“With the sole guidance of books, Juan Carlos introduced the most critical changes to the congregation: Shabbat, dietary restrictions, and circumcision.” From California Sunday Magazine’s Graciela Mochkofsky: René and Juan Carlos set out to convert their Colombian megachurch to Orthodox Judaism. This is what happened.

+ “He was a brilliant programmer and a vicious cartel boss, who became a prized U.S. government asset.” The Atavist Magazine presents a seven-part story (all of which are now available): The Mastermind.

+ Vox looks at more than 60 studies that tell a consistent story: Why you shouldn’t exercise to lose weight. (But nothing burns calories faster than reading about exercise.)

+ PopSci: Can your genes make you kill?