The course overseen by Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg is living waters to your mind and heart.
The course along with the Video’s; touches on all aspects of the Jewish faith. My family and I not only
took the course but also became “long distance members!” of Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation.
What a joy knowing we are members and support such a wonderful loving congregation. The Cantor Benjamin Warschawski
brings such a spiritual and inspirational blessing to the services.
His CD provides such an inspiration as his voice fills your home or car. My family and I would encourage everyone to pick
up a copy of this inspirational CD as a gift.
Shalom and practicing the Three L’s (find out what a life changer they are).
Clarence, Jane, Samantha and Stephanie; the Jackson Family
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
CB
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
*1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
I have been drawn to Judaism by so many facets; it is hard to define them all. There is a core in me that has identified as Jewish for so many years, and I have practiced Judaism for so many years now that that it is one of the ways I identify myself, as well as part of who I feel I am (one of the reason I’m also so excited about the conversion process!). I love the part of belonging to Hashem and being committed to Hashem and having a direct connection to Hashem at all times, with no intermediary. I feel a draw to being a part of something, so far greater than myself and my time, yet so present at all times too, being a part of the Jewish people. I am drawn to the guidance and structure that Judaism offers, and the free will that we have to choose to honor and follow a covenant with Hashem. Raising my children with Jewish values and a sense of Jewish identity also strikes a chord deep within me. Belonging is another big piece of the puzzle, as my father and only sibling both observe and practice Orthodox Judaism, and my father’s entire side of the family is deeply rooted in their Jewish heritage and traditions; I am drawn to being a part of this family experience. Keeping and guarding Shabbat is also a facet of observance of Judaism that I love, the family and togetherness that Shabbat fosters, while keeping the role and blessings of Hashem in the forefront, has drawn me to Judaism. As time goes by, I continue to find facets of the faith and observance that draw me deeper into my beliefs and convictions that I am a Jew at heart, as my children may be also. Conversion will solidify these feelings and, I believe, allow me and the girls to continue our lives as observant and practicing Jews.
*2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
I have found that there are many core Jewish values which I find very appealing and persuasive, that reach me in the core. Most of which include the values and beliefs for how we treat others and how we relate to Hashem. For instance, I find very appealing the idea that all persons are inherently equal in our creation and that we are all inherently valuable. We all have divine aspects and that creates a form of human dignity is very important; as a practicing licensed clinical social worker and as a young woman rearing children, these are very important core values and basic Jewish ideas that I hold and I really find very appealing. The basic idea of free will, and the ability to exercise my will and choose to recognize and honor the Jewish covenant with Hashem, is also very appealing to me. For instance, realizing that I educate my children to have loving kindness towards others, I realize that they are developing and exercising their free will. Developmentally my girls will test boundaries and learn to define their own limits, but that I may educate them and help them to choose to live a righteous life, of showing loving kindness and respect to others (other Jewish values for how to treat others that I hold dear). Especially in our Christian dominated society, it is very important for me that my children understand that Hashem is God, who loves them and protects them but also commands them to follow the commandments as set forth for Jews and to live lives of decency and to treat others well. Along these lines, it is so critical for me that my children learn how dearly held is the one God that we believe in: Hashem is One. We pray directly to Hashem, Hashem is and will always be. This basic tenant of Jewish belief and core value of Judaism is so firmly held and offers me such a sense of relief and security in my live, that I hope too that I may pass on this core Jewish value to my children.
*3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
I have identified myself as Jewish for over 10 years now. When I began to be aware of my own sense of spirituality and religious observance, since my late teens and early 20’s, I have checked the box as “Jewish” in any demographic poll. I have identified myself as Jewish, as recognized by Reform standards and patrilineal descent, since age 16 or 17 when I started college. At that time, I think that there was very little thought put into my religious affiliation, as I just needed a box to check. However, as I have done more exploration into my own beliefs and have deepened my understanding of my father’s heritage and the rituals and observance of my father’s side of the family, I have become more and more drawn to the Jewish faith.
I feel pulled to Judaism as if it is where I belong in the world; it’s hard to even put it into words. For instance, when my father took me to Israel when I finished college, I felt “at home.” People say that about Israel, but I never really understood it until I experienced it: like sleeping in your own bed after you’ve been on vacation in hotels for a month. After this trip, I really began to explore what I wanted from my self-proclaimed Jewish affiliation. I began attending, with more regularity, all of the extended family events over the Jewish holidays. I began reading the Torah. I began lighting candles on Friday nights and I began reading about Judaism. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn.
During this time of my own self exploration, my sister converted to Orthodox Judaism and married the son of an Orthodox Rabbi and had her first child. Watching her faith in her marriage and in her identity caused me to want to explore my own beliefs even further. I was drawn to the way in which my sister had a faith which not only guided her spiritual beliefs, but the routines of her life to include keeping Shabbat and raising her children in a Jewish home and giving them more of an experience and education that she and I were afforded. I loved the tradition, the belonging, the sense of purpose. So much so that when I married, my husband and I did agree to marry in a Jewish/interfaith ceremony (as he is of the Episcopal faith by upbringing) and to raise our children as Jewish children in a Jewish home.
As our own level of observance has grown and changed, it has become more and more important to me to instill upon our children the beliefs I hold and the belief in one God and in the ritual observances of Shabbat and the holidays that my children may gain a sense of their own culture and family traditions. The festivals, the synagogue affiliation, the Jewish education, all are areas of the Jewish faith that I now hold dear and hope to pass on to my girls.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
Hashem is one. There is no other. Hashem has always been and will always be. I feel such security in these assertions, and also such responsibility, to hold this dear and to actively work to teach my children how blessed we are to know Hashem, to love Hashem and to obey Hashem. I find the belief in Jewish people, as the chosen people to honor and obey Hashem’s commandments as very vital. Still, I recognize that those who are not Jews need not follow the same commandments, as certain commandments are both the gifts and the burdens to the Jews. This is a gift from Hashem, to live as persons chosen to live a life of example and to both fear and love Hashem. I know that I can talk to Hashem, with no intermediary. When I seek guidance and direction, I have tradition, literature and rabbis that I may turn to and seek guidance, but Hashem remains accessible to me, to each of us.
*5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
When I began college I found that I became more involved with Jewish life, as I became involved with Hillel on campus and with my father’s extended family to participate in Jewish rituals and traditions, mainly the High Holidays and the festival holidays. However, as time went on, I began to become more interested in Jewish traditions such as keeping Shabbat and reading Torah. Over the past four years, since I have married and began creating a family with my spouse, our observance as a couple and as a family has increased, tenfold, as my husband and I are committed to raising our girls in a Jewish home, observing Jewish tradition and culture. Not only has this increased my own personal level of observance but it has helped me gain a sense of identity and unity as a group of people. In brining Jewish tradition into our homes on a daily basis, I have felt that our home has been rich and warm with peace and love. As trite as this sounds, here are two examples. For instance, keeping Shabbat, not only do we light candles, and say blessings over challah, but we create the opportunity for each of us to connect with Hashem. I really love how this time allows my eldest (almost three) to identify what she is thankful for and how Hashem has enriched her life as well. Another example is how my children both know to “blow kisses” to the mezuzah on their bedroom door (it’s at the lowest point of the third top of the door, but they still can’t reach it). It tickles me to no avail how my girls find such joy and pleasure in these daily activities of Jewish living. As for how our Jewish life will progress, I expect it to continue to grow, exponentially, as our children get older. For instance, we are currently attending Sunday school with our eldest, and after my conversion ceremony, I would like to sit on the planning committee of the synagogue religious school and work with the toddler classes to find more ways to bring Jewish tradition to the toddler level (the program is only two years old at our small synagogue and I’d really love to help and see it grow for our children and for others years down the road). I’m also currently a member of our synagogue’s fellowship, where we plan social activities for the shul, and we are always seeking ways for our congregation to bring Jewish traditions into weekly activities.
