What happens when you’re born Muslim, fall in love with Judaism, and try to reconcile both.

What does it mean to convert to Judaism—not just ritually, but spiritually, emotionally, communally? In this episode, we explore the raw and revelatory journey of Sina, an Iranian-born, Sufi-raised thinker who found home in an ultra-Orthodox community in Baltimore. From early feelings of displacement to the powerful sense of being welcomed, Sina’s story isn’t just about religion—it’s about identity, belonging, legacy, and parenting in a deeply Jewish context.

Joined by Jewish activist Meredith Berkman and hosted by Rabbi Adam Minz, this conversation dives into the unseen nuances of conversion: the invisible switch of full acceptance, the trials of davening with authenticity, and the urgency of raising a Jewish child in a world fraught with division. Sina’s thoughtful insights are woven with modern reflections and ancient wisdom—making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking deeper understanding of faith, family, and the Jewish future.

Key Takeaways

1. The spiritual journey into Judaism isn’t just personal—it’s deeply communal, and that community can sometimes surprise you with its warmth and rigor.
2. Coming from a background of Sufi and Shia values, Sina’s path into ultra-Orthodox Judaism reveals surprising overlaps between faiths.
3. Raising a Jewish child post-conversion reframes tradition as both a gift and a responsibility—a sacred roadmap for navigating kindness, identity, and resilience.

Timestamps

• [00:00] The Garden, the Fruit, and the Jewish Journey
• [03:16] Feeling Displaced—and Finding a Spark in Judaism
• [06:49] Why the Jewish Journey Resonated So Deeply
• [10:05] Growing Up in a Sufi-Shia Home and its Influence
• [15:00] What It’s Like Entering an Ultra-Orthodox Community
• [19:54] Flipping the Switch: Being Fully Accepted After Conversion
• [27:00] The Real Moment Sina Felt He Was Jewish
• [29:36] How Fatherhood Reshaped His Faith Practice
• [36:30] The Struggle to Daven with Meaning
• [44:31] Looking Forward: Judaism’s Model for Dealing with Loss

Links

• Project Ruth Website
• Rabbi Adam Mintz
• Meredith Berkman’s LinkedI