Becoming Jewish is a process in more ways than one. It doesn’t happen quickly. Before taking a dip in the Mikvah, there are classes, meetings, and countless hours spent attending services at a temple in preparation for life as a Jew.
How your daily life changes is also a process. No magic wand instantly turns your world Jewish. It’s the gradual, daily application of knowledge and the step-by-step adaptation of new traditions that over time begin to add up.
One of my favorite Jewish influencers, The Challah Mom, once said, “Judaism isn’t all or nothing.” I completely agree, especially when choosing to be chosen. There is a long list of traditions to adopt and it takes time.
During a conversion class, my Rabbi encouraged students to adopt one new Jewish practice every week. I took this advice to heart leading me on a journey of discovery. Here are a few of the traditions I’ve adopted and one that I am looking forward to:
Shabbat
I love Shabbat. I look forward to it all week, and much of the tradition has become a staple in my home. On Friday afternoon, I welcome the Shabbat Bride by baking Challah. This process has taught me how to be present and connect with God in preparation for Shabbat.
Typically, while cooking, I race around the kitchen, trying to get everything done and hoping it turns out well. But baking Challah is different. It involves prayer and gratitude. I slow down and take in every moment. It’s magical.
Just before dusk, I light the Shabbat candles and say the blessing ushering in the Jewish day of rest. Saturday is all about prayer, family time, food, and relaxation. I unplug from all technology and reset before the week ahead. Since adopting this tradition I can’t imagine life without it.
Keeping Kosher
Adopting a kosher diet is probably one of the biggest adjustments when converting. Especially for those who live in locations with small Jewish populations. There are no kosher restaurants where I live and grocery stores that carry Kosher items are limited.
One good source for finding kosher items you can’t find in stores is Amazon. I’ve easily found Kosher bread flour and yeast for my Challah. But aside from finding the items, the actual change in diet can be a challenge.
A kosher diet requires that meat and dairy not be consumed in the same meal. You don’t realize how many dishes combine the two until you start eating kosher. Nevertheless, there are countless resources out there to help with the transition.
My local synagogue has cooking classes from time to time and there are plenty of kosher cookbooks out there. Nosh by Micah Siva is among my favorites. One kosher dish I enjoy making is falafel. This is not a traditional Jewish meal but it is parve.
In Kashrut, a parve dish is neither meat nor dairy. Falafels fit perfectly into this category. They contain chickpeas with fresh herbs and spices that are rolled into a ball and then deep-fried. They are delicious!
When I have time, I like to bake homemade pitas and fill them with falafel, veggies, and tahini. Falafel is the perfect Kosher meal. Here is a link to my favorite recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/how-to-make-falafel/
Giving Tzedakah
If I had to pick out one Jewish tradition that encompasses what the faith is all about I would choose Tzedakah. So much about the Jewish way of life centers around giving charity whether it be your time or money.
Jewish families often have a tzedakah box in their homes where they collect money for charity. Tzedakah boxes can be homemade and personalized or they can be purchased.
Becoming Jewish has taught me the importance of giving, not just once in a while, but every week. I love donating to local charities, but I also love giving to the local synagogue that has given so much to me.
Tzedakah is one of the most important of the Jewish traditions and a vital part of living a Jewish life. We look for ways to bless others and to bring heaven down to earth.
A Tradition I’m Looking Forward To
One tradition that I am looking forward to is building a Sukkah. Every year during the week-long holiday of Sukkot, Jews build a Sukkah which is a temporary hut commemorating the temporary dwellings the Israelites lived in following their exodus from Egypt.
Most often Sukkahs are built outside and families eat and sleep in them throughout Sukkot. The roofs are made out of natural materials like branches and leaves. The roof isn’t completely covered though. There has to be enough open space to see the stars as you fall asleep. Chabbad.org explains why:
“The reason for this is because, as our ancestors traversed the Sinai Desert for forty years following the exodus from Egypt and prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous “clouds of glory” surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert”
My goal is to celebrate next year’s Sukkot in my own Sukkah. I can’t wait to celebrate with friends and family under the stars and experience this beautiful tradition for myself.
There are so many wonderful Jewish traditions. It takes time to fully learn and adopt them all. But, one at a time, I embrace these wonderful practices and make them a part of my life. What Jewish traditions have you adopted? Please let me know in the comments. Shalom friends!
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