*6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
Identifying as a Jew, I feel that Israel is a homeland, for myself and my children. One of the reasons a conservative conversion was so important to me was so that my children and myself (and spouse included) would have Right of Return and recognition as Jews in Israel and around the world. While neither myself nor my children will be recognized by my sister and her extended family as Jews (as they are of the Orthodox persuasion), Conservative Judaism is recognized worldwide. Not only are my children and I welcome as Jews in our small synagogue in Leesburg FL, but we are also joining a group of Jews who both locally and nationally affiliate with Conservative Judaism. Conservative Judaism is also recognized and growing; there are Conservative Jews in Israel and in Diaspora worldwide. We are becoming a part of!
*7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Regarding prayer, I have committed to attending services with my children and spouse, so that my children and I may continue to develop familiarity with prayer and using Hebrew prayers and understanding their translation. Right now, we pray to thank Hashem for our food, we thank Hashem each night before sleep (my eldest can say the entire prayer in Hebrew . . . I’m so proud) and we pray for Shabbat and as we light the candles we ask the girls what they would like to say to Hashem and what they would like to thank Hashem for. We also pray each Friday over the challah bread I bake. That leads to my commitment to keep Shabbat. Right now, at our current level of observance, we celebrate Shabbat each Friday night by kindling the lights together and saying prayers over the Shabbat candles. We then have a homemade meal with a real table cloth (as opposed to the vinyl we often use for easy clean up with the kids) and say blessings over the challah bread I bake on Fridays; the girls come home and they know its Shabbat just by the smell of the home, I love that I can do this for them. As for keeping kosher, we do not. My husband is not of the Jewish faith, and while he is committed to having a Jewish home and raise our children in the Jewish faith, he hold firm to cheeseburgers and pepperoni pizza. For the most part, he is very accepting about us not cooking pork products in the home and not offering them to our girls as food of choice, but for all my husband is doing, I do not push that matter at this time. Additionally, as my girls attend a private, non Jewish, daycare (as there are no Jewish day schools within an hour drive of our home), it is not feasible at this time to keep a kosher home. Who knows though, what the future will bring . . . as my father’s home and my sister’s homes are kosher, and the girls do know what that means, time will tell how this will develop and change in our own home and for our level of observance.
*8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
The more I am learning, the more I learn that I still need to explore and study. As my eldest is now in Sunday School, I plan to study with her as her class meets each Sunday. I also plan to continue my readings of the Parsha of the week and the Jewish books that I find address issues of concern or questions for me, for instance I’m really going to be looking to explore what I may find on views of death and life after death and what happens at time of death according to various Jewish thoughts. I also plan to continue the study as our synagogue offers during adult education classes and as our Rabbi teaches new topics each week as they relate to the Parsha of the week. There is also a free online course that is currently being offered by the OU that my sister has told me about that I’d like to explore. So, there are many ways that I plan to continue to study; I hope it may continue to be a lifelong journey!
*1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
I have been drawn to Judaism by so many facets; it is hard to define them all. There is a core in me that has identified as Jewish for so many years, and I have practiced Judaism for so many years now that that it is one of the ways I identify myself, as well as part of who I feel I am (one of the reason I’m also so excited about the conversion process!). I love the part of belonging to Hashem and being committed to Hashem and having a direct connection to Hashem at all times, with no intermediary. I feel a draw to being a part of something, so far greater than myself and my time, yet so present at all times too, being a part of the Jewish people. I am drawn to the guidance and structure that Judaism offers, and the free will that we have to choose to honor and follow a covenant with Hashem. Raising my children with Jewish values and a sense of Jewish identity also strikes a chord deep within me. Belonging is another big piece of the puzzle, as my father and only sibling both observe and practice Orthodox Judaism, and my father’s entire side of the family is deeply rooted in their Jewish heritage and traditions; I am drawn to being a part of this family experience. Keeping and guarding Shabbat is also a facet of observance of Judaism that I love, the family and togetherness that Shabbat fosters, while keeping the role and blessings of Hashem in the forefront, has drawn me to Judaism. As time goes by, I continue to find facets of the faith and observance that draw me deeper into my beliefs and convictions that I am a Jew at heart, as my children may be also. Conversion will solidify these feelings and, I believe, allow me and the girls to continue our lives as observant and practicing Jews.
*2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
I have found that there are many core Jewish values which I find very appealing and persuasive, that reach me in the core. Most of which include the values and beliefs for how we treat others and how we relate to Hashem. For instance, I find very appealing the idea that all persons are inherently equal in our creation and that we are all inherently valuable. We all have divine aspects and that creates a form of human dignity is very important; as a practicing licensed clinical social worker and as a young woman rearing children, these are very important core values and basic Jewish ideas that I hold and I really find very appealing. The basic idea of free will, and the ability to exercise my will and choose to recognize and honor the Jewish covenant with Hashem, is also very appealing to me. For instance, realizing that I educate my children to have loving kindness towards others, I realize that they are developing and exercising their free will. Developmentally my girls will test boundaries and learn to define their own limits, but that I may educate them and help them to choose to live a righteous life, of showing loving kindness and respect to others (other Jewish values for how to treat others that I hold dear). Especially in our Christian dominated society, it is very important for me that my children understand that Hashem is God, who loves them and protects them but also commands them to follow the commandments as set forth for Jews and to live lives of decency and to treat others well. Along these lines, it is so critical for me that my children learn how dearly held is the one God that we believe in: Hashem is One. We pray directly to Hashem, Hashem is and will always be. This basic tenant of Jewish belief and core value of Judaism is so firmly held and offers me such a sense of relief and security in my live, that I hope too that I may pass on this core Jewish value to my children.
*3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
I have identified myself as Jewish for over 10 years now. When I began to be aware of my own sense of spirituality and religious observance, since my late teens and early 20’s, I have checked the box as “Jewish” in any demographic poll. I have identified myself as Jewish, as recognized by Reform standards and patrilineal descent, since age 16 or 17 when I started college. At that time, I think that there was very little thought put into my religious affiliation, as I just needed a box to check. However, as I have done more exploration into my own beliefs and have deepened my understanding of my father’s heritage and the rituals and observance of my father’s side of the family, I have become more and more drawn to the Jewish faith.
