Tisha B’Av can feel intimidating, especially if you’re converting to Judaism, don’t have a local Jewish community, or are observing it on your own for the first time. The good news is that you don’t need a synagogue to observe Tisha B’Av meaningfully. Whether you’re fasting, reading Eicha, learning about Jewish history, praying, or simply […]
Tisha B’Av Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
If you’re building a Jewish life at home, Rosh Chodesh may become one of your favorite observances. Known as the beginning of the new Jewish month, Rosh Chodesh is a small but meaningful celebration that helps you experience the rhythm of the Jewish calendar. You don’t need to host a big meal or know dozens
Rosh Chodesh Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Jewish Community) 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 »
A lot of people trying to learn Judaism end up with an accidental curriculum made up of random books, YouTube videos, Reddit threads, and whatever happened to cross their path that week. The problem isn’t a lack of information. It’s a lack of structure. If you’ve ever wondered what you should learn first, how to
Build Your Own Jewish Personal Curriculum (Step by Step) Read Post »
Many people assume Shabbat only works if you have a large Jewish community, a table full of guests, and years of experience. But Jewish life has also been built around tiny kitchen tables, small apartments, difficult seasons, and people doing the best they can with what they have. If you’ve ever felt too overwhelmed, too
Start Celebrating Shabbat with These 3 Simple Changes 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 »