If you’re just starting your journey, or feeling stuck in the middle of it, you’ve probably wondered: how long is this going to take? In this quick video, I break down what most rabbis mean when they talk about timelines – and why anyone promising a shortcut might be a red flag. Real talk, no […]
How Long Does It *Really* Take to Convert to Judaism? Read Post »
Can you daven in English? YES! In fact, sometimes maybe you should daven in English. Transcript available below. Transcript: Do you have to pray in Hebrew? No. You can pray in English or whatever language is most comfortable for you. You don’t have to be davening in Hebrew in order to be a real Jew
Can a Conversion Candidate Pray in English? Read Post »
New video up! ✨ Shabbat doesn’t have to be all or nothing! ✨ Starting to observe Shabbos can be overwhelming. Start small, make it beautiful, and find the joy in the process. 💙 Light candles, enjoy a tech-free dinner, take a nap—whatever feels doable. Shabbat is a gift, not a test. 🎁 See transcript below.
How to Start Observing Shabbat Read Post »
What better way to spend a Sunday than hanging out with other Jewish converts and conversion candidates, exploring how you’ll live your best Jewish life in the month of Kislev?? Don’t forget to sign up for your ticket here! Get more details here:
What are you doing on Sunday? Wanna hang out? Read Post »
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 »
If you haven’t discovered it already, 2 Jews equals 3 opinions! And it is entirely possible for all of those opinions to be correct. How is that possible?? I’m Jewish, so I could give you 18 answers to that question. The best answer I can give you is that Judaism is not only NOT a
What Is a Chumrah and What Is Halacha Read Post »
There’s an interesting thing going on in Manhattan in the month of February! The Seforim Sale has conquered the Yeshiva University campus. It is the largest seforim sale in North America, and almost everything is being sold at a reduced price. There’s books, cookbooks, music, children’s books, all kinds of things. For a bibliophile, it’s
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread: The Seforim Sale Read Post »
Yesterday, I had a Hebrew breakthrough. It may sound silly to some of you, and certainly not worth a post, but hey, it’s my blog! I think this was a major milestone in my Hebrew education, and it’s not a milestone I expected. We spoke recently about the concept of internalization. When you internalize a
A Hebrew Breakthrough! Read Post »
Do you feel inferior because you can’t read Hebrew at the speed of light like your congregation? No need to feel that way. A) It’ll come. Really. Just keep slogging through it. Lest you think I’m being dismissive, I assure you I’m right there with you, struggling to read at a non-embarrassing speed. I spend
Feel Bad About Your Hebrew? Don’t! Read Post »
A short PSA this afternoon: The plural of “rabbi” is “rabbis.” NOT “rabbi’s.” Please don’t mistake possessives for plurals. “Rabbi’s” makes me wonder what the rabbi owns. That is all. Sincerely, The Grouchy Grammar Gremlin
Public Service Announcement from a Grammar Gremlin Read Post »