On October 7th, the world changed—and for some, so did their decision to embrace Judaism.
Conversion to Judaism is a deeply personal journey, but it’s also a subject of intense debate within Jewish communities. In this episode, legal scholar and New Yorker writer Professor Jeannie Sook Gerson shares her own conversion experience, detailing the complexities of Jewish identity, religious law, and the surprising ways October 7th influenced her decision.
This discussion explores the challenges faced by converts—navigating family expectations, denominational differences, and the unspoken tensions around Orthodox vs. Reform conversion standards. With insights from Rabbi Adam Mintz, founder of Project Ruth, this episode unveils the lesser-known realities of Jewish conversion, including the hidden debates over Zionism, LGBTQ+ converts, and what it truly means to become part of the Jewish people.
Key Takeaways
- Conversion to Judaism isn’t just a religious act—it’s a transformation of identity, history, and community ties.
- The Jewish world is deeply divided on who qualifies as a Jew, with Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative perspectives clashing over conversion standards.
- October 7th sparked a wave of introspection, leading some to solidify their Jewish identity—whether through conversion or a renewed sense of belonging.
Timestamps:
- [00:00] – Converts “join Judaism retroactively” – what this means historically and spiritually
- [01:12] – Introduction to Professor Jeannie Sook Gerson and her New Yorker article The Choosing Ones
- [03:47] – Why Jeannie expected backlash—but was shocked by the overwhelmingly positive response
- [09:32] – The hidden struggles of Orthodox converts & why some rabbis resist discussing certain conversions
- [14:51] – Project Ruth’s role in conversion & the debate over different Orthodox standards
- [21:27] – How October 7th sparked conversions—people realizing their connection to the Jewish people
- [28:48] – Navigating dual identities: Jeannie’s experience as a Korean American Jew
- [34:45] – The “Christmas dilemma” for Jewish converts—how to handle interfaith family traditions
- [41:57] – The controversy over LGBTQ+ conversions in Orthodox Judaism & pushback Rabbi Mintz received
- [46:39] – Final thoughts: Why the conversation on conversion matters for the Jewish future
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