Don't just read about Orthodox Jewish life.
Try a piece of it.
For readers who've been curious and want to experience something real — a Shabbat dinner, a Seder, a holiday — here are three options. None require conversion. None require belief. You're simply being invited to something beautiful.
The Shabbat Experience Kit
Everything you need to host your own first Friday night Shabbat dinner. A curated, gift-ready box: two Shabbat candles, a fabric challah cover, a kiddush cup, a bottle of kosher grape juice, and a 20-page printed guide booklet from Chava walking you through every step.
- ✓ Ships anywhere in the US
- ✓ Perfect as a gift
- ✓ No commitment beyond one dinner
- ✓ Reusable kit — use every Friday if you want
Virtual Shabbat Dinner
Join a real Orthodox family on Zoom for Friday evening. 90 minutes. Watch the candle lighting. Hear the kiddush (blessing over the wine). Break challah together. Ask any question you've ever wanted to ask. Small group — 30 seats maximum.
- ✓ First Friday of each month
- ✓ 90 minutes, 6:00 PM ET
- ✓ Interactive — real Q&A
- ✓ Recording available if you miss the live session
Pricing reflects the Jewish tradition of giving in multiples of 18 (chai = life).
Holiday Experiences
Four seasonal virtual events throughout the Jewish year. Join a real Passover Seder, a Rosh Hashanah dinner, a Chanukah candle lighting, or a Purim celebration. Each one is a chance to see a major holiday from the inside.
- ✓ Virtual Seder (March/April)
- ✓ Rosh Hashanah dinner (September)
- ✓ Chanukah candle lighting (December)
- ✓ Purim celebration (February/March)
Frequently asked
Do I have to be Jewish to participate?
No. All three options are specifically designed for non-Jewish guests. You're welcome exactly as you are.
Do I have to believe anything?
No belief required. You're participating in a cultural and spiritual experience as a thoughtful observer (and, if you want, a participant). The family won't pressure you to pray, bless, or believe anything.
Is this a stepping stone to converting?
Not unless you want it to be. Most guests come once out of curiosity and leave with a richer understanding of a neighbor's world. Conversion is a separate, serious path — see the Partway In page if you're actually considering it.
Can I bring my partner / family?
Yes. For the Shabbat Kit, one kit serves a family (the guide is for up to 6-8 people). For virtual dinners, each seat is one person, but you can book multiple seats for family members to share the screen.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Virtual dinners: you're eating your own food at home, so it's your kitchen rules. The Kit: the grape juice and challah cover have no dietary implications. You provide your own bread (any bread works) and dinner.
What if the kit arrives broken / the event cancels?
Full replacement or refund, no questions. Send an email.
Not sure which to try?
The Shabbat Kit is the easiest first step — you pick your own night, your own pace, no Zoom commitment. The Virtual Dinner is higher engagement but lets you ask real questions. The Holiday Experiences are rarer and more event-like. You can always do all three.
Ask Chava