I feel pulled to Judaism as if it is where I belong in the world; it’s hard to even put it into words. For instance, when my father took me to Israel when I finished college, I felt “at home.” People say that about Israel, but I never really understood it until I experienced it: like sleeping in your own bed after you’ve been on vacation in hotels for a month. After this trip, I really began to explore what I wanted from my self-proclaimed Jewish affiliation. I began attending, with more regularity, all of the extended family events over the Jewish holidays. I began reading the Torah. I began lighting candles on Friday nights and I began reading about Judaism. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn.
During this time of my own self exploration, my sister converted to Orthodox Judaism and married the son of an Orthodox Rabbi and had her first child. Watching her faith in her marriage and in her identity caused me to want to explore my own beliefs even further. I was drawn to the way in which my sister had a faith which not only guided her spiritual beliefs, but the routines of her life to include keeping Shabbat and raising her children in a Jewish home and giving them more of an experience and education that she and I were afforded. I loved the tradition, the belonging, the sense of purpose. So much so that when I married, my husband and I did agree to marry in a Jewish/interfaith ceremony (as he is of the Episcopal faith by upbringing) and to raise our children as Jewish children in a Jewish home.
As our own level of observance has grown and changed, it has become more and more important to me to instill upon our children the beliefs I hold and the belief in one God and in the ritual observances of Shabbat and the holidays that my children may gain a sense of their own culture and family traditions. The festivals, the synagogue affiliation, the Jewish education, all are areas of the Jewish faith that I now hold dear and hope to pass on to my girls.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
Hashem is one. There is no other. Hashem has always been and will always be. I feel such security in these assertions, and also such responsibility, to hold this dear and to actively work to teach my children how blessed we are to know Hashem, to love Hashem and to obey Hashem. I find the belief in Jewish people, as the chosen people to honor and obey Hashem’s commandments as very vital. Still, I recognize that those who are not Jews need not follow the same commandments, as certain commandments are both the gifts and the burdens to the Jews. This is a gift from Hashem, to live as persons chosen to live a life of example and to both fear and love Hashem. I know that I can talk to Hashem, with no intermediary. When I seek guidance and direction, I have tradition, literature and rabbis that I may turn to and seek guidance, but Hashem remains accessible to me, to each of us.
*5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
When I began college I found that I became more involved with Jewish life, as I became involved with Hillel on campus and with my father’s extended family to participate in Jewish rituals and traditions, mainly the High Holidays and the festival holidays. However, as time went on, I began to become more interested in Jewish traditions such as keeping Shabbat and reading Torah. Over the past four years, since I have married and began creating a family with my spouse, our observance as a couple and as a family has increased, tenfold, as my husband and I are committed to raising our girls in a Jewish home, observing Jewish tradition and culture. Not only has this increased my own personal level of observance but it has helped me gain a sense of identity and unity as a group of people. In brining Jewish tradition into our homes on a daily basis, I have felt that our home has been rich and warm with peace and love. As trite as this sounds, here are two examples. For instance, keeping Shabbat, not only do we light candles, and say blessings over challah, but we create the opportunity for each of us to connect with Hashem. I really love how this time allows my eldest (almost three) to identify what she is thankful for and how Hashem has enriched her life as well. Another example is how my children both know to “blow kisses” to the mezuzah on their bedroom door (it’s at the lowest point of the third top of the door, but they still can’t reach it). It tickles me to no avail how my girls find such joy and pleasure in these daily activities of Jewish living. As for how our Jewish life will progress, I expect it to continue to grow, exponentially, as our children get older. For instance, we are currently attending Sunday school with our eldest, and after my conversion ceremony, I would like to sit on the planning committee of the synagogue religious school and work with the toddler classes to find more ways to bring Jewish tradition to the toddler level (the program is only two years old at our small synagogue and I’d really love to help and see it grow for our children and for others years down the road). I’m also currently a member of our synagogue’s fellowship, where we plan social activities for the shul, and we are always seeking ways for our congregation to bring Jewish traditions into weekly activities.
*6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
Identifying as a Jew, I feel that Israel is a homeland, for myself and my children. One of the reasons a conservative conversion was so important to me was so that my children and myself (and spouse included) would have Right of Return and recognition as Jews in Israel and around the world. While neither myself nor my children will be recognized by my sister and her extended family as Jews (as they are of the Orthodox persuasion), Conservative Judaism is recognized worldwide. Not only are my children and I welcome as Jews in our small synagogue in Leesburg FL, but we are also joining a group of Jews who both locally and nationally affiliate with Conservative Judaism. Conservative Judaism is also recognized and growing; there are Conservative Jews in Israel and in Diaspora worldwide. We are becoming a part of!
*7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Regarding prayer, I have committed to attending services with my children and spouse, so that my children and I may continue to develop familiarity with prayer and using Hebrew prayers and understanding their translation. Right now, we pray to thank Hashem for our food, we thank Hashem each night before sleep (my eldest can say the entire prayer in Hebrew . . . I’m so proud) and we pray for Shabbat and as we light the candles we ask the girls what they would like to say to Hashem and what they would like to thank Hashem for. We also pray each Friday over the challah bread I bake. That leads to my commitment to keep Shabbat. Right now, at our current level of observance, we celebrate Shabbat each Friday night by kindling the lights together and saying prayers over the Shabbat candles. We then have a homemade meal with a real table cloth (as opposed to the vinyl we often use for easy clean up with the kids) and say blessings over the challah bread I bake on Fridays; the girls come home and they know its Shabbat just by the smell of the home, I love that I can do this for them. As for keeping kosher, we do not. My husband is not of the Jewish faith, and while he is committed to having a Jewish home and raise our children in the Jewish faith, he hold firm to cheeseburgers and pepperoni pizza. For the most part, he is very accepting about us not cooking pork products in the home and not offering them to our girls as food of choice, but for all my husband is doing, I do not push that matter at this time. Additionally, as my girls attend a private, non Jewish, daycare (as there are no Jewish day schools within an hour drive of our home), it is not feasible at this time to keep a kosher home. Who knows though, what the future will bring . . . as my father’s home and my sister’s homes are kosher, and the girls do know what that means, time will tell how this will develop and change in our own home and for our level of observance.
*8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
The more I am learning, the more I learn that I still need to explore and study. As my eldest is now in Sunday School, I plan to study with her as her class meets each Sunday. I also plan to continue my readings of the Parsha of the week and the Jewish books that I find address issues of concern or questions for me, for instance I’m really going to be looking to explore what I may find on views of death and life after death and what happens at time of death according to various Jewish thoughts. I also plan to continue the study as our synagogue offers during adult education classes and as our Rabbi teaches new topics each week as they relate to the Parsha of the week. There is also a free online course that is currently being offered by the OU that my sister has told me about that I’d like to explore. So, there are many ways that I plan to continue to study; I hope it may continue to be a lifelong journey!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
from Vegas
Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
> >
> > Monotheism is the main factor that led me to Judaism. This is something I’ve believed for as long as I can remember, but couldn’t get past Christianity’s assertion that God was the whole of several parts or that there are 3 separate forms of God.
