Author name: Kochava Yocheved

Welcome! My name is Kochava, and I'm not crazy. Well, maybe I *am* crazy, but not for converting to Judaism. I'm a Southerner, writer, lawyer, teacher, parent, homeschooler, activist, nerd, and brand-new YouTuber. You name it, I'm curious about it.

Why Hashem Can’t Forgive You (Until You Do This) – How to Apologize Like a Jew

Every year as the High Holidays approach, we talk about reflection, forgiveness, and teshuva (repentance). But here’s the thing: most of us are apologizing wrong. We think a quick “sorry” is enough—but Judaism says, not even close. In this season leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jewish tradition gives us a clear path

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The Jewish Month That Prepares Your Soul for the High Holidays (Elul 101)

Ever feel like you’re too late, too messy, or too disconnected to start building your Jewish life? Elul is here to tell you otherwise. 💙 The Jewish month of Elul isn’t flashy — there are no fireworks, no confetti, no big celebrations. But it might just be the most important month in the Jewish calendar.

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Final Hours: The Membership That Transforms Your Jewish Journey

The High Holidays are coming fast. If you’ve ever found yourself doom-scrolling “Rabbi Google” at 2AM, panicking over what to wear or your lack of Hebrew, or feeling like everyone else has a secret map to Jewish life while you’re piecing scraps together — you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And it’s exactly why I

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Is Converting to Judaism More Expensive Than You Think? | Conversion on a Budget Part 3

When I started my Jewish journey, nobody told me that the biggest costs wouldn’t be the obvious ones. Sure, I expected to pay for books, classes, maybe some ritual items. But what blindsided me were the hidden costs—the unpaid time off for holidays, the career shifts, the synagogue memberships, even the emotional toll of burnout.

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How To Ask For Jewish Holidays Off At Work or School

Asking for time off for the Jewish holidays shouldn’t feel like climbing a mountain—but let’s be real, it often does. Whether it’s Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, or any other Jewish holiday, the thought of explaining your absence to a boss or professor can be stressful—especially if they’ve never heard of these holidays before. The good

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The Sneaky Costs of Converting to Judaism | Conversion on a Budget Part 2

When most people think about the cost of converting to Judaism, they picture the big-ticket items: classes, ritual items, maybe a fee for the beit din. But for many of us, the real sticker shock comes from somewhere else entirely — the constant trickle of small purchases that never seem to end. Books, kitchen tools,

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Why Is Converting to Judaism So Expensive? đź’¸ (And How to Save) | Conversion on a Budget Part 1

Converting on a Budget: Why Jewish Life Feels So Expensive I converted to Judaism as a broke student – and I wish someone had warned me how quickly the costs add up. Classes, books, synagogue dues, kosher food, modest clothing… it can feel like every step toward Jewish life comes with a receipt attached. That’s

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Finding Peace in Jewish Traditions During Busy School Days! | Jewish Back-to-School Part 3

Some Jewish moments are big and obvious — holidays, life cycle events, milestones you can see coming from a mile away. Others sneak up on you: the first time you light Shabbat candles on time, the first day back to class, the first time you feel truly at home in your Jewish community. This is

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What Happens When You’re the Only Jewish Kid at School? Dealing with Microaggressions and Antisemitism in the Classroom | Jewish Back-to-School Part 2

Back-to-school season is here—and if you or your kids are the only Jews in the building, it comes with a lot more than supply lists and schedules. ✡️ Get the free Back-to-School Jewish Life guide in my Resource Library when you join the mailing list in the sidebar to your right. 💙 It’s packed with

What Happens When You’re the Only Jewish Kid at School? Dealing with Microaggressions and Antisemitism in the Classroom | Jewish Back-to-School Part 2 Read Post »

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