SAPIR Conversations S18E2: Choosing to be Chosen with Rabbis Noa Kushner and Adam Mintz
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Sep 29, 2025 Rabbi Adam Mintz, founder of Project Ruth, and Rabbi Noa Kushner, a pioneering voice in American Jewish life, engage in a compelling conversation about conversion and the nature of chosenness. They discuss the surge in conversion interest following recent events, the evolving acceptance within families, and the blend of identity perceptions in America. The rabbis dive into the dynamics of welcoming converts, the motivations behind conversion, and the intricate dialogues on community and identity in Judaism. Their insights promise to challenge and inspire anyone curious about Jewish life.
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Conversions Sparked By Existing Community Life
- Rabbi Noa Kushner saw many longtime attendees decide to convert after October 7th because they already lived the practice.
- These conversions felt especially meaningful since converts were integrated community members before formal conversion.
Post‑October 7th Conversion Surge
- Rabbi Adam Mintz reports a clear post-October 7th surge in conversion requests and completions.
- He converted ~180 people in 2024 and projects over 200 in 2025, showing sustained interest.
Weekly Family Resistance Encounters
- Rabbi Adam Mintz meets weekly with Orthodox families who initially resist conversion but often accept it over time.
- He credits visible, thriving converts within communities for reducing stigma and increasing acceptance.