> > I regarded Christianity as well-meaning, but naïve and politely removed myself from its influence.
> > I sat in a kind of limbo, feeling a spiritual hunger, more or less reconciling myself to spiritual frustration.
> > It took a reading of the book Exodus to start me on the road to discovering Judaism. The thinking, the logic, the beauty, the heroism, the values, are all factors which drew me to this splendid way of life. The more I read, the more fascinated I became and the greater the sense of “this is right and good” became.
> > Since my initial discovery of Judaism, all that I have read and learned have increased my resolve to become a Jew and have served to foment a love for it.
> >
> > 2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
> >
> > The ethical morality Judaism champions provides an effective base for study of more specific value-driven behaviors. This is the single most significant value for me.
> > The values that the various mitzvot represent are important to me. The value of reverence for all life, something I have always felt, speaks a great deal to me.
> > The value of life-long learning appeals to me.
> > The value of tzedakah is meaningful and important to me, and appeals to my naturally generous nature.
> > To chose only a few of those values I feel strongly about certainly does not diminish all the other values of Judaism. Those I have listed are those I have an especial feeling for.
> >
> > 3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
> >
> > Judaism has realistic grasp of life and what it means to be alive on the Earth and how mankind must conduct itself during the time allotted it here.
> > Judaism is concerned more with our present lives and happiness than whatever may be awaiting us after death. These make sense to me, are things that I have felt, and that I am completely comfortable aligning myself with.
> > I find it offensive and repulsive to be asked to subscribe to a philosophy that regards “life after death” as man’s primary goal and the basic feeling that man is just treading water during his short time on Earth, or, in addition, one that allows any validity to the “original sin” nonsense.
> > The precepts of Judaism are much, much more appropriate for me. Its philosophy and sense of life are completely compatible with mine as well as the attitude that life is proactive rather than reactive.
> >
> > 4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
> >
> > My concept and understanding of God is that He is a supreme, vast intelligence; a being without physical form who is the master creator.
> > I like to think that I have a basic relationship with God that will be ever-increasing, and as I grow in my adopted religion, so will my devotion and appreciation of God. As it is right now, I stand wide-eyed and open-mouthed in awe of Him and the amazing reality He has created; at the enormity of the universe and at the tiniest particle of matter. That will never change, but as I become more comfortable, my relationship with God will deepen and become even more meaningful and valuable, not just for me, but hopefully for Him as well.
> >
> > 5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
> >
> > I find myself centering much more on Judaism. I can say confidently that I have fallen in love with it, and that I am excited at the prospect of redefining myself and my life.
> > So far, my personal life hasn’t really changed as far as my relationships with others. As for myself, I am thinking more Jewishly in that I am connecting and applying what I think, what I eat, and how I behave with what I’ve learned.
> > I will be moving soon, and I plan to make my new home a Jewish home, and
> > I am actively shopping for those things that will help me to achieve that end.
> > My children are supportive of my decision, which I appreciate, though I’d proceed even if they felt differently.
> > As I look to the future, my Jewish life will grow more solid as I become more confident and knowledgeable about Judaism. I must confess to having a lot of fun and I am thoroughly enjoying my studies.
> >
> > 6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
> >
> > My sense of identification with the Jewish people, be it in relation to Israel, locally or with a synagogue is a work-in-progress.
> > I am actively developing a personal Jewish identity and expect identification with the Jewish people will evolve and proceed from that.
> > I can say that so far, I can identify with Jewry insofar as being in agreement with Jewish philosophical values and religious precepts.
> > I wish to become a part of the struggle of the Jews in Israel and have plans to participate in activities designed to further Israeli efforts.
> > There are organizations locally that I will be a part of in order to do my part for the less fortunate, and I look forward to becoming a member of a local synagogue.
> > In short, I guess you could say that my life will revolve around Judaism, and I’ve begun to make the transition from my previous life to my new-found life.
> > These are all things I can do that will help to concretize my identification with the Jewish people.
> >
> > 7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
> >
> > Among others, one thing I am studying is Hebrew. To me, prayer is more meaningful if done in Hebrew. I enjoy learning the language and when I become able to really pray in Hebrew, I‘ll have realized one of my goals in my commitment to prayer.
> > My ability to recite prayers in Hebrew right now is limited, but my resolve to improve is not. I have very strong commitments to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher.
> > A goal of mine is to be able to attend Shabbat services weekly. As it is, I’m able to view online services, though there’s nothing like being there.
> > I have been keeping kosher now for many weeks and as I learn more, I am able to fine-tune my observance of Kashrut. Keeping kosher is a challenge, but I’m equal to the task.
> >
> >
> > 8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
> >
> > Over the last 9 or 10 months that I have been studying Judaism, my enthusiasm for it has grown. My Jewish library has also grown. I am a strong and devoted book lover, and as I progress in my studies of Judaism, the subject matter of most of my books is evolving and my collection of Judaica is growing and will continue to do so.
> > There is much to learn, but there are many resources to use. The internet is a wonderful tool. For some time now I have had many Jewish-learning websites bookmarked for current and future learning. I am receiving several web-based newsletters and emails from several of these sites.
> > Since there is such a vast amount of information, I look forward to many years of study.
> >
> >
>
> >
> > Monotheism is the main factor that led me to Judaism. This is something I’ve believed for as long as I can remember, but couldn’t get past Christianity’s assertion that God was the whole of several parts or that there are 3 separate forms of God.
> > I regarded Christianity as well-meaning, but naïve and politely removed myself from its influence.
> > I sat in a kind of limbo, feeling a spiritual hunger, more or less reconciling myself to spiritual frustration.
> > It took a reading of the book Exodus to start me on the road to discovering Judaism. The thinking, the logic, the beauty, the heroism, the values, are all factors which drew me to this splendid way of life. The more I read, the more fascinated I became and the greater the sense of “this is right and good” became.
> > Since my initial discovery of Judaism, all that I have read and learned have increased my resolve to become a Jew and have served to foment a love for it.
> >
> > 2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
> >
> > The ethical morality Judaism champions provides an effective base for study of more specific value-driven behaviors. This is the single most significant value for me.
> > The values that the various mitzvot represent are important to me. The value of reverence for all life, something I have always felt, speaks a great deal to me.
> > The value of life-long learning appeals to me.
> > The value of tzedakah is meaningful and important to me, and appeals to my naturally generous nature.
> > To chose only a few of those values I feel strongly about certainly does not diminish all the other values of Judaism. Those I have listed are those I have an especial feeling for.
> >
> > 3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
> >
> > Judaism has realistic grasp of life and what it means to be alive on the Earth and how mankind must conduct itself during the time allotted it here.
> > Judaism is concerned more with our present lives and happiness than whatever may be awaiting us after death. These make sense to me, are things that I have felt, and that I am completely comfortable aligning myself with.
> > I find it offensive and repulsive to be asked to subscribe to a philosophy that regards “life after death” as man’s primary goal and the basic feeling that man is just treading water during his short time on Earth, or, in addition, one that allows any validity to the “original sin” nonsense.
