrolling social media, reading this blog…and you think you’re ready to go to a synagogue service for the first time. The mechanics and the level of “oh no what have I gotten myself into I am not ready for this” will be different between orthodox and non-orthodox services only because
What to Expect the 1st Time You Attend Synagogue Read Post »
It’s been just over 11 years since I completed the orthodox conversion process that created this blog. What’s changed? What’s it like “on the other side”? Last month, I saw my conversion anniversary on the calendar and made a note in my planner. …And then I completely forgot about it until a week after the
Reflections 11 Years Later Read Post »
If you haven’t discovered it already, 2 Jews equals 3 opinions! And it is entirely possible for all of those opinions to be correct. How is that possible?? I’m Jewish, so I could give you 18 answers to that question. The best answer I can give you is that Judaism is not only NOT a
What Is a Chumrah and What Is Halacha Read Post »
More is coming! I “discovered” Judaism at 19 years old, which is now half a lifetime ago. I began this blog 12 years ago, but it has been quiet for almost 4 years. I’m nearing my 10th wedding anniversary, have 2 children, and still live in the New York City area. What have I
Do you need a havdalah set to “do” havdalah properly? In short, nope. It’s absolutely not required to make a kosher havdalah. But is it nice? Did I spend years thinking my life would be better if I had one? Yes. But there was never enough money for it. I always needed books (or rent
Do I Need a Havdalah Set? Read Post »
Time is short, are you ready?? Don’t worry if you’re behind. Don’t worry if you haven’t even started. Full disclosure: we haven’t started and we never do until right before. Maybe it’s ADHD, maybe she’s born with it? Either way, here are some last-minute resources you might find useful! Chag kasher v’sameach! Have a happy
Some Last-Minute Pesach Resources Read Post »
This is probably the most common conversion question out there: How long is this going to take?? (I wish Blogger offered a “scary” font! Letters dripping with blood would convey the feeling much more accurately!) It’s obvious to think about this question when you first get interested in converting. But you rarely realize this question
How Long Does It Take to Convert? The Real Answer Is There’s No Answer Read Post »
I think I’ve always been surprised how commonly people (usually women) ask about halacha and going to the gym. But especially about headcoverings and the gym. Yet I don’t see men asking about their yarmulkes at the gym 🤷 In short, your mileage will vary considerably. Ask people in your community. If you’re in the conversion process or
Dressing “Frum” at the Gym Read Post »
I came across this question on social media again recently, and it has been a frequent concern over the years: “I converted in one Jewish movement and now want to convert orthodox. What will happen to my friendships and my relationship with my former rabbi(s)? Will they hate me? Am I betraying them?” First, I’ll
Friendships When a Liberal Convert Goes Orthodox Read Post »