What happens if you feel called to Judaism… and your partner doesn’t? This is one of the most common – and least openly discussed – situations in the conversion process. It can feel lonely, confusing, and high-stakes, especially when you’re trying to balance your relationship with something that feels deeply true for you. In this […]
You Want to Convert to Judaism. Your Partner Doesn’t. Now What? Read Post »
If you’re converting or exploring Judaism, there are going to be words you hear that feel insider-y. Cultural. Maybe even funny. And when you’re new, it can be tempting to use those words about yourself – especially if you’re trying to signal humility or show that you “get it.” But some words carry history that
“Nobody Wants This” Normalized Something Dangerous 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 to Judaism is already hard… don’t make it harder. I’ve spent over 15 years helping people navigate the Jewish conversion process—and I’ve made more than a few mistakes myself. Some of them were honest. Some were based in fear or confusion. And some… well, I didn’t know any better. But here’s the thing: there
What NOT to Do When Converting to Judaism Read Post »
Let’s be blunt – this shouldn’t have to be said, but here we are. If you’re in the middle of the Jewish conversion process and a rabbi asks you out (or does things that feel like dating)? That’s not okay. The power imbalance in conversion is real, and it matters. You deserve safety, clarity, and
When a Rabbi Crosses the Line: What’s Not Okay During Conversion Read Post »
“Sexual harassment and abuse can and do happen during the Jewish conversion process – and we need to talk about it.” That’s the heart of this video. It’s not just a one-off scandal or a bad-apple rabbi. It’s a systemic vulnerability created by intense power imbalances, isolation, and a gatekeeping structure where one person’s word
When Gatekeeping Becomes Dangerous: Sexual Harassment in the Jewish Conversion Process Read Post »
So you’ve been reading books, scrolling social media, reading this blog…and you think you’re ready to go to a synagogue service for the first time. The mechanics and the level of “oh no what have I gotten myself into I am not ready for this” will be different between orthodox and non-orthodox services only because
What to Expect the 1st Time You Attend Synagogue 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 »
One of the biggest disagreements about conversion is kabbalot ol mitzvot, the acceptance of the yoke of the commandments. In case you don’t remember, yoke mean burden, not to be confused with a yolk. Fun fact: the “stock” from “being put in the stocks” is a human yoke. Criminals and slaves were put in stocks.
What If You Don’t Like One of the Mitzvot…Can You Still Convert Orthodox? Read Post »
You’re in the mikvah. You have your dips in the water and officially cross over into the obligation in mitzvot. What happens once you get dressed? First mitzvah/bracha. This should not happen in the mikvah because you shouldn’t say a bracha while nude. I think some people hear about the “here, have a candy!” bracha
Immediately After Conversion, What Needs to Be Done? Read Post »