> > The precepts of Judaism are much, much more appropriate for me. Its philosophy and sense of life are completely compatible with mine as well as the attitude that life is proactive rather than reactive.
> >
> > 4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
> >
> > My concept and understanding of God is that He is a supreme, vast intelligence; a being without physical form who is the master creator.
> > I like to think that I have a basic relationship with God that will be ever-increasing, and as I grow in my adopted religion, so will my devotion and appreciation of God. As it is right now, I stand wide-eyed and open-mouthed in awe of Him and the amazing reality He has created; at the enormity of the universe and at the tiniest particle of matter. That will never change, but as I become more comfortable, my relationship with God will deepen and become even more meaningful and valuable, not just for me, but hopefully for Him as well.
> >
> > 5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
> >
> > I find myself centering much more on Judaism. I can say confidently that I have fallen in love with it, and that I am excited at the prospect of redefining myself and my life.
> > So far, my personal life hasn’t really changed as far as my relationships with others. As for myself, I am thinking more Jewishly in that I am connecting and applying what I think, what I eat, and how I behave with what I’ve learned.
> > I will be moving soon, and I plan to make my new home a Jewish home, and
> > I am actively shopping for those things that will help me to achieve that end.
> > My children are supportive of my decision, which I appreciate, though I’d proceed even if they felt differently.
> > As I look to the future, my Jewish life will grow more solid as I become more confident and knowledgeable about Judaism. I must confess to having a lot of fun and I am thoroughly enjoying my studies.
> >
> > 6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
> >
> > My sense of identification with the Jewish people, be it in relation to Israel, locally or with a synagogue is a work-in-progress.
> > I am actively developing a personal Jewish identity and expect identification with the Jewish people will evolve and proceed from that.
> > I can say that so far, I can identify with Jewry insofar as being in agreement with Jewish philosophical values and religious precepts.
> > I wish to become a part of the struggle of the Jews in Israel and have plans to participate in activities designed to further Israeli efforts.
> > There are organizations locally that I will be a part of in order to do my part for the less fortunate, and I look forward to becoming a member of a local synagogue.
> > In short, I guess you could say that my life will revolve around Judaism, and I’ve begun to make the transition from my previous life to my new-found life.
> > These are all things I can do that will help to concretize my identification with the Jewish people.
> >
> > 7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
> >
> > Among others, one thing I am studying is Hebrew. To me, prayer is more meaningful if done in Hebrew. I enjoy learning the language and when I become able to really pray in Hebrew, I‘ll have realized one of my goals in my commitment to prayer.
> > My ability to recite prayers in Hebrew right now is limited, but my resolve to improve is not. I have very strong commitments to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher.
> > A goal of mine is to be able to attend Shabbat services weekly. As it is, I’m able to view online services, though there’s nothing like being there.
> > I have been keeping kosher now for many weeks and as I learn more, I am able to fine-tune my observance of Kashrut. Keeping kosher is a challenge, but I’m equal to the task.
> >
> >
> > 8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
> >
> > Over the last 9 or 10 months that I have been studying Judaism, my enthusiasm for it has grown. My Jewish library has also grown. I am a strong and devoted book lover, and as I progress in my studies of Judaism, the subject matter of most of my books is evolving and my collection of Judaica is growing and will continue to do so.
> > There is much to learn, but there are many resources to use. The internet is a wonderful tool. For some time now I have had many Jewish-learning websites bookmarked for current and future learning. I am receiving several web-based newsletters and emails from several of these sites.
> > Since there is such a vast amount of information, I look forward to many years of study.
> >
> >
>
Friday, August 7, 2009
4 essays
4 ESSAYs FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
Ari daughter
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Rabbi Ginsburg. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
I was aware of the fact that I had Jewish family, but I didn't want to walk into something blindly. I spent two years of my life researching different religions. I did reading, went to services, and asked questions. The more I studied up on Judaism, the more I realized that it almost exactly fits my belief structure. The more I learn as I continue to study, the more I want to continue my education for the rest of my life. Judaism has inspired me to strive to live a better life, to be the best person that I can be. It has brought me closer to my family, and caused me to look at the world and its people in a much different light.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
I find the feeling that Jewish people have towards one another, their family, and G*d to be completely appealing. The sense of tradition is truly inspiring. Knowing that you can place all of the love in your heart in G*d's hands, and having faith that he will lead you on the path that He means for you to follow. The path made for me led straight to the Jewish faith, and I could not be more grateful.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
Judaism, as I stated before, is a perfect fit for my life. I relish the feeling of love that I now feel from G*d. I love that I was led to a religion that I believe whole heartedly in. My belief in one G*d, the sense of tradition, the love of one's family and people. It has changed my life in such a positive way.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G*d is all knowing and awe inspiring. The more that I learn, the more respectful of G*d that I am and will continue to be. I try, every day, to show reverence, and to keep the lines of communication open. I pray often, not just to be blessed, but to also let G*d know that I am constantly aware of His divine presence and wisdom.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
I enjoy having Shabbat dinner with my family every Friday. At a point we were all too busy to get together. Now I find that, because of our love of G*d, we make sure to MAKE the time to get together, out of respect for each other and G*d. Friday services are another enjoyable step in the right direction. We are also observing Holidays, and learning the history behind them. I am still in the process of learning, but am certain that the more that I learn, the more fulfilled my life will become.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
There is a sense of belonging that I can't explain. The feeling of emptiness that used to consume me is now absent. It's amazing. I find myself paying closer attention to current events, and what is currently happening to the state of Israel, and the world's attitude toward the Jewish people. I do believe that Israel is the Promised Land, and that it is sacred. I do fear for Israel's well being and the Jewish people in the state of unrest that is currently prominent, both in the Middle East and in the rest of the world. Fortunately, the Jewish people have each other to lean on during hard times.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Prayer is something that I've learned to appreciate. I make sure that I pray at least twice a day, in the morning and again in the evenings. I also have made a conscious effort to keep kosher. I've found the longer that I've been kosher, the easier it has become and will continue to be. Shabbat dinners have also become very important to me and my family. We have accomplished something together, and have grown very close in the process.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
I feel like being fluent in Hebrew is imperative, so I'm going to continue learning the language. I will also continue to study and learn our blessings and prayers. I am excited about learning more about Jewish holidays and traditions. The Jewish faith is one that can't be learned or taught over a short period of time. It's a life long process of learning, practicing, and respect for our people and G*d. I am going to dedicate my life to doing just that.
