The Conversion Episode, 2022: Ep 319

This week, we present our fifth-annual Conversion Episode. Each year on the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, we read the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of the first convert to Judaism. To celebrate Ruth and all the Jews by choice since then, we’re sharing three deeply personal stories about the path to becoming Jewish. 

First we hear from our associate producer Quinn Waller, who is in the process of converting. Despite all her learning and studying, she is still dogged by feelings of inauthenticity, and she brings us along as she works through those emotions. 

Listener Hunter Thomas shares his story of how a Jewish podcast (hi!) and a Jewish museum ultimately sparked his decision to convert. 

We also catch up with Yael Wallace, whose story we shared on our 2019 conversion episode, and whose life since then has taken several dramatic turns. It’s an update you won’t want to miss. 

Listen to all our conversion episodes here.

To learn all about the holiday of Shavuot and get delicious dairy recipes, including Joan Nathan’s blintzes and cheesecake, head to tabletmag.com/shavuot.We are hiring a community manager! Help us connect with the audiences of all our shows, run our social media, and generally be our cheerleader. It’s a six-month, part-time position, and a chance to work with your favorite Jewish podcasters. Learn more at tabletm.ag/community

We love to hear from you! Send us your emails and voice memos at unorthodox@tabletmag.com, or leave a voicemail at our listener line: (914) 570-4869. Remember to tell us who you are and where you’re calling from. 

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Unorthodox is produced by Tablet Studios. Check out all of our podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.