You can love Judaism and hate converting. Conversion can be one of the most meaningful choices you’ll ever make…and still include parts you resent, grieve, or simply don’t enjoy. But converts are often expected to be endlessly joyful and grateful. If we admit that something is difficult, people may question our sincerity. Eventually, we start
The Feelings Jewish Converts Aren’t Supposed to Admit Read Post »
The third anniversary of October 7th may bring up complicated feelings, especially if you’re converting to Judaism or still finding your place after the mikvah. You may wonder whether this grief is yours to carry. You may worry that you aren’t feeling enough, or that feeling numb means you don’t care as deeply as you
What If You’re Not Grieving October 7th “Correctly”? Read Post »
Conversion to Judaism can feel like a process designed to keep you uncertain. You may spend months (maybe even years) studying, attending services, changing your daily life, and building relationships…without knowing exactly when you’ll be considered “ready.” Some of that difficulty is unavoidable. You aren’t simply learning a set of beliefs; you’re joining a people
Why Is Conversion to Judaism So Difficult? Read Post »
Sydney Sweeney attended Rosh Hashanah services with her boyfriend, Scooter Braun. Then the internet obviously and immediately claimed she might be considering conversion to Judaism. To be clear, Sweeney has not publicly announced that she’s converting. Right now, it’s a rumor built around one synagogue appearance and her serious relationship with a Jewish man. But
Jewish Convert Reacts to Sydney Sweeney Conversion Rumor Read Post »
There’s a particular kind of productive procrastination that happens when you’re exploring conversion to Judaism. You don’t feel ready to contact a rabbi yet, so you decide to learn a little more first. You order a book. That book mentions six other books. Soon you’ve built an impressive Jewish library, spent several hundred dollars, and
The First 3 Books Every Jewish Convert Should Own Read Post »
Sydney Sweeney was recently spotted attending Rosh Hashanah services with her boyfriend Scooter Braun, which naturally sent the internet down a new rabbit hole: Is Sydney Sweeney converting to Judaism? Maybe. Maybe not. As a Jewish convert myself, I have some thoughts about that. Thinking about converting yourself? Grab my FREE Conversion 101 ebook by
Is Sydney Sweeney Converting to Judaism for Marriage? A Convert Reacts Read Post »
How much does it actually cost to convert to Judaism? You’re not paying to become Jewish, but conversion can come with plenty of expenses – some obvious, and some you probably haven’t thought about yet. In this video, we’re talking about the costs you may encounter along the way. We’ll also talk about which expenses
Do You Have to Pay to Convert to Judaism? Read Post »
Choosing a Hebrew name is one of those parts of becoming Jewish that can feel both incredibly meaningful and weirdly high pressure. You’re choosing a name you may use when you’re called to the Torah, on Jewish documents, when someone prays for you – potentially for the rest of your Jewish life. No pressure or
How to Choose a Hebrew Name You Won’t Regret: 8 Things to Know Read Post »
There is a LOT you can learn about Judaism: Torah, Hebrew, prayer, Shabbat, holidays, Jewish history, halacha – congratulations, you have acquired approximately 8,000 Lego pieces. Now what are you supposed to build with them? At some point, learning about Judaism has to become living a Jewish life. And that doesn’t happen by waiting until
Stop Learning About Judaism and Start LIVING It Read Post »
If you’re new to observing Jewish holidays, asking for time off from work or school can feel surprisingly intimidating. What days do you actually need off? How far in advance should you ask? How much do you need to explain about your religious practice – and what happens if your boss or professor pushes back?
How to Ask for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Off from Work or School Read Post »