Let’s get in some deep psychological stuff today. Let’s talk about impostor syndrome. Sometimes (okay, maybe a lot), I feel like a Jewish impostor. We’ll start with a visit to my Inner Monologue: After 10 years in the community and almost 3 years after Conversion 2.0, I still wonder if I was really, totally sincere. And […]

I happen to be a big fan of the Colbert Report. Stephen Colbert is a fellow Charlestonian, so I can hipster you by telling you that I’ve probably been stalking him longer than you. I was catching up on last week’s episodes and caught a great segment called The Atone Phone, where Jews can call […]

Looking to wish people a happy new year? The internet is here to help.  There are a few ways to greet people over the coming week, but we’re going to start with “Shana tovah!” Here’s a great Israeli pronunciation. You’ll notice that the accented syllable is different from what many American Jews say: ShaNAH ToVAH. […]

No. Just no.  There is no prohibition against a person with tattoos using a mikvah, either male or female. I have never heard of anyone being turned away from a mikvah, other than single women (but that’s a different discussion – premarital sex, not tattoos). Getting a tattoo is prohibited, but there is no prohibition […]

Well, sure. However, your mileage may vary whether you get in the door, whether you have a seat, or whether people are jerks to you. (All of the below applies to synagogues in any movement – orthodox, conservative, and reform.) I don’t like that shuls charge exorbitant amounts for “tickets” for the High Holydays. I […]

Thanks to readers like you, last week’s Orthodox Women Talk panel was very successful! Question #2 is up now: Orthodox Women Talk  The Question: How does one prep or enjoy Shabbos with young children/while working full time/on long Shabbos afternoons? Be sure to go join the conversation!

I’m part of a new series that asks various orthodox women questions about their Jewish practice. The first post is up today, and you should check it out! Orthodox Women Talk The first question: Do you find it boring to sit through endless Shabbat services conducted in a language you may or may not know?

All the conversion candidates named Sarah, David, Samuel, Rebecca, and Alexander can rejoice!  If you already have a “Jewish name” and you like it, then you don’t have to change your name! Rachel becomes Rachel, and Rebecca becomes Rivka.  However, some rabbis may insist that you use a different name in order to separate yourself […]

Yes, yes you can. But remember, you’re gonna be naked. So choose wisely. But you may be wondering, “Guests?? Why would I want guests?!” There are three types of potential guests: Asking a same-sex friend to be your mikvah attendant (to make sure you’re prepared properly and answer any questions) Asking same-sex friends to go […]

I’m no fortune cookie, but I see a lot of celebrations in your future. That’s right. You now have all the birthdays. Let’s count them, shall we? Your physical date of birth according to the secular calendar Your physical date of birth according to the Hebrew calendar The English date of your conversion The Hebrew […]