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Okay, so the guy in Miami is a ripoff and his conversions aren't recognized by the majority of the Jewish community. I'm glad I found that out before I paid any money. HOWEVER, I met the most charming Israeli rabbi online who has agreed to help me convert -- for free! We had our first lesson last night. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but it was a good basis for our classes. We're doing them over Skype.

The rabbi -- Hillel -- is Masorti, which is the Israeli (and other countries that aren't the US and Canada) equivalent of the Conservative movement.

He told me to save the money I would have paid the other rabbi and save up for a trip to Israel. Which is scary and exciting.

We are not just talking about Jewish stuff, either. He's funny and absolutely charming. He's gotten pretty much my whole life story out of me and I've learned a lot about him, too. He's originally from Canada and made aliyah when he was 19. Like me, he's divorced and has three children. His kids live in Jerusalem. Hillel lives in Netanya and is a full-time pulpit rabbi to a large congregation.

Now that I've completely bored you...

Something is wrong with my cat's leg. She's dragging it and it appears to be broken or out of joint. We're taking her to the vet today. :(

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Yay! I'm glad you found out before confirming anything and, yikes, paying! Masorti is good as a basis, actually, it's what I was raised in (although ridiculously lax forms of it). I like it offers a really good foundation of how to live your life as a jewish woman, while being a little more flexible with modern day pracitices and sensibilities.

Not that it doesn't have it's own insanities, too :)

Saving up money for aliyah makes me think this guy is legit from the get-go. While there are some monies associated in conversion and I wouldn't be surprised if some rabbis/synagogs charged because there are stupid greedy people everywhere, even my old rabbi who charged for everything didn't actually ask that much. Conversion is all about will and offering yourself not only to G-d but to the community. Not about how much you can pay.

*hugs* I'm glad you're pursuing this, love.

I told him about my financial circumstances and he said he would even try to scan materials for me so I don't have to buy books! He is really awesome like that.

*hugs you tight* Thank you.