Meet Canada’s newest Jews: why so many converted in Kelowna, B. C. this summer.

A small Canadian Jewish community just got 20 per cent bigger in one afternoon, after 11 adults and 2 babies were formally converted to Judaism in Kelowna, B.C. (That’s what the president likes to joke.) Bit in all seriousness, a team of rabbis from across Canada taught the conversion course during the pandemic, on Zoom. Then they flew to Kelowna in person for the final stage exam and ritual immersion. As the newest members of the Jewish people prepare to celebrate their first Jewish New Year, The CJN Daily podcast spoke to Carina de Villiers and to Rabbi Alan Bright of Montreal, about the challenges and the joys of the unique journey. Okanagan Jewish Community Centre: Listen to the CJN’s Yehupetzville podcast on a visit with Kelowna’s Jewish community: