Before you block out the trauma – sorry, the “spiritual growth opportunity” – that was this year’s Passover, let’s hit pause for just a minute. (As you know, I’m a Pesach realist who knows it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns of spiritual highs while bleaching the bathroom.) Because somewhere between the forgotten Pyrex, the gluten-free […]
What to Do *Right Now* to Make Next Passover Less Overwhelming Read Post »
Friday night might be the heart of Shabbat – but it doesn’t have to be the whole story. Earlier, we talked about starting your Shabbat journey by making Friday nights special. Now let’s talk about bringing the peace of Shabbat into Saturday. If you’ve ever felt the glow of candlelight on Friday fade too quickly
Beyond Friday Night: Carrying the Spirit of Shabbat into Saturday Read Post »
“It’ll all be worth it.” If you’ve heard that phrase during your Jewish conversion journey—especially when you were struggling—you’re not alone. And you’re not overreacting if it didn’t sit right. There’s a name for that kind of response: spiritual bypassing. It’s when someone uses spiritual language to gloss over real pain, pressure you into feeling
Spiritual Bypassing During Jewish Conversion: What It Is and Why It Hurts Read Post »
You’re learning, you’re showing up, you’re doing the work… but how do you show that? If you’re converting to Judaism, chances are you’ve been told to “track the Jewish books you’re reading.” Maybe even the classes you attend or the prayers you’re learning. That’s a great start—but it’s not the whole picture. Because your Jewish
The One Document I Wish I Had During My Conversion Read Post »
Have you ever Googled “how to do Shabbat” and immediately felt overwhelmed by all the traditions and rituals you “should” be doing? Candles, prayers, no phones, 12 different side dishes… it’s no wonder it can feel like a recipe for panic instead of peace. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the good
How to Start Celebrating Shabbat: Simple Steps for Beginners Read Post »
It Wasn’t Pinterest Perfect – and That’s Okay. If you’ve ever typed “how to do Shabbat” into Google and immediately spiraled into overwhelm, hi. Welcome. You’re in the right place. Maybe you imagined a perfectly set table, glowing candles, homemade challah, zero screens, and a family singing zemirot in harmony… and then looked around your
How to Observe Shabbat as a Beginner Read Post »
Imposter syndrome during the Jewish conversion process isn’t just about doubting yourself – it’s about being in a system that constantly asks you to prove your sincerity, while rarely making the rules explicit. You’re expected to navigate unspoken expectations, and then penalized for getting them wrong. In this video, I unpack how imposter syndrome really
Imposter Syndrome in the Jewish Conversion Process: It’s Not Just in Your Head Read Post »
Imposter syndrome during the Jewish conversion process isn’t just about feeling insecure – it’s about living inside a system that constantly makes you prove yourself. You’re asked to show your sincerity, your growth, your commitment – while navigating a whole world of unspoken rules. And somehow, if you mess up? It’s on you. This video
You’re Not Broken: Imposter Syndrome and the Jewish Conversion Process 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 »
Stories That Bear Witness Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – is not just about remembering history. It’s about confronting it. Feeling it. Passing it on. There are many ways to honor this day: lighting a candle, saying a name, learning something new. One powerful option is through film. Stories can shake us awake, open
11 Powerful Films for Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day Read Post »