TentWeavers: The Conversion to Judaism Podcast

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?

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.

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