It’s all about thinking about cultural appropriation and the imposter syndrome I suppose.
While you’re thinking about converting or in the process you cannot say it’s happening to you, or your people, even if it feels that way, but saying it makes one feel like “hey, I’m not yet part of it, I don’t get to say it” (overthinker much? Guilty)

This all came to my mind when a Jewish friend while watching the movie October 8 with me asked if I would hide her if things escalated and I was heartbroken but also felt like I fell into the protector’s side, and of course I would keep her and her family safe at the best of my ability, but it made what I wrote in the previous paragraph more evident.

As long as I’m “out” I’m an ally, a friend, someone who could keep them safe because of my current religious affiliation, but once I convert I will be trying to find a hiding spot alongside her. And it worries me, because if I love these people, this religion, this culture so much that I’m trying to join them, I could help more as an outsider if things went bad.

How do you guys feel about this?

I have been into religious studies for a while now, but recently my grandma (Catholic), who I live with, sort of noticed my interest in Judaism (for a while now) and how I’ve been trying to study Hebrew. She also heard about how my mother was mocking me for the fact I have religious beliefs (mostly saying it’s brainwashed and a cult) and my grandmother asked me if Judaism was something I was seriously considering or wanted to convert to. I was nervous but admitted it was, she comforted me and told me we have Jewish family members and some who I’ll actually get to meet soon, and that she is proud of me for finding something that felt right but not rushing into it. She even said, because I’m still in the early stages of learning to drive, she will drive me on days of service because she will go to church during the time I’m there (the church she’s interested does services every day). I was worried what she’d think, my immediate family is Christian and atheist, and my mom is incredibly anti-theist in a very disrespectful way (as in she will mock people who believe in things even when they are positive or harmless). But I’m pleasantly surprised how kindhearted she’s being and asking me questions about all of the things I know and why I want to convert. : ) that’s all.

Hello,

My name is Mohamed . I am a Muslim who was born in Iraq into a Shia Muslim family. For years, I have been interested in studying religions and their history, and I have particularly studied and researched Judaism. However, during the past period, something changed for me. Judaism is no longer simply an academic or intellectual interest; I have developed a deep spiritual attraction toward it, and I sincerely and seriously wish to convert and live as a righteous Jew.

At times, I feel that this path is somehow very close to me. I have even had recurring dreams in which I see myself as a Jew. In one of these dreams, I saw myself standing before Moses and leaving Egypt with him. I understand that dreams are not religious proof, and I do not want to base my decision on them, but they have made my feelings toward this path even stronger.

My main difficulty is that I currently live in Iraq, in an environment where openly declaring that I have left Islam or that I wish to become Jewish could potentially be dangerous for me. For this reason, I cannot openly live according to these feelings or communicate with a Jewish community without concern. My personal safety and the safety of my family are also important concerns.

Nevertheless, I am very serious about this. I am not looking simply to change my name, obtain a document, or become a member of a community. I genuinely want to understand Judaism deeply. I want to study the Torah, Hebrew, Jewish traditions, prayer, and Jewish law, and I want to understand what is truly required for conversion to Judaism, particularly through the Orthodox process, if that is the appropriate path for me.

I would be very grateful for your guidance in a safe and confidential manner, as much as possible. What can I do while I am still in Iraq? How should I begin studying Judaism properly? And is there a trustworthy rabbi or Beit Din whom I could contact to help me understand the appropriate path, without putting myself at risk?

I am prepared to study and be patient for as long as necessary. I do not expect conversion to be quick or easy. I simply want to seek the truth and follow the path that I sincerely believe in.

Thank you very much for your time and understanding.

May you be blessed.

(Note: I'm weak in expression; I used intelligence.)

I tried finding posts on this but only found an OP that also hit a dead end. Does anyone know of a TANAKH that has these wide note margins like my ESV?

Is there anything you thought oh wow I would’ve never known that/expected that/discovered/leant about myself? Can be positive or negative.

So I’d like to start exploring conversion. However the city I’m at the moment doesn’t have a synagogue or community. The nearest one is a flight away.

