The High Holidays can be deeply meaningful. They can also get surprisingly expensive. Synagogue tickets, holiday meals, time off work, travel, childcare, new clothes, donations, a machzor – suddenly Rosh Hashanah has developed quite the shopping list. But a meaningful High Holiday season doesn’t require buying everything you see other people doing. In this video,
How to Celebrate the Jewish High Holidays on a Budget Read Post »
The Jewish High Holidays are a whole season, not a single event. Between Elul, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, there’s a lot to learn, plan, buy, schedule, and somehow spiritually reflect on at the same time. No pressure! 😂 If this is your first High Holiday season, you do not
How to Prepare for the Jewish High Holidays as a Beginner 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Trying to figure out Shavuot for the first time can feel strangely confusing. There aren’t a lot of clear “requirements,” but there are plenty of customs – and somehow that makes it harder, not easier. You end up wondering what actually matters, what you’re ready for, and whether anything you’re doing even counts. If you’re
Shavuot Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Jewish Community) Read Post »