The Sneaky Costs of Converting to Judaism | Conversion on a Budget Part 2

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Nobody warned me that the most expensive part of converting to Judaism wouldn’t be the big bills — it would be death by a thousand tiny receipts.

In this video, I’ll break down the everyday costs of Jewish conversion — from classes and books to Judaica, kosher kitchens, and wardrobe changes — and show you how to plan ahead without going broke. Whether you’re exploring Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or another path, these are the hidden costs you’ll want to know before you dive in.

Part 1:    • Why Is Converting to Judaism So Expensive?...  
Part 2: This video
Part 3:    • Is Converting to Judaism More Expensive Th...  

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Resources Mentioned
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Eichler’s https://www.eichlers.com/
Kosher labels, The Kosher Cook https://amzn.to/410E8dc
Wrapunzel    / @wrapunzelofficial  
PJ Library https://sharepj.love/LB99VR_signup

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⏱️ Time Stamps
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00:00 Intro
02:04 Learning
02:32 Books
03:34 Programs & Classes
03:58 Introduction to Judaism classes
04:30 Tutoring
05:26 Online classes
06:24 More books
08:02 Jewish phone apps
10:00 Keeping track
10:46 Judaica & ritual items
12:39 Keeping kosher
16:09 Wardrobe & clothing changes
20:52 Entertainment purges
23:06 Converting with kids
28:11 What’s in Part 3?

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💙 Recommendations
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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

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👩🏻‍🦰 Who Am I?
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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/

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🔗 Let’s connect:
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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