5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Converting to Judaism

Have you ever typed “how to convert to Judaism” at 1 AM and felt completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this video, I’m sharing the 5 things I wish I had known before starting the Jewish conversion process - the emotional truths no one really prepares you for. From navigating imposter syndrome to realizing that not all rabbis or communities are a good fit, I’ll walk you through the lessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Whether you’re just beginning to explore Judaism or deep in the process, I created this channel - and my blog's free Resource Library - to give you the tools, language, and support I wish I had. 🕯️ Want printables, guides, and conversion prep tools? Join the Building a Jewish Life mailing list and get immediate access to my free Resource Library: 👉 http://www.BuildingaJewishLife.com You're not behind. You're not failing. You're building something sacred, and you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more about my membership community Bayit Builders: https://buildingajewishlife.com/membe... ————————————————— ⏱️ Time Stamps ————————————————— 00:00 Intro 00:56 It's a marathon, not a sprint 03:03  You'll feel like an outsider, but that doesn't mean you don't belong. 03:56 Not all rabbis or programs are a good fit. 05:33  Jewish life doesn't look one way. 06:51 You're gonna want support, but more importantly, you deserve support. ———————————— 💙 Recommendations ———————————— Find my full recommendation list in the Jewish Life Resource Guide at https://buildingajewishlife.com/resou... 📚 Books Choosing a Jewish Life by Diamant: https://amzn.to/4mc4UrF To Be a Jew by Donin: https://amzn.to/3HxC1a6 How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household by Greenberg: https://amzn.to/4mYbvWP Leaving Bacon Behind by Marsh: https://amzn.to/3UWGNRG Artscroll Torah/Chumash (1st 5 books of the Bible): https://amzn.to/41BHO5p JPS Tanach (full Bible): https://amzn.to/45cXePP Artscroll Tanach (different translation): https://amzn.to/41xjIbW Children’s Torah/Bible book: The Family Torah by MacLeod https://amzn.to/4oyeWVt 📖 Prayerbooks How to choose a Jewish prayer book/siddur/machzor (with links): https://buildingajewishlife.com/2014/... 👗🧣 Clothing Women and girls’ modest clothing, workout gear, and swimwear: Kosher Casual https://amzn.to/4mzNkgT Headscarves: Wrapunzel (IRL friend) https://amzn.to/4osBxD3 🏠 Home Plata for Shabbat and holidays (only one I recommend - made with safety and Jewish observance in mind): TechYidCo. Shabbos Safe Warming Tray https://amzn.to/45u0G7D Appliance timer (use an appliance timer for anything more powerful than a lamp): Sunlite T200 24hr Heavy Duty Appliance Timer https://amzn.to/3UU4I46 Hot water urn (75% of people have this exact one, including me): Hamilton Beach https://amzn.to/47aW3C3 Kosher kitchen labels (still using 15 years later): The Kosher Cook https://amzn.to/410E8dc Crock-pot Slow Cooker: https://amzn.to/47n8WZx Instant Pot (don’t use the crockpot feature for Shabbat/holidays): https://amzn.to/4lysXA4 Kosher Lamp for Shabbat https://amzn.to/3J96n3r Yair Emanuel Judaica https://amzn.to/45uq658 🎥 Biz Gear Camera: Refurbished iPhone 16 https://amzn.to/41Fkofp DJI Mic Mini microphone https://amzn.to/4mEIaQV Weilisi 12'' Ring Light https://amzn.to/411yJ5K EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod https://amzn.to/4lrHAVN Link in bio tool: Stan.Store https://join.stan.store/BetzelemElokim ————————————————— 👩🏻‍🦰 Who Am I? ————————————————— Hi, I’m Kochava - a Jewish convert who’s been helping people navigate the conversion process with clarity, compassion, and real-life support since 2010. Whether you're just starting out, stuck somewhere in the messy middle, or figuring out post-mikvah Jewish life, you're in the right place. 🕯 I offer one-on-one coaching, printable guides, and practical resources made especially for conversion candidates and new Jews. You’ll also find years of blog posts full of encouragement, halachic help, and no-BS answers at https://buildingajewishlife.com/ ————————————————— 🔗 Let’s connect: ————————————————— Website, Blog, & Mailing List: https://buildingajewishlife.com/ Instagram @BetzelemElokim:   / betzelemelokim   TikTok @BetzelemElokim:   / betzelemelokim   Work with me: https://buildingajewishlife.com/work-... #JewishConvert #JewishConversion #ConversionToJudaism #BecomingJewish #JewishJourney #BuildingAJewishLife