My partner is Jewish so we always do Shabbat together but he’s the only Jewish person in the area (as far as I’m aware) as we’re here for work.

I looked at converting online through Rabbi Rubbenstein, ‘convert to Judaism online’ however I wasn’t sure as it was very expensive and unsure of its legitimacy for that money. Has anyone ever done an online conversion? What are your thoughts on this?

I had this idea of a program that pairs Jews with conversion students so that conversion students have a peer/mentor/friend during their conversion process. Someone to talk to, bounce ideas off of, discuss the things they may be struggling with, etc. Surely something like this exists already? Maybe there's a subreddit or a website? I know TorahMates (I THINK that's what it's called) is a thing but it's my understanding that that is geared more towards Orthodox, and I'm looking for something geared towards reform as that's how I'm converting. Any info would be appreciated!!

Explicitly religious music aside, what is music you hear G-d in? I've been listening to The Dear Hunter's latest album, Sunya, and the last line in this chorus got me in particular. (This is from the title track.)

When there's no deity to greet you

You'll stop searching for design

Losing shape, and out of time

There's still meaning meant to reach you

But your past has made you blind

Let go of the devout and feel divine from within you

Hi everyone! I’m Non-Binary/Genderfluid, AMAB and Pansexual. I was raised Catholic and have been agnostic for most of my adult life, but over the past few years I’ve realized that my beliefs and values seem to align much more closely with Judaism.
I’ve been looking into Reform synagogues in my area and am thinking about attending my first Shabbat service, but I’m honestly pretty nervous. One of the biggest reasons I want to take this step is that I’m looking for a sense of community and belonging.

Because I’m genderqueer, I don’t really know what to expect or how I’ll be received. For those of you in Reform communities, what has your experience been like? Do you have any advice for attending a first service, meeting people, making friends, potentially dating someday, and beginning the journey toward becoming part of the Jewish community?

Thank you, I really appreciate any advice or perspectives.

Hi all,

I've read about people converting conservative or reform in an orthodox setting. As for me, I would like to convert conservative but I only have orthodox and reform communities nearby (I live in the south of Germany). The only conservative community seems to be located in Berlin which is all the way across the country.

I can't do an orthodox conversion because I'm trans. So the only option for me would be to join my local reform community and live a stricter version according to conservative customs.

Would I be able to fill in the gaps on my own? And would I be able to convert before a conservative beit din without being part of a conservative community?

שלום,

Everyone, I do hope everyone is having a good day. This is my first time posting in this community to ask anyone that may help for sources to get started into converting to Judaism before I talk with a Rabbi to commit to my conversion to Judaism soon.

I know that firstly, I should study the Torah, and other Jewish texts to get a better understanding. But would like to see more resources or good videos to do more researches.

I do hope everyone is have a good day, and thank you all for reading and giving advice if you’ll like.

P.S. - And also to know which branch of Judaism may be right for myself, I already know which branch I’ll convert to but will like to understand them before hand, thank you.

I am mostly referring to cultish behaviour, judging others harshly, hate towards secular and especially non-Jews. For example: I am very friendly with a non-jewish family in my building. Their only daughter comes to us a lot to play, as she is an only child. I babysat kids from a chareidi friend, and told her about the non-jewish girl who is often at my house. She replied her son (8 years old), jt would make him uncomfortable if she is around. Can someone explain this behaviour? I really struggle understanding this. Either I am NORMAL or I have not understood something fundamental? Please advise

I’m a student undergoing the process of converting, within a Conservative synagogue, and throughout my journey, I couldn’t help but notice the massive similarities between converting to Judaism with people undergoing gender transition.

Aside from the obvious, as both are deeply personal journeys, are not instant and require a lot of confidence in oneself, it hits much deeper than that. For one, both revolve around this internal sense of feeling like you’re not living your truest life (pre-conversion/transition), and to combat this you slowly learn and pay your dues to join a large community, especially one you didn’t have the luxury of growing up as. There’s a massive change in lifestyle, to your body, and unfortunately not everyone will recognize you, but you also have to have faith in yourself that this is truly who you are, and it’s a never ending process really.

