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 […]
The Importance of Support Read Post »
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
Converts & Fear: Is a Beit Din on Halachic Thin Ice? Read Post »
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
Step #1 with the New Beit Din Read Post »
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
The Question on Everyone Else’s Mind When Talking to Converts Read Post »
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 #1 You Know You’re Crazy: You’re Suspicious of Kindness Read Post »
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
Reason #201 You Know You’re Crazy: Unpronounceable Hebrew Names Read Post »
Reason #84 You Know You’re Crazy: An Orthodox Conversion is EXPENSIVE. Really. My conservative conversion cost me nothing other than one required paperback book for my Introduction to Judaism class. I think I bought it on Half.com for 5 bucks. To get to my first meeting with an orthodox beit din, I spent approximately $1,000
Reason #84 You Know You’re Crazy: Orthodox Conversion is EXPENSIVE! Read Post »
Here is the mandatory introduction. As any Jewish convert/convert-in-progress knows, when you’re converting to Judaism, sometimes you just wanna know you’re not crazy. This will hopefully help keep me accountable to my learning, as well as sharing those funny little moments when you wonder if you’re crazy. Disclaimer: in all areas of my life, I
Mandatory Introduction Read Post »