Ever considered converting to Judaism? It’s probably a lot harder than you think, and it can take years. Here’s the process in a nutshell. Please donate to help modernize the blog and help bring it to YouTube: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8ZjyzElzyC
How to Convert to Judaism in a Nutshell Read Post »
![Screenshot of YouTube video "How to Greet People on Shabbat [American Accent]](https://i0.wp.com/buildingajewishlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screen-Shot-2023-11-20-at-7.40.44-AM.png?fit=663%2C443&ssl=1)
Not sure how to greet people on Shabbat? It’s awkward, right? Get some basic advice and pronunciation help here!
How to Greet People on Shabbat Read Post »
Ever wanted this blog in audio-visual format? You’ve got your wish! We’re now on YouTube! YouTube is the second largest search engine behind the main Google search engine itself. And shocking no one more than me, since 2010, there is still very little information about conversion online, much less realistic advice. There’s a lot of
First YouTube Video is Up! Read Post »
Please excuse the mess while I migrate the website to its own domain. Some parts migrated and redirected well, some…not so well. You’re Not Crazy has served over a million readers since 2010 and continues to serve thousands of readers every month! The blog has never charged for this information, and significant cost goes into
Please Donate to Help Modernize and Expand the Blog! Read Post »
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 »