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
Miri
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Rabbi Ginsburg. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
I've always had the feeling that something was missing in my life, around 2 years ago I went to a Shabbat service for the first time, and for the first time in as long as i can remember I felt whole. Everything about Judaism gives me a whole peaceful feeling and brings me closer to my family as i believe the same feeling
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The values that all Jewish people have towards G-D and their family. Knowing there is one G-D and placing all of your faith and love in him and knowing whole heartedly that G-D gives you all of the love you give him back ten fold. Judaism also brings me closer to my family, we share a bond now that we never had before.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
Judaism fits into everything I believe to be true. I believe the Torah is the truth. Judaism feels very natural to me it fits into my lifestyle very easily and freely it allows me to express my love for G-D, Israel, and my family very openly and honestly.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G-D is everything to me he feels my heart and soul with a pure love I had never felt before. G-D expects us to love him and to follow and believe in the Torah, Talmud and the Mitzvahs.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
I now go to Shabbat service every Friday, Saturday morning services and I have Shabbat dinner with my family on Fridays. I have started celebrating the Jewish holidays and I'm learning more and more about them. My life has changed only for the better and I know the more I learn and understand about my faith the better it will get.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
I feel a sense of belonging when I am at the synagogue, I feel closer to G-D, my Jewish faith, and other Jewish people. I feel connected to all Jews across the world. I think all Jews feel connected and share a special bond with one another and with Israel, it is the promise land G-D gave the Jewish people when he lead them out of Egypt and it saddens me to think there people out there that think it should be taken away.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Prayer and G-D are the biggest commitments I have, prayer brings me closer to
G-D, and G-D is everything, G-D inspires and helps me to keep kosher and Shabbat has become the highlight of my week. I feel so close to G-D and everyone during Shabbat service and my family grows closer every shabbat meal we share together
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
I plan to continue learning Hebrew and our prayers, attending Shabbat service and having Shabbat dinner with my family. I also look forward to learning more about our holidays and celebrating them and my new relationship to G-D.
Hannah
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
My husband has been going to the Synagogue on and off since 1990. My daughter for the past 2 years, I can see the different way they say and do things. I can see the joy and happiness in both of them. I wanted to learn more about Judaism so I took the introductory course through Rabbi Ginsburg. I can feel the difference now, by studding and learning the prayers. What I didn't understand, my husband explained to me. Even though I have a problem with the Hebrew words meaning, I feel if I keep going over again and again, I will pick it up.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The love I feel for G-D and the love that is returned . The love and joy for my family. The way G-D can forgive us, teaches us we can be no different.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
I find Judaism fits my life style of love and kindness more than anything else.
I can see the different ways it has changed my way of thinking and learning the Torah, and about Jewish Traditions. Judaism has brought joy and peace in our family lives.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G-D wants us to love him with all our heart and might. We must put G-D first in our lives before all others to be a light for the world to see.
Learning more about Judaism, G-D, and the Mitzvots allows us to prove our love to G-d
and ourselves.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
The change in our home because of Tradition is many. I'm learning more about the holidays and observing them. Having Shabbat and Havdalah each week and making Challah bread for the first time. The love for my husband and children grows more and more each every day.
The love and respect for my family and return the love and respect I receive back. I can only foresee more of Jewish living and loving in our home for the future.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
I plan on becoming a more active member in activates like the Jewish Sisterhood. I intend on becoming more active in Jewish affairs in politics and my local Synagogue. I plan on supporting Israel by buying goods produced there and help those Jews abroad with charitable donations to make Aliyah.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Prayer is done daily to keep G-D love alive in us. I feel at peace and have such joy after praying. Prayer is done daily to keep G-D love alive in us. I feel at peace and have such joy after praying. The Shabbat is the cornerstone in Jewish families; it brings families together for the love of G-D.
At this time we have purchase more dishes, Pots, utensils and we shop for non-kosher food items.
To me eating non-kosher food is a lot different, than the rest of our family. I don't eat meat of any kind, but It does make it a little bit harder to cook for all of us.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
By learning the Hebrew language and prayers.
Studding the Torah and trying to keep everything straight in my mind.
Not growing up Jewish or knowing anyone that is Jewish to me makes it hard to understand. Its like starting over at the age of one, and growing up all over again
e Samuel
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
The factors that drew me to Judaism are many. My Great Grand Parents were Jewish and my father was born a Jew. My Father married a Christian that would not convert and later
divorced my father. My father never got to raise us as my mother got custody. I thank
G-D that I got to tell my father about my first experience in a Jewish Synagogue. When I walked through the doors a feeling came over me as if telling me "This is where you belong". I started going to the Synagogue in the spring of 1990. The love of G-d caused me to make a lot of changes in my life freely. I tried to live Judaism as best I could. My Wife and children were not Jewish nor belong to any Christian faith. When I announced to my wife and family I was going to start going to the Synagogue my wife said okay dear. My whole family is now ready to convert and we have been observing the Sabbath together, holidays and festivals. I feel a deep feeling of Joy now being allowed to convert with my family and fully participate with them the love of G-d , Torah, festivals, deep discussions of the Law and the closeness of a Jewish family. The closeness of G-d, Torah, living Jewish and Loving Jewish are the most important factors. We now Observe Shabbat, havdalah, festivals and holidays as a Jewish family.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The Jewish values are Loving G-d directly and feeling the love of G-d in return. The Jewish values are of closeness of family at Shabbat observant at home. Taking a break from all
the hectic things of the world to calmly thank G-d by performing the Shabbat observances and sharing a meal with family where the spirit of love, G-d and family are present. Learning something new daily about Jewish life or a Mitzvah and sharing it with family members. Judaism is the one way to bring a family closer to G-d and each other.
One of the most important Values I learned is doing things, not because I wanted to but because G-d wanted the Mitzvah carried out. There is Joy in doing Good Deeds but we have to also realize that there will be times when we do not feel like doing a Mitzvah
but we as Jewish people do them for the sake of humanity and because it is Tradition.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
Judaism fits our lifestyle of love of G-d, Israel, family and our neighbors. The world religions are harsh and very materialist. The world religions speak of a reward system of a place you gain access to. They promote a place that no one has been or return to verify untold riches. They also set other G-d's before G-d and that is clearly breaking a Ten commandment. Judaism is One on one with G-d and the ability to live a life of doing for others without being asked. We love G-d enough to embrace the truth in the Tanach. Judaism fits into my lifestyle as the tradition has been the same for thousands of years.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G-d expects us to love him with all our hearts and being a light unto the World. Living a life different from the world. G-d gives us the Torah, Talmud, and the Tradition as our inspiration to love all humanity and through G-D's love we learn how to weave it into our daily lives. Learning more about Judaism throughout our lifetime as we perform the Mitzvots. G-D understand as converts we start walking in his ways we can not perform all the Mitzvahs on our path but we can tell someone of the Mitzvah or in later years return and perform that Mitzvah ourselves. G-D expects us to try our best to learn and live Jewish daily. Being a Convert I realize that there are many things I must willing learn but by the help of G-d and the Jewish people, I will grow daily in the love of G-D and knowledge.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
I have felt better love towards each other in my family. The respect of my children grows with each passing Shabbat. The love between my wife and I grows stronger daily and the respect of G-d in our lives. Judaism really does cause Shalom in the home and life. Through the
Traditions we learn why we do things in their proper time and place. The values of Love, Life, Torah, Israel and family gather new meaning. We as a family have a better awareness of Jewish activities in our community. We see our future as one of learning Hebrew, getting involved in our Jewish community, becoming more aware of World Events that involve Israel and the Jewish people. We intend to continue our synagogue and participate with the congregation.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
As a convert I realize the commitment to G_d, Torah study, Jewish life, Israel and all Jews. Israel is the land G-D promised to Abraham and delivered Jewish Egyptian Slaves to. Israel being a homeland that G-d gave the Jewish people and its importance to us as Jews is one of rebirth of regeneration of the Jewish people to flourish and be as the sands of the sea as he told Abraham. All Jews even those in Diaspora have an obligation to love, the Torah the origins of our faith and protect our homeland. Israel and its history identify us as Jews, no matter where we are Israel remains a focal point of Judaism. Where G-D lead the Jewish people out of Egyptian slavery and all the Holy places strengthen the Jewish people's solidarity in times of great diversity and the Tradition as they bare witness. We as American Jews also must gather at our synagogues to learn, love and calibrate Jewish rites of passage among the congregations family.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
My commitment to prayer is one of Jewish necessity. We must pray daily to keep the love of G-D in us alive. We find repentance and peace when we communicate through prayer. Shabbat is a vital corner stone of all Jewish families. My wife and I have purchased 4 different seats of dishes and cookware and removed non-Kosher items from our diet. We shop smarter now looking for the Kosher seals on the items we do buy. The cost is secondary to the feeling of joy in your being knowing your obeying G-D's laws.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
As a convert I plan on continuing learning of the Hebrew language and prayers.
