Looking to wish people a happy new year? The internet is here to help.  There are a few ways to greet people over the coming week, but we’re going to start with “Shana tovah!” Here’s a great Israeli pronunciation. You’ll notice that the accented syllable is different from what many American Jews say: ShaNAH ToVAH.

No. Just no.  There is no prohibition against a person with tattoos using a mikvah, either male or female. I have never heard of anyone being turned away from a mikvah, other than single women (but that’s a different discussion – premarital sex, not tattoos). Getting a tattoo is prohibited, but there is no prohibition

Thanks to readers like you, last week’s Orthodox Women Talk panel was very successful! Question #2 is up now: Orthodox Women Talk  The Question: How does one prep or enjoy Shabbos with young children/while working full time/on long Shabbos afternoons? Be sure to go join the conversation!

I’m part of a new series that asks various orthodox women questions about their Jewish practice. The first post is up today, and you should check it out! Orthodox Women Talk The first question: Do you find it boring to sit through endless Shabbat services conducted in a language you may or may not know?

All the conversion candidates named Sarah, David, Samuel, Rebecca, and Alexander can rejoice!  If you already have a “Jewish name” and you like it, then you don’t have to change your name! Rachel becomes Rachel, and Rebecca becomes Rivka.  However, some rabbis may insist that you use a different name in order to separate yourself

Yes, yes you can. But remember, you’re gonna be naked. So choose wisely. But you may be wondering, “Guests?? Why would I want guests?!” There are three types of potential guests: Asking a same-sex friend to be your mikvah attendant (to make sure you’re prepared properly and answer any questions) Asking same-sex friends to go

I’m no fortune cookie, but I see a lot of celebrations in your future. That’s right. You now have all the birthdays. Let’s count them, shall we? Your physical date of birth according to the secular calendar Your physical date of birth according to the Hebrew calendar The English date of your conversion The Hebrew

Let me tell you an almost-secret: I was kicked out of a conversion beit din. And I’m not alone. Heck, I wasn’t even alone in my own kicking out: three of us were given the boot at the same time due to one bully’s accusations. But it wasn’t the end of the world for any

Entering the Jewish synagogue, one word in particular might seem familiar: Amen. In the Hebrew world of the shul, it can be really exciting to hear a word you already know! You might already know Shabbat, shalom, and a few other words, but Amen is downright familiar to the average American. But don’t go around