Recommendations

The Ultimate Guide to Jewish Conversion (Step-by-Step!)

Considering conversion to Judaism but not sure where to start? That’s incredibly common. The early stages of exploring Judaism can feel overwhelming—there’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it agrees. You might be unsure what’s expected of you, worried about doing it wrong or offending someone, or simply wondering what the […]

The Ultimate Guide to Jewish Conversion (Step-by-Step!) Read Post »

The Mistakes Jewish Converts Regret Most

If you’re in the middle of the Jewish conversion process, chances are you’ve felt like you’re always one step away from ruining everything. You’re studying, showing up, trying to impress your rabbi—but still somehow wondering, Am I doing this wrong? You’re not alone. And no, you’re not failing. In this post, I’m breaking down the

The Mistakes Jewish Converts Regret Most Read Post »

Beyond Friday Night: Carrying the Spirit of Shabbat into Saturday

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 »

Spiritual Bypassing During Jewish Conversion: What It Is and Why It Hurts

“It’ll all be worth it.” If you’ve heard that phrase during your Jewish conversion journey—especially when you were struggling—you’re not alone. And you’re not overreacting if it didn’t sit right. There’s a name for that kind of response: spiritual bypassing. It’s when someone uses spiritual language to gloss over real pain, pressure you into feeling

Spiritual Bypassing During Jewish Conversion: What It Is and Why It Hurts Read Post »

The One Document I Wish I Had During My Conversion

You’re learning, you’re showing up, you’re doing the work… but how do you show that? If you’re converting to Judaism, chances are you’ve been told to “track the Jewish books you’re reading.” Maybe even the classes you attend or the prayers you’re learning. That’s a great start—but it’s not the whole picture. Because your Jewish

The One Document I Wish I Had During My Conversion Read Post »

How to Start Celebrating Shabbat: Simple Steps for Beginners

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: Simple Steps for Beginners Read Post »

How to Observe Shabbat as a Beginner

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

How to Observe Shabbat as a Beginner Read Post »

Imposter Syndrome in the Jewish Conversion Process: It’s Not Just in Your Head

Imposter syndrome during the Jewish conversion process isn’t just about doubting yourself – it’s about being in a system that constantly asks you to prove your sincerity, while rarely making the rules explicit. You’re expected to navigate unspoken expectations, and then penalized for getting them wrong. In this video, I unpack how imposter syndrome really

Imposter Syndrome in the Jewish Conversion Process: It’s Not Just in Your Head Read Post »

Screenshot from posted video with picture of female author with captioned text saying, “You would be shocked how many times this”

When a Rabbi Crosses the Line: What’s Not Okay During Conversion

Let’s be blunt – this shouldn’t have to be said, but here we are. If you’re in the middle of the Jewish conversion process and a rabbi asks you out (or does things that feel like dating)? That’s not okay. The power imbalance in conversion is real, and it matters. You deserve safety, clarity, and

When a Rabbi Crosses the Line: What’s Not Okay During Conversion Read Post »

Sand-colored square with black text: "11 Powerful Films to watch for Yom HaShoah. Holocaust Remembrance Day isn't about entertainment. These 11 films honor, remember, and resist." The website Building a Jewish Life.com is written in small text at the bottom.

11 Powerful Films for Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day

Stories That Bear Witness Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – is not just about remembering history. It’s about confronting it. Feeling it. Passing it on. There are many ways to honor this day: lighting a candle, saying a name, learning something new. One powerful option is through film. Stories can shake us awake, open

11 Powerful Films for Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day Read Post »

Scroll to Top