We as a family will continue our involvement in Jewish activities at the Synagogue
and support the congregational activities. I plan learn something new daily.
Ari daughter
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Rabbi Ginsburg. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
I was aware of the fact that I had Jewish family, but I didn't want to walk into something blindly. I spent two years of my life researching different religions. I did reading, went to services, and asked questions. The more I studied up on Judaism, the more I realized that it almost exactly fits my belief structure. The more I learn as I continue to study, the more I want to continue my education for the rest of my life. Judaism has inspired me to strive to live a better life, to be the best person that I can be. It has brought me closer to my family, and caused me to look at the world and its people in a much different light.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
I find the feeling that Jewish people have towards one another, their family, and G*d to be completely appealing. The sense of tradition is truly inspiring. Knowing that you can place all of the love in your heart in G*d's hands, and having faith that he will lead you on the path that He means for you to follow. The path made for me led straight to the Jewish faith, and I could not be more grateful.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
Judaism, as I stated before, is a perfect fit for my life. I relish the feeling of love that I now feel from G*d. I love that I was led to a religion that I believe whole heartedly in. My belief in one G*d, the sense of tradition, the love of one's family and people. It has changed my life in such a positive way.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G*d is all knowing and awe inspiring. The more that I learn, the more respectful of G*d that I am and will continue to be. I try, every day, to show reverence, and to keep the lines of communication open. I pray often, not just to be blessed, but to also let G*d know that I am constantly aware of His divine presence and wisdom.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
I enjoy having Shabbat dinner with my family every Friday. At a point we were all too busy to get together. Now I find that, because of our love of G*d, we make sure to MAKE the time to get together, out of respect for each other and G*d. Friday services are another enjoyable step in the right direction. We are also observing Holidays, and learning the history behind them. I am still in the process of learning, but am certain that the more that I learn, the more fulfilled my life will become.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
There is a sense of belonging that I can't explain. The feeling of emptiness that used to consume me is now absent. It's amazing. I find myself paying closer attention to current events, and what is currently happening to the state of Israel, and the world's attitude toward the Jewish people. I do believe that Israel is the Promised Land, and that it is sacred. I do fear for Israel's well being and the Jewish people in the state of unrest that is currently prominent, both in the Middle East and in the rest of the world. Fortunately, the Jewish people have each other to lean on during hard times.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Prayer is something that I've learned to appreciate. I make sure that I pray at least twice a day, in the morning and again in the evenings. I also have made a conscious effort to keep kosher. I've found the longer that I've been kosher, the easier it has become and will continue to be. Shabbat dinners have also become very important to me and my family. We have accomplished something together, and have grown very close in the process.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
I feel like being fluent in Hebrew is imperative, so I'm going to continue learning the language. I will also continue to study and learn our blessings and prayers. I am excited about learning more about Jewish holidays and traditions. The Jewish faith is one that can't be learned or taught over a short period of time. It's a life long process of learning, practicing, and respect for our people and G*d. I am going to dedicate my life to doing just that.
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
Miri
The paper is to address the following questions. There is no prescribed length; just answer each question thoroughly. If you have any questions you may email Rabbi Ginsburg. When the paper is completed, send to this email address.
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
I've always had the feeling that something was missing in my life, around 2 years ago I went to a Shabbat service for the first time, and for the first time in as long as i can remember I felt whole. Everything about Judaism gives me a whole peaceful feeling and brings me closer to my family as i believe the same feeling
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The values that all Jewish people have towards G-D and their family. Knowing there is one G-D and placing all of your faith and love in him and knowing whole heartedly that G-D gives you all of the love you give him back ten fold. Judaism also brings me closer to my family, we share a bond now that we never had before.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
Judaism fits into everything I believe to be true. I believe the Torah is the truth. Judaism feels very natural to me it fits into my lifestyle very easily and freely it allows me to express my love for G-D, Israel, and my family very openly and honestly.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G-D is everything to me he feels my heart and soul with a pure love I had never felt before. G-D expects us to love him and to follow and believe in the Torah, Talmud and the Mitzvahs.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
I now go to Shabbat service every Friday, Saturday morning services and I have Shabbat dinner with my family on Fridays. I have started celebrating the Jewish holidays and I'm learning more and more about them. My life has changed only for the better and I know the more I learn and understand about my faith the better it will get.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
I feel a sense of belonging when I am at the synagogue, I feel closer to G-D, my Jewish faith, and other Jewish people. I feel connected to all Jews across the world. I think all Jews feel connected and share a special bond with one another and with Israel, it is the promise land G-D gave the Jewish people when he lead them out of Egypt and it saddens me to think there people out there that think it should be taken away.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Prayer and G-D are the biggest commitments I have, prayer brings me closer to
G-D, and G-D is everything, G-D inspires and helps me to keep kosher and Shabbat has become the highlight of my week. I feel so close to G-D and everyone during Shabbat service and my family grows closer every shabbat meal we share together
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
I plan to continue learning Hebrew and our prayers, attending Shabbat service and having Shabbat dinner with my family. I also look forward to learning more about our holidays and celebrating them and my new relationship to G-D.
Hannah
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
My husband has been going to the Synagogue on and off since 1990. My daughter for the past 2 years, I can see the different way they say and do things. I can see the joy and happiness in both of them. I wanted to learn more about Judaism so I took the introductory course through Rabbi Ginsburg. I can feel the difference now, by studding and learning the prayers. What I didn't understand, my husband explained to me. Even though I have a problem with the Hebrew words meaning, I feel if I keep going over again and again, I will pick it up.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The love I feel for G-D and the love that is returned . The love and joy for my family. The way G-D can forgive us, teaches us we can be no different.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
I find Judaism fits my life style of love and kindness more than anything else.
I can see the different ways it has changed my way of thinking and learning the Torah, and about Jewish Traditions. Judaism has brought joy and peace in our family lives.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G-D wants us to love him with all our heart and might. We must put G-D first in our lives before all others to be a light for the world to see.
