If you’re converting to Judaism, you’ve probably wondered: Once I convert, am I Jewish forever? Can a rabbi take away my conversion? It’s a question that comes up surprisingly often, and the answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no. In this video, we’ll talk about what Jewish law says about […]
Can Your Jewish Conversion Be Taken Away? Read Post »
Your first Beit Din meeting can feel like one of the most intimidating parts of the Jewish conversion process. You’re meeting with the rabbis who will help determine whether you’re ready to join the Jewish people, and it’s easy to feel like every word matters. The good news? They aren’t expecting perfection. They want to
The Biggest Mistakes People Make in Their First Beit Din Meeting Read Post »
Can you convert to Judaism if you’re vegetarian or vegan? Mostly, yes. But there is one small corner of the Jewish world where you may be told that eating meat is expected, at least on Shabbat and holidays. Before you panic, let’s talk about where that idea comes from, how common it actually is, and
Do You Have to Eat Meat to Convert to Judaism? Read Post »
One of the most common questions I get from teenagers is whether they can convert to Judaism before they turn 18. The answer is usually no – but that doesn’t mean you have to put your Jewish journey completely on hold. In fact, there is a tremendous amount you can do right now to learn,
Can Minors Convert to Judaism? The Truth About Converting to Judaism Under 18 Read Post »
Can you keep Shabbat before converting to Judaism? If you’ve spent any time researching conversion online, you’ve probably encountered two completely opposite answers. Some people insist that conversion candidates should start keeping Shabbat as soon as possible. Others will tell you that non-Jews shouldn’t keep Shabbat at all. So which answer is correct? As with
Are You Allowed to Keep Shabbat Before Converting? Read Post »
“Just ask your rabbi.” Sometimes that’s genuinely the correct answer. But is it the right answer? If you’re converting to Judaism, exploring Judaism, living far from a Jewish community, or simply don’t have a rabbi yet, it can feel less like guidance and more like a dead end. If they had a rabbi to ask,
Why “Just Ask Your Rabbi” Is Terrible Advice Read Post »
Many people assume Judaism values religious rules more than human life. In reality, Jewish law contains a powerful principle called Pikuach Nefesh – the obligation to protect life, even when that means breaking Shabbat or other commandments. Have you ever wondered whether you’re allowed to “break” Shabbat in an emergency? (Meaning to stop observing the
Sometimes the Most Jewish Thing You Can Do Is Break Shabbat Read Post »
One of the most overwhelming parts of converting to Judaism is realizing there isn’t just one “Jewish conversion.” People quickly discover there are different movements, different expectations, different community cultures, and different long-term consequences attached to each path. So how do you decide between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform conversion? In this video, we’re talking honestly
How to Choose Between an Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Conversion Read Post »
A lot of people worry they missed their chance to become Jewish. They wonder if they’re too old, too established in their life, too overwhelmed, or too far behind to begin conversion now. Yet possibly a majority of Jewish converts are older. In this video, we’ll talk honestly about converting to Judaism later in life,
Are You Too Old to Convert to Judaism? Read Post »
How long does it actually take to convert to Judaism? The frustrating answer is: it depends. Some people convert in under a year. Others spend many years navigating rabbis, community access, finances, burnout, life changes, and endless questions about whether they’re “doing enough.” In this video, we’ll talk honestly about what affects Jewish conversion timelines,
How Long Does It Take to Become Jewish? Read Post »