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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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Oh man, I'm so glad you figured that out before you paid him any money! D: The new guy sounds great and I'm glad he's willing to be flexible and work with you on things like books (ohmygod so expensive). I'm a big fan of Masorti, too.

I'm glad I found out, too! Mostly, I want the opportunity to make aliyah if I want to. I don't know if that's in my future or not, but the option is very important to me. I feel like it's an important part of Jewish identity.

What do you like about Masorti, and why are you converting Reform?

I like the idea that the law is evolving and we have to pay attention to it and grow it, and how they handle things like women's and gay rights, but Masorti is not radical enough for me! I like Reform because it emphasizes individual practice more, and is also, like, "LET'S BLOW THIS HALAKHA WIDE OPEN!" and very open to wide (if firmly-argued) reimaginings. It is less directed by tradition, which I like because "tradition" usually means "dudes".

*nodnod* I was just wondering. I thought it would be something like that. Reform is too untraditional for me, but that's just me, of course. I'm so glad you've found something that makes you happy and I've been following along with you gleefully.