Contacting a rabbi is one of the most anxiety-provoking steps in the Jewish conversion process – and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many people delay conversion for months or even years because they believe they need to be “ready,” prove themselves, or have their entire story figured out before reaching out. This post […]
How to Contact a Rabbi for Conversion (Without Ruining Your Chances) Read Post »
If you want this to be the year you convert to Judaism, you’re in the right place, and you are absolutely not alone. So many people reach the moment where they say, “Okay… I’m ready. But what do I actually do now?” I remember that feeling vividly. I’m Kochava, a Jewish convert who has been
If You Want This to Be the Year You Convert to Judaism… Read Post »
When I finished converting to Judaism, everyone congratulated me — but no one warned me how disorienting it can feel afterward. You’ve spent months (or years) preparing, learning, proving, waiting for that magical moment at the mikvah… and then suddenly, it’s done. You’re Jewish. But instead of feeling confident, you’re exhausted, unsure, and maybe a
What No One Tells You After You Convert to Judaism, Part 1 Read Post »
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
Converting to Judaism is already hard… don’t make it harder. I’ve spent over 15 years helping people navigate the Jewish conversion process—and I’ve made more than a few mistakes myself. Some of them were honest. Some were based in fear or confusion. And some… well, I didn’t know any better. But here’s the thing: there
What NOT to Do When Converting to Judaism Read Post »
The (Usually) Unspoken Message Many Conversion Candidates Hear Too many of us — whether through words or tone, directly or disguised as “good advice” — are told that conversion candidates aren’t worth a rabbi’s time. That we’re a waste of it. That our questions are a nuisance. That we should somehow earn our place. And
Jewish Conversion Candidates (and All Seekers) Are Not a Burden Read Post »
If you’re preparing for your first meeting with a rabbi about a Jewish conversion, you’re probably spiraling a little. I know I did. I was convinced I had to show up with all the right answers, a list of mitzvot I was already keeping, and zero mistakes. Spoiler: I was wrong. In this video, I’m
First Rabbi Meeting? What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Read Post »
Why would someone convert to Judaism twice? It’s a question I get a lot—and honestly, it’s a fair one. But it’s also very common. The first time I converted, I thought I had found my middle path. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t done. What followed was years of wrestling, recommitting, and rebuilding. My
7 Years, 3 Batei Din, 1 Jewish Soul Read Post »
The #1 Mistake That Delays Jewish Conversion If you’re thinking about converting to Judaism, there’s one common mistake I see over and over again—and it can delay your journey by months or even years. People wait.They wait to be sure.To know all the things.To feel “ready.” But the truth? You don’t have to be ready
The 1st Mistake Jewish Conversion Candidates Make Read Post »
Jewish Conversion Was Never Meant to Be a Solo Journey If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where you stand in the conversion process… I see you. You’ve been reading the books, whispering along with the blessings, watching YouTube videos at 2am—and still wondering: Am I doing this right? You’re not alone in that. In
Where to Find Real Support During Jewish Conversion Read Post »