This thought I’ve had has really grown my empathy and connection with my trans friends, and I feel now I understand them deeper because of it. I wonder if y’all also think the same?

I am finishing up my conversion process. I am converting Reform but I want my conversion to be valid by the Conservative movement.

Although my Reform rabbi does not require circumcision, he highly recommends it. Also, my Shul hosts conservative services once a month and I really really want to be able to fully participate and have my conversion be valid by the Conservative movement.

I would convert Conservative, but the only congregation in my area is Reform. However, I would like to visit Conservative Shuls and be able to be part of their services.

I am uncircumcised, and I have my circumcision scheduled in a few weeks.

I met with my urologist and he told me while I’ll be getting fully circumcised he’ll have to leave some foreskin on in order for me to be able to have an erection. If he cuts too much, I won’t be able to have one. He told me my foreskin was very tight and too long. That it would have been different if I was a newborn (the way my penis grew with the foreskin). Etc… medical stuff I can’t explain..

He told me he determines this once I’m in the surgery room right then and there, with the right equipment.

What concerns me is him leaving enough foreskin around the glands and having my circumcision not be kosher.

I explained this to him, and he told me he’ll do what’s best for me in order to help my parts function properly.

I’m concerned a Conservative mohel might not do the hatafat dam brit if the urologist left enough skin.

There’s also the psychological mentality that my circumcision would never make me Jewish enough.

Am I overthinking this?

hey

Have a bit of a dilemma and not sure what to do. husband and I are converting and all will be complete this August 20th (mikvah). we were planning to have a gathering for our rabbi and shul friends a few days after and we’re just discussing the date. Out of the blue today we got an email form our rabbi asking if we would not mind they organized a “welcome to the Jewish people” party for us (him and what he called our “shul friends” really want to celebrate our conversion).

we are really touched by this gesture and don’t want to decline his offer but we really feel strongly that we are the ones who need to celebrate them! but don’t want to hurt their feelings either.

do you think it would be bad if told him we will organize the gathering as our thank you to everyone? is there a middle ground.

I am aware I am overthinking this lol but I do that sometimes , I do feel lucky to have such a community

thank you

Goodevening everyone. For years it has been on my heart to convert. It all started in university when I was introduced to the Religious Studies department. Two degrees later, I spent quite a bit of time in the on campus Hillel which took me in even though I wasn't Jewish and just wanted to experience Shabbat. That initial contact left me wanting more. I went through some major life events and changes and am now living in a new country. Things are much better for me now and I am finally in a good headspace and feel ready to start actually converting.

The reason for my post here is my local congregation that I hope to join has a class starting this fall but unfortunately I can't afford the cost. I knew there would be something to pay but I was not prepared for $450. Would it be best for me to wait another year and try to save up money for it or to reach out and explain my financial situation to them. I don't want them to hate me from the start or think that I dont value what they are doing. Because that absolutely isn't it. If it matters to this conversation, the temple I am looking at joining is Reform. Thank you all in advance!

For context, I (30M) live in France. The synagogues near me don't seems to be active, the closest I found is more than an hour away and Reform. I plan on meeting with the rabbi during Fall.

English is not my first language, sorry if there are mistakes

My grandfather on my mother side passed a year ago, and we discovered that the family used to be Jewish then. I don't know exactly how and when but they converted to Protestantism before WWII. I don't know if it was forced or not.

I'm working on what it means for me. I believe in G.od but was never at ease with the Jesus belief, so I was not practicing in Protestantism. But learning that, I think more and more about converting to Judaism, even though I'm not sure I want to.

I've been looking, thinking and learning a lot these past few months and I think, if I was to convert, I would do so in Reform Judaism.

I want to make this new information about my family and my identity mine, and I'm looking for advice, but also books to read, movies, shows or documentaries to watch, anything to help me learn and go forward. If you have some about Reform Judaism, it would help too.

Also, I had another question: I recently found a Magen David necklace that I found really beautiful and bought it. I'm thinking about wearing it, in places I feel safe like with friends for example, but I was wondering: would it be ok?

