I’ve pulled together something new that I’ve wanted to make 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 […]
Introducing the Jewish Life Resource Guide! Read Post »
Converting to Judaism for love isn’t new — it’s ancient. People love to say “don’t convert for a partner,” but love has always been one of the holiest doors into Judaism. Relationships — romantic, familial, or friendship — are how most people have joined the Jewish people throughout history. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re
I Converted Because I Dated a Nice Jewish Boy™ 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 »
When I was converting to Judaism, I wasn’t too worried about giving up Christmas. But Halloween? Oh hell no. But for years, I had a zero-tolerance policy. I was committed to my Jewish life, and that meant leaving Halloween behind… or so I thought. Then I had kids. And suddenly, things weren’t so simple anymore.
Can Jews Celebrate Halloween? The Nuance No One Talks About Read Post »
If the words “High Holidays” make your stomach drop instead of your heart lift, you’re in good company. These days are meant to be holy – but between synagogue tickets, menus, schedules, and a chorus of “am I doing this right?”, they can spiral into stress fast. That’s exactly why I made this video: the
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First High Holidays Read Post »
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.
Is Converting to Judaism More Expensive Than You Think? | Conversion on a Budget Part 3 Read Post »
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
How To Ask For Jewish Holidays Off At Work or School Read Post »
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,
The Sneaky Costs of Converting to Judaism | Conversion on a Budget Part 2 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
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