The Conversion Episode, 2021: Ep. 274 - Tablet Studios

What this episode covers

This week on Unorthodox, we’re proud to present our fourth-annual conversion episode. On 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 stories of conversion from all over the world. First, an interview with New York Times reporter Nellie Bowles, who has been chronicling her conversion process in her online newsletter, “Chosen by Choice.” Tablet Fellow Nina Lichtenstein describes converting for her Jewish husband (and her Jewish mother-in-law) more than two decades ago, and staying Jewish for herself after their divorce. Rapper Nissim Black shares his spiritual journey, which took him from devout Christianity to gangster rap and finally to Orthodox Judaism. Novelist Jessamyn Hope tells the story of her Italian Catholic mother’s conversion to Reform Judaism, and the many conflicted feelings Jessamyn had about it throughout her own life. Tablet Fellow Elie Bleier brings us a report from Israel about Nativ, a program that expedites conversions for soldiers serving in the IDF who aren't considered Jewish by the rabbinate. Plus, hear stories from our listeners about their own conversion experiences. Want more Unorthodox? Listen to our previous conversion episodes: 2020 Conversion Episode 2019 Conversion Episode 2018 Conversion Episode Like the show? Rate us on iTunes! Find out about all our upcoming events at www.tabletmag.com/unorthodoxlive. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get new episodes, photos, and more. Join our Facebook group, and follow Unorthodox on Twitter and Instagram. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our recording sessions on our YouTube channel! Get your Unorthodox T-shirts, mugs, and baby onesies at bit.ly/unorthoshirt. Want to book us for a live show? Email producer Josh Kross at [email protected]. Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts. Sponsors: AJWS supports activists on the ground in India helping communities during the COVID-19 surge. You can help get personal protective equipment, psychosocial support, and other critically needed aid to communities like those in India by making a twice-matched, tax-deductible donation at AJWS.org/unorthodox.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Promise to Fatherhood: Real Talk with Mick Hunt and Rudy Rush

Feb 17, 2026 ·56m

GOATS, Flaws, & Glory: The Unbeatable Debate on Who's Really the Goat!

Feb 10, 2026 ·50m

Rudy Rush's Journey- Part 2

Feb 3, 2026 ·47m

Rudy Rush Uncensored: Lessons from 30+ Years

Jan 27, 2026 ·51m

Unfiltered: The Raw Truth Behind Interracial Marriage in America

Jan 20, 2026 ·54m

Unfiltered Power Moves & Real Punchlines: How Cutting Your Circle Changes Everything

Jan 13, 2026 ·46m

Similar Podcasts

You Bet Your Garden Lehigh Valley Public Media “You Bet Your Garden” touted as an hour of “chemical-free horticultural hijinks,” is a weekly, nationally syndicated broadcast hosted by Mike McGrath. It is produced in the studios of PBS39 in Bethlehem, PA. This weekly call-in program offers ‘fiercely organic’ advice to gardeners far and wide. The History of China Podcast Ibnul Jaif Farabi / Light Knot Studios What does the world's oldest continuous civilization, with over 3,000 years of recorded history, have to teach us about power, philosophy, innovation, and human nature? "The History of China Podcast" delivers the epic saga of China in accessible, daily chapters, transforming a vast and complex past into a compelling narrative you can absorb in just minutes a day.This show chronicles the full sweep of China's story, from the mythical Xia Dynasty to the rise of the modern superpower. We explore the dazzling heights of Tang poetry and Song technology, the brutal calculus of Legalist statecraft, and the quiet wisdom of Daoist sages. Each episode focuses on a pivotal event, a transformative figure, or a defining idea—whether it's the construction of the Great Wall, the mind of Empress Wu, or the invention of paper money—weaving them into the grand tapestry of the dynastic cycle. The tone is authoritative yet vividly human, making emperors, poets, and peasants alike feel immediate and real. Fall of Rome Podcast Ibnul Jaif Farabi / Light Knot Studios What does the collapse of history's greatest superpower tell us about our own world? Was it barbarian invasions, economic decay, religious change, or a fatal cocktail of systemic failures? "Fall of Rome Podcast" delivers a compelling, daily narrative that dissects the epic unraveling of the Western Roman Empire, moving beyond simple myths to explore the complex, human-driven causes of one of history's most pivotal transformations.This show chronicles the dramatic centuries from the crisis of the third century to the final eclipse of imperial power in the West. Each concise episode tackles a specific event, theme, or figure: from the reforms of Diocletian and Constantine's conversion, to the Gothic migrations, the sacks of Rome, and the rise of barbarian kingdoms. We examine military decay, bureaucratic bloating, economic collapse, and the profound cultural shift from paganism to Christianity, weaving political drama with social and economic realities.Listeners will gain a nuanced, co The Power and The Punchline Unplugged Studios *THE POWER AND THE PUNCHLINE*Hosted by *Mick Hunt* and *Rudy Rush*Two worlds. One mission. Power and perspective meet comedy and culture.Mick Hunt, the modern voice of self-improvement and purpose, joins forces with Rudy Rush, nationally recognized comedian, TV host, and one of the sharpest talents in the industry. Together, they deliver a show that proves growth does not have to be serious, and laughter does not mean you are not learning.Each episode dives into honest conversations about life, culture, purpose, relationships, success, and the BECAUSE that keeps us moving. The power comes from the truth. The punchline makes it unforgettable.If you want conversations that make you think, laugh, and grow at the same time, this is your space.*Because sometimes the best lessons come with a laugh.*

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Tablet Studios?

This episode is 1 hour and 37 minutes long.

When was this Tablet Studios episode published?

This episode was published on May 13, 2021.

What is this episode about?

This week on Unorthodox, we’re proud to present our fourth-annual conversion episode. On 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...

Can I download this Tablet Studios episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.