There is a LOT you can learn about Judaism: Torah, Hebrew, prayer, Shabbat, holidays, Jewish history, halacha – congratulations, you have acquired approximately 8,000 Lego pieces. Now what are you supposed to build with them? At some point, learning about Judaism has to become living a Jewish life. And that doesn’t happen by waiting until […]
Stop Learning About Judaism and Start LIVING It 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 »
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 »
How do you become the kind of person who naturally lives a holy life? Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis is one of my favorite Jewish books because instead of focusing primarily on what you should do, it asks who you are becoming. In this video, we’re talking about Mussar, middot, and the practical system Judaism
How to Become a Better Person, According to Judaism Read Post »
If you’re new to Jewish practice, figuring out where to start can be surprisingly overwhelming. Should you light Shabbat candles? Start keeping kosher? Pray every day? Study Torah? Go to synagogue? The good news – there isn’t one perfect first practice. In this video, I’ll give you three questions to help you choose something meaningful,
What’s the FIRST Jewish Practice You Should Start? Read Post »
Keeping kosher can feel overwhelming when you’re first starting out. One person tells you to buy new dishes. Another says you need separate sinks. Someone else hands you a list of foods to avoid. It’s no wonder so many people don’t know where to begin. The good news is that building a kosher life doesn’t
How to Start Keeping Kosher (Without Getting Overwhelmed) 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 »
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 »