non-orthodox converts

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 »

What Does It Feel Like After Conversion?

So you’ve been converting to Judaism for…how long? A year, two, more? What does it feel like to actually cross the finish line? For many, completing the journey to become Jewish is a long-awaited moment – but the emotions that come with it might not be what you expect. I can only speak for myself,

What Does It Feel Like After Conversion? 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 »

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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 »

What to Expect the 1st Time You Attend Synagogue

So you’ve been reading books, scrolling social media, reading this blog…and you think you’re ready to go to a synagogue service for the first time. The mechanics and the level of “oh no what have I gotten myself into I am not ready for this” will be different between orthodox and non-orthodox services only because

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What Is a Chumrah and What Is Halacha

What Is a Chumrah and What Is Halacha 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 »

What If You Don’t Like One of the Mitzvot…Can You Still Convert Orthodox?

One of the biggest disagreements about conversion is kabbalot ol mitzvot, the acceptance of the yoke of the commandments.  In case you don’t remember, yoke mean burden, not to be confused with a yolk. Fun fact: the “stock” from “being put in the stocks” is a human yoke. Criminals and slaves were put in stocks.

What If You Don’t Like One of the Mitzvot…Can You Still Convert Orthodox? Read Post »

Management Update: The State of the Union

As most of you have figured out at this point, my conversion was finished a month ago. So what happens to the blog now?? My current plan is keep on doin’ what I’m already doin’. There is clearly a need for this kind of information and discussion. This isn’t going to turn into a “what

Management Update: The State of the Union Read Post »

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