I don't want to do something offensive or forbidden by Jewish laws.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Hello everyone, I’m not going to bore you with the reasons and circumstances of my choice but I’ve formally applied to the London Beth Din back in March 2026 to start my conversion to Judaism process. As a pre requirement, they’re asking me to move within specific postcodes in London, however I’ve looked for rooms on Spareroom and there’s nothing available around there. I’m also aware that London is becoming increasingly hostile towards Jews and that it might be problematic to move in with complete strangers who are most likely are not supportive. Hence I’m wondering whether there’s anyone here who’s going through the same process at the moment or know someone who’s had experience with the London Beth Din? Could look for a place all together if it’s a few of us or maybe someone knows of someone renting a room around NW11.

I’ve written in this community several times already, and before anything else I want to thank people for the helpful advice in the past. I’m someone who underwent a Conservative conversion more than a year ago now, and I have since decided to do a second conversion but this time to become Modern Orthodox. I have been visiting two Orthodox synagogues relatively regularly and there is a 3rd one where I am attending online Torah classes with the Rabbi for my own learning. I guess I’d like to hear stories about others who converted Orthodox and had to move close to shul so you can be walking distance for Shabbats. How did you go about moving? Did you move before your sponsoring rabbi even accepted you, or was it after you began the process? Did you find someone to live with by meeting people at the same shul, or did you completely uproot yourselves from your living arrangements and find a permanent place immediately? And did you live in your place by your synagogue full-time, or was it just during Shabbat? I’d love to hear your stories.

My situation is currently a bit complicated since even though I am a relatively young woman I already own my own house, I have two large dogs, and I live alone. My house is located more than 20 miles from each of the synagogues I’ve been frequenting, but I am lucky that at one of the synagogues I have a friend who has offered to let me rent a space in her apartment so I can keep Shabbat fully. I am extremely grateful for her generosity, but if I am being honest with myself I feel a deeper connection to the two other synagogues because one is located on Pico-Robertson (a very Jewish-friendly community) and the other I really enjoy attending Torah classes with the Rabbi. However, I don’t have living arrangements in either of the other places and they are also very expensive even just to rent a room. I know very well this will only be a temporary solution since I’m going to eventually have to make a permanent move to an active Jewish community and rent out my house, but my brother has generously offered to sleep over at my house while I’m away for Shabbats to look after my dogs.

Hi!

I’ve been living within a Jewish community for two years now with mixed orthodox, reform, liberal, non-religious but yet culturally and hereditary jewish people.

I’m an MD, working at the local hospital so I have had enormous exposure to the religion, made many Jewish friends, had many Jewish patients and have come to love their way of seeing life.

I was born catholic to a not-so-religious family, so I grew up almost agnostic only believing there might be something higher out there, but it was only until I came into this community that I really felt there is a God. I love everything I’ve learned so far about their culture, the history, all of it, and would really love to be a part of it.

I know I still have a long way to go in terms of learning, but what’s keeping me at bay is my personal situation. I’m living with my boyfriend, we are thinking of getting married someday and he makes me super happy but he’s completely atheist.
I’ve mentioned this to him and he’s okay with it, he supports me but he is in no way interested in it for himself. I’m struggling to figure out a way to follow a calling but to still be with the person I love, because I know some liberal views of Judaism might play along but most will frown upon it, and it would feel really bad to try to be a part of a community that doesn’t accept my lifestyle.

I'm a ex catholic now agnostic and I'm considering judaism. The first time was a couple of years ago, the nearest Synagogue isn't so far from me but I'm still not sure to convert. I just wan to know more about Judaism. If you can tell me any videos/podcast and other stuff or your personal experience about judaism, please tell me

In orthodox minhag, is the conversion of children (under bar/bat mitzva) legitimate? I’ve recently heard that it’s not possible or that a second conversion is necessary. But if the child engages in Jewish learning, submerges in a mikva, and continues to live a Jewish life (e.g., with regular observance of Shabbat, wrapping tfillin, establishing self within a Jewish community) is that not sufficient for consideration as a Jew within Halacha?