Ever feel like you’re too late, too messy, or too disconnected to start building your Jewish life? Elul is here to tell you otherwise. đź’™ The Jewish month of Elul isn’t flashy — there are no fireworks, no confetti, no big celebrations. But it might just be the most important month in the Jewish calendar. […]
The Jewish Month That Prepares Your Soul for the High Holidays (Elul 101) Read Post »
When most people think about the cost of converting to Judaism, they picture the big-ticket items: classes, ritual items, maybe a fee for the beit din. But for many of us, the real sticker shock comes from somewhere else entirely — the constant trickle of small purchases that never seem to end. Books, kitchen tools,
The Sneaky Costs of Converting to Judaism | Conversion on a Budget Part 2 Read Post »
Some Jewish moments are big and obvious — holidays, life cycle events, milestones you can see coming from a mile away. Others sneak up on you: the first time you light Shabbat candles on time, the first day back to class, the first time you feel truly at home in your Jewish community. This is
You Don’t Have to Do Everything. Just Something. If you’ve ever woken up already feeling behind—like Jewish life is a giant mountain and you’re still sitting at the base of it—you’re not alone. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned on this path is this: You don’t need to do everything to start building
The Easiest Jewish Practice to Start Today: Modeh Ani Read Post »
Jewish conversion doesn’t come with a roadmap—or a progress bar.There’s no checklist that tells you how far you’ve come, no little pop-up that says “Level up! You now understand 17% more Hebrew blessings.” So it’s no wonder that so many of us reach a point—especially halfway through the year—where we feel lost. Like we should
Jewish Conversion Doesn’t Come with a Progress Bar—So I Made One Read Post »
Some seasons on the Jewish calendar hit in the kishkes. The Three Weeks and Tisha B’Av aren’t flashy. They’re not covered in glitter or joy. They’re heavy. Disorienting. Sometimes avoided. And yet, they hold some of the deepest truths in Jewish life—about grief, about brokenness, and about what it means to keep showing up anyway.
Tisha B’Av & the Three Weeks: A Guide for Beginners Read Post »
If you’ve ever heard someone mention Shavuot and immediately thought “cheesecake holiday,” you’re not wrong—but you’re definitely missing the bigger picture. And honestly? Most Jews—even lifelong ones—aren’t exactly sure how to explain what this holiday is about. Shavuot doesn’t have a seder. It doesn’t have a sukkah. It doesn’t come with an obvious playbook. So
New to Shavuot? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know 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 »
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 part 1: 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
It’s Okay to Start Small: Building a Shabbat Practice That Feels Like You Read Post »