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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

Imposter Syndrome in Jewish Conversion Read Post »

Graphic of a red-white-and-blue donkey and elephant facing off against each other on a light blue background underneath text that says "can politics ruin your Jewish conversion?" and the word politics is written in a scary font.

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

The Easiest Way to Prepare and Host Shabbat Meals Read Post »

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 »

What Is a Chumrah and What Is Halacha

What Is a Chumrah and What Is Halacha Read Post »

Dressing “Frum” at the Gym

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 »

Friendships When a Liberal Convert Goes Orthodox

I came across this question on social media again recently, and it has been a frequent concern over the years: “I converted in one Jewish movement and now want to convert orthodox. What will happen to my friendships and my relationship with my former rabbi(s)? Will they hate me? Am I betraying them?” First, I’ll

Friendships When a Liberal Convert Goes Orthodox Read Post »

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