You can love Judaism and hate converting. Conversion can be one of the most meaningful choices you’ll ever make…and still include parts you resent, grieve, or simply don’t enjoy. But converts are often expected to be endlessly joyful and grateful. If we admit that something is difficult, people may question our sincerity. Eventually, we start
The Feelings Jewish Converts Aren’t Supposed to Admit Read Post »
Conversion to Judaism can feel like a process designed to keep you uncertain. You may spend months (maybe even years) studying, attending services, changing your daily life, and building relationships…without knowing exactly when you’ll be considered “ready.” Some of that difficulty is unavoidable. You aren’t simply learning a set of beliefs; you’re joining a people
Why Is Conversion to Judaism So Difficult? Read Post »
Sydney Sweeney attended Rosh Hashanah services with her boyfriend, Scooter Braun. Then the internet obviously and immediately claimed she might be considering conversion to Judaism. To be clear, Sweeney has not publicly announced that she’s converting. Right now, it’s a rumor built around one synagogue appearance and her serious relationship with a Jewish man. But
Jewish Convert Reacts to Sydney Sweeney Conversion Rumor Read Post »
Sydney Sweeney was recently spotted attending Rosh Hashanah services with her boyfriend Scooter Braun, which naturally sent the internet down a new rabbit hole: Is Sydney Sweeney converting to Judaism? Maybe. Maybe not. As a Jewish convert myself, I have some thoughts about that. Thinking about converting yourself? Grab my FREE Conversion 101 ebook by
Is Sydney Sweeney Converting to Judaism for Marriage? A Convert Reacts Read Post »
The first time you go to synagogue, you might expect everyone to sit quietly and pay attention to the service. And then you get there and… everyone is talking. Someone’s whispering to their neighbor, someone else is catching up with an old friend, and meanwhile you’re afraid to cough because you have no idea what
Why Is Everyone Talking in Synagogue?! Read Post »
If you’re new to observing Jewish holidays, asking for time off from work or school can feel surprisingly intimidating. What days do you actually need off? How far in advance should you ask? How much do you need to explain about your religious practice – and what happens if your boss or professor pushes back?
How to Ask for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Off from Work or School Read Post »
Jewish law is pretty clear that a person who converts to Judaism is Jewish. Full stop. The Torah also repeatedly commands us to love and protect converts. But Jewish law and the experience of actually being a convert in a Jewish community aren’t always exactly the same thing. Converts can find themselves in a strange
Are Converts Really Treated the Same as Born Jews? 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 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 »