First of all, I just want to remind everyone that Abraham and Sarah – founders of Judaism – were not born Jewish, so the entire Jewish people descend from a couple that decided to accept judaism as a new faith.

Why would someone decide to convert? Well, there are so many reasons. Some came to Judaism after a long spiritual search, others to have a single faith family and even because they are forced to do so in order to get married.  I truly believe that conversion must be one’s free choice and not done because of pressure, but out of a genuine desire to embrace Judaism.  I decided to convert not only because Judaism’s beliefs make sense to me but also because I want to raise my children in a single faith home.  It is true that my interest was initiated because I married a Jewish guy, with whom I share many of the values I inherited from my japanese family. The japanese culture also has the respect for the elderly, the strong family bond a even the matchmaker,and above all the determination to do good and be a better human being.

I was raised Catholic but I’ve never been a devoted Christian. My first encounter with Judaism was when I met my husband and it was a very traumatic experience.  For many years I felt discriminated not only because I wasn’t Jewish but also for my Japanese descent. The process of getting married was extremely hard on me and many times I questioned myself if this was worthwhile. Well, I decided to follow my heart and I have no regrets. However, even after our marriage,  I was prohibited to join the JCC in Venezuela as a member. I was furious and my husband frustrated!

Things started to change once we moved to New York and after my first Passover seder over a friend’s house. Everyone was chanting, the four kids were participating very actively in the readings and the food was great! Even without understanding the ritual, I could see that my husband was extremely happy that I was there sharing that moment with him.  After that, I decided to learn more about Judaism. I signed up for a seven week introductory course and then for a 24 week course.  The classes were extremely interesting and I was shocked that we did not talk about God until the fourth class. I loved that Judaism is a faith of good deeds instead of forced creeds, i.e. there is more concern in someone acting morally than having specific beliefs.

Actually, there are so many things that make Judaism exciting for me. The importance of family bond, the sense of community, the freedom to think differently, the rituals, the resilience and the ability to make simple things holy. Certainly, there are things that I do not agree with or do not understand, but I realized it is okay to disagree with some of them. After all, disagreeing is part of being Jewish.

Once I decided to learn more about Judaism, my husband helped and encouraged me in an incredible way. We started to discuss issues that we had never talked about. This brought us much closer. He assisted me with my Hebrew lessons, helped me to find myself at the service siddur and went to every and each class. He supported me in each step; instead of laughing at questions or my bad hebrew, he showed that he was proud of me.

One day, I decided to talk with my mom about my thoughts of becoming a jew. I was really afraid of her reaction. My parents understood my reasons and supported me. I know that many parents would be upset and felt left out  but I always think that conversation is the first step to find a solution.

After two years,I feel that I still have much to learn. This is definitely a great challenge, but almost all those who have gone through this process describe it as exciting, as a time of real personal and spiritual growth. I think they are right.

 

By Livia Cymrot

www.shalom-ruth.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

< back to top