good advice

Graphic of a red and white "WARNING" sign with a large exclamation point. In the background, there is a cloudy, stormy sky. "Fake conversion scheme!" is written in yellow along the top.

Warning: Do Not Convert with “Rabbi” Andrew “Binyamin” Sheldrake and Adat Yeshua “Synagogue”

Not Every Conversion Program Is Legitimate. Here’s How to Protect Yourself. Not every conversion program is legitimate. Some are scams designed to mislead, exploit, or even to push an entirely different religion onto unsuspecting candidates. Here’s some important information you need to know to protect yourself. Conversion is like everything else – there are scammers […]

Warning: Do Not Convert with “Rabbi” Andrew “Binyamin” Sheldrake and Adat Yeshua “Synagogue” Read Post »

Make your New Year’s resolution Jewish!

The Gregorian New Year is upon us, and it’s hard to ignore the “new year, new you” energy coming from everywhere you look. Why not embrace it? Regular times of introspection, reflection, and teshuva are an important part of Judaism, and we have four New Years every year (it’s not just Rosh Hashanah!), so use

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Dealing with Holiday Season Grief

I made this video last year, but apparently I never posted it here! Building a new workflow for my material has been surprisingly hard. Too many moving parts! But better late than never, right? Struggling with your old holiday seasons as you become Jewish? Not at all unusual. Whether you loved them or hated them

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Self-Care Tip #1 for Conversion Candidates

Self-Care Tip #1 for Conversion Candidates Read Post »

What are you doing on Sunday? Wanna hang out?

What are you doing on Sunday? Wanna hang out? Read Post »

A photo of a hand holding a Star of David up to the golden sunset with the sun shining through the middle of the Magen David. Black text to the right says "The Convert Kehilla" and at the bottom white text says Building a Jewish Life.com.

Seeking more Jewish Community? Join the Convert Kehilla’s Rosh Chodesh Circle!

Are you a Jewish convert or conversion candidate seeking a warm and welcoming community? Look no further than The Convert Kehilla (“community,” roughly). Join our Rosh Chodesh Circle for the upcoming month of Kislev, dedicated to fostering connection, learning, and growth. For the first time in many years, I’m going to begin teaching live again.

Seeking more Jewish Community? Join the Convert Kehilla’s Rosh Chodesh Circle! Read Post »

Photo of a dark-haired, light-skinned woman sitting against a wall, covering her face with her hands in a shameful way. Background is cream, she is dressed in a black sweater and blue jean pants. The text above reads "Imposter Syndrome in Jewish conversion."

Imposter Syndrome in Jewish Conversion

Imposter Syndrome is a term that many of us are familiar with nowadays, at least in the workplace. It’s the sneaky terrible feeling that “everyone else” has it figured out except you and you’re going to mess up and they’re all going to know you’re an imposter. The feeling of being a fraud, of not

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Can Politics Ruin Your Jewish Conversion?

Do your politics matter while converting to Judaism? No!  (Yes, of course they do.) Should you be open about your politics while converting? Only you can answer that, but let’s give you some useful information to make that decision. Disclaimers! Lawyers love disclaimers, and I’m no exception. I’ve been a part of and visited more

Can Politics Ruin Your Jewish Conversion? Read Post »

Graphic with light blue background with the text "Making Shabbat meals easier" and pictures in the corner of a wine bottle, challah, and bowl of chumus.

The Easiest Way to Prepare and Host Shabbat Meals

Hosting Shabbat meals can be stressful. Even cooking for yourself or your family can be hard! No one has enough time or energy for the Shabbat meals of their dreams.  So here’s my best tip: the “bar” concept – a versatile and practical solution for your Shabbos meals! (Keep reading for my easiest go-to Shabbat

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Reflections 11 Years Later

It’s been just over 11 years since I completed the orthodox conversion process that created this blog. What’s changed? What’s it like “on the other side”? Last month, I saw my conversion anniversary on the calendar and made a note in my planner. …And then I completely forgot about it until a week after the

Reflections 11 Years Later Read Post »

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