The first year of building a Jewish life can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re converting, returning, or starting from scratch. Many people burn out not because they’re doing it wrong, but because committing these common mistakes. This short piece walks through what not to do in your first year, and why Jewish life is […]
What NOT to Do in Your First Year of Jewish Conversion Read Post »
Most people expect the hardest part of Jewish conversion to be getting started. The early months are full of learning, clarity, and momentum. Everything is new, and there’s a sense of forward motion that makes the work feel exciting and purposeful. The end of the process has a shape too – meetings, milestones, preparations, and
Why So Many People Panic in the Middle of Jewish Conversion Read Post »
One of the questions I hear most often is: How do you actually learn to read Hebrew? If you’ve tried before and found it frustrating, slow, or downright discouraging, you’re not imagining things. Learning the Aleph Bet can be genuinely hard – especially if you’re dyslexic, neurodivergent, or learning Hebrew as an adult without a
My Top Hebrew Reading Recommendations Read Post »
If you’re new to Jewish fasting, Asarah B’Tevet can feel intimidating – especially if you’ve only heard about fasting as an all-or-nothing endurance test. But Jewish fasting isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are many valid ways to observe a fast day with intention, care, and spiritual meaning – including options for people who can’t fast safely. In
The Easiest Jewish Fast to Try (Seriously) Read Post »
Planning the year the Jewish way can feel intimidating – especially if you’re new to Jewish life, still learning the calendar, or trying to build something meaningful without burning out. The holidays blur together, the expectations feel unclear, and it can seem like everyone else already knows what they’re doing. The truth is, you don’t
Planning Your Year the Jewish Way Read Post »
When antisemitic violence makes the news, it can land especially hard for people in the process of converting to Judaism. Moments like this can stir fear, grief, and deep questions about safety and belonging – and that doesn’t mean you can’t cut it. This post is for conversion candidates who feel shaken, conflicted, or unsure
A Message for Jewish Conversion Candidates After Bondi Beach Read Post »
If you’re converting to Judaism and Christmas is coming up, you’re probably wondering what you’re supposed to do – and you may not feel comfortable asking out loud. Christmas is one of the most emotionally complicated days of the year for Jewish conversion candidates in Europe and North America. It’s a religious holiday, a family
If you want this to be the year you convert to Judaism, you’re in the right place, and you are absolutely not alone. So many people reach the moment where they say, “Okay… I’m ready. But what do I actually do now?” I remember that feeling vividly. I’m Kochava, a Jewish convert who has been
If You Want This to Be the Year You Convert to Judaism… Read Post »
If explaining Hanukkah to your non-Jewish family (or friends, coworkers, boss, etc) feels harder than celebrating it, you’re in good company. Every year, as soon as the menorahs come out, the questions start rolling in: “Are you still doing Christmas with us?” “Why not celebrate both?” “What does Hanukkah even mean?” and the dreaded “So
The Questions Every Jewish Convert Dreads in December… Read Post »
Your first Hanukkah can feel weirdly high-stakes for something involving tiny candles and fried potatoes. When do you light, what do you say, where do you put the menorah, and how do you know you’re “doing it right” if you don’t have a community around you yet? If that’s you, breathe. You can celebrate Hanukkah
Hanukkah 101: What’s Required and What’s Optional Read Post »