Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, grew up in a Christian household, but at a pivotal juncture in her life, she chose to convert to Judaism. She completed the rigorous Orthodox conversion process prior to her 2009 marriage to Jewish real estate developer and investor Jared Kushner, following nearly two years of intensive study under Rabbi Haskel Lookstein of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in New York—ensuring her spiritual path was deeply personal rather than merely marital.
1+Since then, Judaism has served as the anchor of her personal life and the home she built with Kushner. The couple observes Shabbat, maintains kosher dietary laws, and celebrates Jewish holidays. Over the years, Ivanka has described Judaism as an “immense blessing,” particularly in shaping her family values and raising her children—reflections she previously shared in a candid conversation with Jewish philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson. Footage from an Israeli-American Council (IAC) national summit has recently resurfaced online, in which Trump reflects on her journey: “Looking back, the decision was so right and so clear. I converted before we got engaged. I felt it was vital to make the decision for myself and feel a deep inner connection—that it was something I truly wanted irrespective of our relationship.”
According to her, she and her husband are “grateful every day for the foundation of Jewish life we enjoy together. At the same time, it was pretty daunting—the amount of things I had to learn, and the lifestyle I took upon myself.” She added that if the conversion wasn’t something she was willing to do even without her love for her husband, she wasn’t sure it could be sustained over time.
1+“It’s an enormous blessing in our lives. I see it especially as we raise our children. What makes Judaism so special is how it ensures connection to family,” she said, adding that particularly given their public roles, family time is invaluable. “Dedicating time around Shabbat and the Jewish holidays to invest in our relationship with each other is a tremendous blessing,” she stressed. She went on to say that looking back, she’s glad she chose to convert before marriage, “because it’s a big commitment, and it was very fulfilling. I don’t think anyone can do it for someone else. You have to do it for yourself, and then it benefits all the rest of your life.” She concluded with a smile: “That’s more than I’ve ever said on the subject, so it stays here, right?”