The easiest time to become Jewish may already be behind us.

Becoming Jewish has never been simple. History shows that people often choose Judaism at moments when it carries real risk. This episode explores why conversion happens across centuries, how antisemitism shapes who feels drawn toward Jewish life, and why recent events have reignited identity questions for people standing just outside the Jewish world.

Through historical examples and modern reflections, the conversation traces conversion from medieval Europe to post-October 7 America, revealing how belief, love, danger, and belonging intersect. Along the way, it challenges the idea that Judaism thrives only in comfort, suggesting instead that difficulty itself has always been part of the draw.

The discussion features insights from a leading historian of Jewish conversion, a former professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of Conversion in the “Key Words in Jewish Studies” series, who also co-curated a major exhibition on conversion through the centuries at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Key Takeaways

1. Learn how conversion to Judaism has never been about comfort — and history proves that people often choose it precisely when it’s hardest.
2. See how antisemitism, identity, and belonging are deeply connected to who feels pulled toward Judaism in different eras.
3. Understand that modern conversion stories can’t be separated from October 7th and the emotional reckoning it triggered.

Timestamps

• [00:00:00] The post-war “golden age” of American Jewry and why it may be ending
• [00:01:30] How antisemitism historically affects conversion rates
• [00:02:10] Introducing Professor Miriam Bodian and the focus on conversion
• [00:03:20] Personal background: discovering antisemitism and finding Judaism
• [00:05:10] Conversos, forced conversion, and why identity doesn’t switch overnight
• [00:09:50] Warder Cresson: the most radical American Jewish convert
• [00:14:20] Conversion in early America vs. medieval Europe
• [00:18:10] Why medieval converts risked everything to become Jewish
• [00:27:40] October 7th and its impact on modern Jewish identity and conversion
• [00:44:30] Is the golden age of Jewish comfort and conversion over?

Links

• Miriam Bodian in the Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women
• Miriam Bodian’s books on Amazon
• Project Ruth Website
• Rabbi Adam Mintz
• Meredith Berkman’s LinkedIn