Finding a meaningful gift for someone in the middle of converting to Judaism — or celebrating becoming Jewish — can feel unexpectedly tricky. (Or for this person at Hanukkah! Or maybe you’re making a wish list for yourself?) You want to honor the moment, mark their hard work, and choose something that actually fits their […]
I’ve pulled together something new that you’ve asked for for a long time — a single place where you can find all the tools, books, and practical items I recommend for building a meaningful Jewish life. The Jewish Life Resource Guide gathers everything I mention in my videos, guides, and Bayit Builders membership in one
Introducing the Jewish Life Resource Guide! Read Post »
No synagogue nearby this year? You can still create a deeply sacred Yom Kippur — safely, gently, and with intention — right where you are. This post launches Part 2 of my High Holidays at Home series, a step-by-step video to help you craft the day from home: set your kavanah, shape a simple service
Yom Kippur Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
Back to School, But Make It Jewish Whether it’s preschool or grad school, back-to-school prep isn’t just about new pencils and fresh planners. For Jewish families, students, and seekers, this time of year brings a whole new layer of questions: How do I fit Shabbat into a school schedule? What does Jewish rhythm look like
Back to School as a Jew? Here’s What No One Tells You | Jewish Back-to-School Part 1 Read Post »
You’re Trying to Build a Jewish Life—and Suddenly You Need Stuff Books. Candlesticks. A prayerbook. A second set of spatulas. A better lamp for Zoom rabbi meetings.Building a Jewish life is beautiful—but it’s also a lot. If you’re converting, returning, or starting Jewish life from scratch, you already know that Jewish living isn’t just spiritual—it’s
Amazon Prime Day for Jewish Converts: What to Buy (and What to Skip) 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 »
People either love or hate this phrase. What does “be attractive, not attracting” mean to you? And do you think it’s a phrase worth telling someone (particularly a woman) as they’re learning the rules of tznius? If someone said it to you as you were becoming tznius, was it helpful?
Phrase of the Day: “Be Attractive, Not Attracting” Read Post »
Today’s question comes straight from a Google search term that lead to my site. Someone wanted to know if orthodox Jews are required to only wear black, navy blue, and white (and presumably cream, based on personal observations). This is not true. You can wear other colors and not be in violation of tznius. Of
Is It Forbidden to Wear Colors Other than Black, White, and Navy Blue? Read Post »
When you first become “religious,” you’re passionate. You’re motivated. You’re going to be the best Jew ever. This is called “frumming out.” Conversion candidates do this just as much as baalei teshuva. And are just as unpopular for it. You might just drive everyone you know crazy. You have discovered The Truth, and if everyone
What Not to Do When You “Frum Out” Read Post »
You’ve got your first meeting with the beit din (or the head of the beit din)! Yay! So what do you wear? In general, you should dress very conservatively, even if it is not what you would wear on a daily basis. This is not dishonest, it is respectful. You would dress more formally to
What to Wear for Your First Beit Din Meeting Read Post »