I’ve pulled together something new that you’ve asked for for a long time — a single place where you can find all the tools, books, and practical items I recommend for building a meaningful Jewish life. The Jewish Life Resource Guide gathers everything I mention in my videos, guides, and Bayit Builders membership in one […]
Introducing the Jewish Life Resource Guide! Read Post »
When most people think about the cost of converting to Judaism, they picture the big-ticket items: classes, ritual items, maybe a fee for the beit din. But for many of us, the real sticker shock comes from somewhere else entirely — the constant trickle of small purchases that never seem to end. Books, kitchen tools,
The Sneaky Costs of Converting to Judaism | Conversion on a Budget Part 2 Read Post »
I think I’ve always been surprised how commonly people (usually women) ask about halacha and going to the gym. But especially about headcoverings and the gym. Yet I don’t see men asking about their yarmulkes at the gym 🤷 In short, your mileage will vary considerably. Ask people in your community. If you’re in the conversion process or
Dressing “Frum” at the Gym Read Post »
People either love or hate this phrase. What does “be attractive, not attracting” mean to you? And do you think it’s a phrase worth telling someone (particularly a woman) as they’re learning the rules of tznius? If someone said it to you as you were becoming tznius, was it helpful?
Phrase of the Day: “Be Attractive, Not Attracting” Read Post »
Today’s question comes straight from a Google search term that lead to my site. Someone wanted to know if orthodox Jews are required to only wear black, navy blue, and white (and presumably cream, based on personal observations). This is not true. You can wear other colors and not be in violation of tznius. Of
Is It Forbidden to Wear Colors Other than Black, White, and Navy Blue? Read Post »
When you first become “religious,” you’re passionate. You’re motivated. You’re going to be the best Jew ever. This is called “frumming out.” Conversion candidates do this just as much as baalei teshuva. And are just as unpopular for it. You might just drive everyone you know crazy. You have discovered The Truth, and if everyone
What Not to Do When You “Frum Out” Read Post »
You’ve got your first meeting with the beit din (or the head of the beit din)! Yay! So what do you wear? In general, you should dress very conservatively, even if it is not what you would wear on a daily basis. This is not dishonest, it is respectful. You would dress more formally to
What to Wear for Your First Beit Din Meeting Read Post »
When you’re dressing tznius, the public laundromat can make you a nervous wreck. But if you’re at the public laundromat, you don’t have a more private alternative for washing your “unmentionables.” So how can you make the best of a less-than-ideal situation? Sure, you could handwash everything “private” at home and save the outerwear for
Maintaining Tznius at a Public Laundromat Read Post »
There is a lot that can be said on this topic, but we’re going to touch on the major causes superficially. This is basically a warning to make sure you realize what you’re getting into. After the steep cost of the initial set-up, living Jewishly doesn’t seem that much more expensive to the average single
Why Being an Orthodox Jew Is Expensive Read Post »
You finally have a date with your full beit din! Yay! …Now what? Whatever you do, don’t panic. Google “how to cope with stress” if you need tips on how to keep your calm over the next few days or weeks. Nervousness will trip you up in the meeting and make you forget basic facts.
How to Prepare for Your First Beit Din Meeting Read Post »