Leah McSweeney Shares an Update on Her Conversion to Judaism

Leah McSweeney has made many changes to her life since we last saw her on The Real Housewives of New York City. In the RHONY Season 13 premiere, which aired on May 4, we learned that Leah has a new apartment and a new "fur baby," her precious Chihuahua, Angel.

Those weren't Leah's only updates. She also revealed that she had begun the process of converting to Judaism. "I've been thinking about converting to Judaism for many, many years. Then when COVID hit, I was having, I would say, the only period of my life where I felt very disconnected from a god," Leah explained during an interview in the RHONY Season 13 premiere. "I quit drinking again, and I got a very deep calling to convert to Judaism."

Leah shared what else was appealing to her about practicing Judaism. "I am attracted to the challenge," she said. "Like, I think I am attracted to all the rules and the rituals and the prayers."

However, Leah said that she knew this transition would not happen overnight. "This is about progress, not perfection," she shared. "Me converting is the beginning of a very long spiritual journey."

During her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, along with her RHONY castmates, Leah shared an update on where she is in that journey today. "It's a long process," she said during the WWHL After Show (clip above). "I think I will probably be Jewish by the high holidays this year, which is exciting."

When Leah opened up to her dad about her decision to convert to Judaism in the RHONY Season 13 premiere, she told him that he didn't seem to be taking it seriously. However, Leah added on the WWHL After Show that her parents have been there for her as she goes through this process. "My parents have definitely come around, and they're supportive," she said.

Leah reflected more on this season of RHONY in advance of the Season 13 premiere in a post on Instagram on May 3. "24 hour (almost) countdown!! Last season it was really hard to be excited when the show aired because the world as we knew it was over. So I’m kind of feeling like it’s my first season all over again!" Leah wrote. "I don’t want to give too much away but wow we filmed during a challenging year. So much had changed in the world as well as for me personally." 

One of those changes was the passing of Leah's grandmother, Marie, in October 2020. "I’m really proud of what we did. And at the same time so sad Grandma Marie isn’t here to send me her weekly texts analyzing the episodes," Leah shared. "She was my rock and there is a planet sized hole in my life without her. I wasn’t sure how I’d stay abstinent from booze but whenever I felt like drinking I got strength just thinking about her."

Leah ended her post by showing a lot of love to her fellow New York Housewives, Sonja Morgan, Eboni K. Williams, Ramona Singer, and Luann de Lesseps. "Thank you for making me laugh so much during a year that would’ve otherwise been lame," Leah said.

Want more RHONY? New episodes air every Tuesday at 9/8c or catch up on the Bravo app.

Check out a preview, below.

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Photo: Leah McSweeney/Instagram