A rabbi gave me a great piece of advice about how to respond when someone inevitably gets upset about something (which usually has nothing to do with you anyway) and says something like, “I was born Jewish, what do you know?” or “Who is a convert to tell me how to be Jewish?” The answer? […]
Rule #1 of Conversions: You Can’t Hide that You’re a Convert
You cannot hide that you are a convert. Whatever their reasons may be, I’ve known many converts/conversion candidates who adamantly felt that it was no one’s business if they are converts and that no one has the right to ask them if they are a convert. That’s all well and good, but they’re still going […]
Adventures in Semantics: Jew-by-Choice v. Convert
Am I the only one who thinks “Jews-by-Choice” is an unnecessary term? What’s so wrong with being a “convert”? For some reason, I like it, despite not really having another religion to convert “from.” At a minimum, I don’t see what’s wrong with the term convert or why some people are so opposed to it, […]
Reason #12 You Know You’re Crazy: You’re Unusually Attached to a Particular Mitzvah
Reason #12 You Know You’re Crazy: You’re unusually attached to a particular mitzvah. Mine is my mezuzot. I couldn’t tell you why, but I bought a mezuzah case (and non-kosher scroll) in 2005. I knew I couldn’t hang it, but it stayed with me for the next 5 years. This involved 5 moves. All but […]
The Importance of Support
Today I’m writing about the importance of a support system during and after your conversion. Sure, this sounds obvious, but really, it can’t be overemphasized. And not only do you need to know that your family and friends still love you and support your choices, but you also need observant friends to support you. It […]
Converts & Fear: Is a Beit Din on Halachic Thin Ice?
Disclaimer: I had never heard of the Vancouver Beit Din until this week, when I was given access to a copy of their conversion manual. For those of you who are also unaware of them, they are (among other things) a regional conversion beit din for the Rabbinical Council of America. This means (for today […]
Step #1 with the New Beit Din
Today I have a meeting with a rabbi who was recommended by my new beit din! And I’m super excited! How amazing is that? You mean the conversion process can be a positive experience? Apparently yes! Even the multiple-hour drive can’t dampen my spirits 🙂 Full disclosure: I rocked my exam this morning AND I […]
The Question on Everyone Else’s Mind When Talking to Converts
The Question on Everyone Else’s Mind When Talking to Converts (especially female converts)… “So…who’re you converting for?” I suppose I’m not totally one to talk since I’m technically a stereotype. Yes, an ex-boyfriend brought me to the Jewish people, at least initially (and much to his dismay). However, he didn’t remain in the picture long […]
Reason #1 You Know You’re Crazy: You’re Suspicious of Kindness
Reason #1 You Know You’re Crazy: You’re Suspicious of Kindness As any of you converts/converts-in-progress know, the conversion process, despite being an incredibly worthwhile, meaningful, and “religious” experience, can be soul-crushing when well-meaning (or not so well-meaning) Jews try to “discourage” you. Sometimes this discouragement can cross the line over into flat-out rude or cruel. […]
Reason #201 You Know You’re Crazy: Unpronounceable Hebrew Names
Reason #201 You Know You’re Crazy: You chose a Hebrew name for yourself that you can’t pronounce correctly with any consistency. In my case, I chose Kochava, which has that guttral “ch” sound smack dab in the middle of the word, which is even harder than pronouncing it when it’s at the beginning or end […]