TentWeavers: The Conversion to Judaism Podcast Michael Gilboa

Eric Cartman of South Park has (apparently) converted to Judaism and become a rabbi. Rabbi Michael Gilboa, Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz, and Rabbi Juan Mejia discuss the implications of this fictional anti-Semite's journey to Torah and mitzvot. Are there people whose past deeds are so bad that they cannot repent and convert? What does Cartman's conversion and ordination mean for the visibility and representation of converts to Judaism (and convert rabbis) in pop culture? How much of this episode will we have to take back when this all turns out to be a prank on Kyle?

Rabbi Michael Gilboa and Rabbi Juan Mejia discuss a fascinating midrash from Nedarim 32a in the Talmud: Abraham misses a chance to share Judaism with the people of Sodom, resulting in tragedy for everyone involved.

Who are the TentWeavers? What does it mean to weave ourselves and others into the fabric of the Jewish tent? Rabbi Michael Gilboa, Rabbi Juan Mejia, Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz and Rabbi Noah Ferro discuss our new name and format.

1 out of 6 American Jews enter Judaism by choice. We live rich, meaningful, and fully Jewish lives, but we also face unique challenges and unique blessings. We never lose our distinctiveness, even after we convert, and we would never want to. Our journeys and our perspectives give strength to the weave that is the Jewish people. Converts to Judaism make up a distinct tribe within our people, and TentWeavers aims to speak to this group and for this group as we navigate our lives within the rich constellation of Jewish identities.

How do we stay connected to our families of origin? When tragedy strikes, should converts engage in Jewish rituals of mourning for their non-Jewish familiy members? Rabbi Michael Gilboa and Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz discuss this and more with Rabbi Bailey Romano of Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia.

Rabbi Michael Gilboa and Rabbi Juan Mejia speak with Rabbi John Carrier of Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center in Pasadena, California, about the term "ger" in the Torah. Is a "ger" a stranger, a convert, a sojourner, or something else entirely? How does this ancient word connect to the way we welcome newcomers into the Jewish community today?

For more information about Rabbi Carrier's new online learning program, please visit https://jewishlearningcommunity.com

Theme song courtesy of Joe Buchanan: https://youtu.be/fZeQBcrtIC4
Check out Joe's new album Back from Babylon: https://joebuchananmusic.com

Rabbi Michael Gilboa, Rabbi Juan Mejia, Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz, and Rabbi Noah Ferro discuss their insights about conversion to Judaism. What is the best metaphor for conversion? Are converts like newborns, and their rabbis like midwives? Or are converts like immigrants, and their rabbis like immigration officers?