Learning more about Judaism, G-D, and the Mitzvots allows us to prove our love to G-d
and ourselves.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
The change in our home because of Tradition is many. I'm learning more about the holidays and observing them. Having Shabbat and Havdalah each week and making Challah bread for the first time. The love for my husband and children grows more and more each every day.
The love and respect for my family and return the love and respect I receive back. I can only foresee more of Jewish living and loving in our home for the future.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
I plan on becoming a more active member in activates like the Jewish Sisterhood. I intend on becoming more active in Jewish affairs in politics and my local Synagogue. I plan on supporting Israel by buying goods produced there and help those Jews abroad with charitable donations to make Aliyah.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Prayer is done daily to keep G-D love alive in us. I feel at peace and have such joy after praying. Prayer is done daily to keep G-D love alive in us. I feel at peace and have such joy after praying. The Shabbat is the cornerstone in Jewish families; it brings families together for the love of G-D.
At this time we have purchase more dishes, Pots, utensils and we shop for non-kosher food items.
To me eating non-kosher food is a lot different, than the rest of our family. I don't eat meat of any kind, but It does make it a little bit harder to cook for all of us.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
By learning the Hebrew language and prayers.
Studding the Torah and trying to keep everything straight in my mind.
Not growing up Jewish or knowing anyone that is Jewish to me makes it hard to understand. Its like starting over at the age of one, and growing up all over again
e Samuel
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
The factors that drew me to Judaism are many. My Great Grand Parents were Jewish and my father was born a Jew. My Father married a Christian that would not convert and later
divorced my father. My father never got to raise us as my mother got custody. I thank
G-D that I got to tell my father about my first experience in a Jewish Synagogue. When I walked through the doors a feeling came over me as if telling me "This is where you belong". I started going to the Synagogue in the spring of 1990. The love of G-d caused me to make a lot of changes in my life freely. I tried to live Judaism as best I could. My Wife and children were not Jewish nor belong to any Christian faith. When I announced to my wife and family I was going to start going to the Synagogue my wife said okay dear. My whole family is now ready to convert and we have been observing the Sabbath together, holidays and festivals. I feel a deep feeling of Joy now being allowed to convert with my family and fully participate with them the love of G-d , Torah, festivals, deep discussions of the Law and the closeness of a Jewish family. The closeness of G-d, Torah, living Jewish and Loving Jewish are the most important factors. We now Observe Shabbat, havdalah, festivals and holidays as a Jewish family.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The Jewish values are Loving G-d directly and feeling the love of G-d in return. The Jewish values are of closeness of family at Shabbat observant at home. Taking a break from all
the hectic things of the world to calmly thank G-d by performing the Shabbat observances and sharing a meal with family where the spirit of love, G-d and family are present. Learning something new daily about Jewish life or a Mitzvah and sharing it with family members. Judaism is the one way to bring a family closer to G-d and each other.
One of the most important Values I learned is doing things, not because I wanted to but because G-d wanted the Mitzvah carried out. There is Joy in doing Good Deeds but we have to also realize that there will be times when we do not feel like doing a Mitzvah
but we as Jewish people do them for the sake of humanity and because it is Tradition.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
Judaism fits our lifestyle of love of G-d, Israel, family and our neighbors. The world religions are harsh and very materialist. The world religions speak of a reward system of a place you gain access to. They promote a place that no one has been or return to verify untold riches. They also set other G-d's before G-d and that is clearly breaking a Ten commandment. Judaism is One on one with G-d and the ability to live a life of doing for others without being asked. We love G-d enough to embrace the truth in the Tanach. Judaism fits into my lifestyle as the tradition has been the same for thousands of years.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
G-d expects us to love him with all our hearts and being a light unto the World. Living a life different from the world. G-d gives us the Torah, Talmud, and the Tradition as our inspiration to love all humanity and through G-D's love we learn how to weave it into our daily lives. Learning more about Judaism throughout our lifetime as we perform the Mitzvots. G-D understand as converts we start walking in his ways we can not perform all the Mitzvahs on our path but we can tell someone of the Mitzvah or in later years return and perform that Mitzvah ourselves. G-D expects us to try our best to learn and live Jewish daily. Being a Convert I realize that there are many things I must willing learn but by the help of G-d and the Jewish people, I will grow daily in the love of G-D and knowledge.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
I have felt better love towards each other in my family. The respect of my children grows with each passing Shabbat. The love between my wife and I grows stronger daily and the respect of G-d in our lives. Judaism really does cause Shalom in the home and life. Through the
Traditions we learn why we do things in their proper time and place. The values of Love, Life, Torah, Israel and family gather new meaning. We as a family have a better awareness of Jewish activities in our community. We see our future as one of learning Hebrew, getting involved in our Jewish community, becoming more aware of World Events that involve Israel and the Jewish people. We intend to continue our synagogue and participate with the congregation.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel , world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
As a convert I realize the commitment to G_d, Torah study, Jewish life, Israel and all Jews. Israel is the land G-D promised to Abraham and delivered Jewish Egyptian Slaves to. Israel being a homeland that G-d gave the Jewish people and its importance to us as Jews is one of rebirth of regeneration of the Jewish people to flourish and be as the sands of the sea as he told Abraham. All Jews even those in Diaspora have an obligation to love, the Torah the origins of our faith and protect our homeland. Israel and its history identify us as Jews, no matter where we are Israel remains a focal point of Judaism. Where G-D lead the Jewish people out of Egyptian slavery and all the Holy places strengthen the Jewish people's solidarity in times of great diversity and the Tradition as they bare witness. We as American Jews also must gather at our synagogues to learn, love and calibrate Jewish rites of passage among the congregations family.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
My commitment to prayer is one of Jewish necessity. We must pray daily to keep the love of G-D in us alive. We find repentance and peace when we communicate through prayer. Shabbat is a vital corner stone of all Jewish families. My wife and I have purchased 4 different seats of dishes and cookware and removed non-Kosher items from our diet. We shop smarter now looking for the Kosher seals on the items we do buy. The cost is secondary to the feeling of joy in your being knowing your obeying G-D's laws.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
As a convert I plan on continuing learning of the Hebrew language and prayers.
We as a family will continue our involvement in Jewish activities at the Synagogue
and support the congregational activities. I plan learn something new daily.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
From LL
Esynagogue.org
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
All my life I had asked myself the questions: Why am I here; what’s my reason for living? Judaism gave me the answers. I grew up in a secular family that never pushed any religion upon me. I had visited churches but never felt at ease or at home in them and it wasn’t until I met my husband that I started to take my faith seriously and wanted to draw closer to my Creator. We tried a couple churches but always had questions that the minister couldn’t answer and we were just told to believe what they said and be quiet. I wanted the truth, the real thing. I wanted to know my Creator spiritually and intellectually and understand the truth of Hashem’s words of instruction and wisdom. After years of study showed us that what we had been taught was full of contradictions and lies, I still felt like I didn’t have my answers. But what also was happening over the years of study was that my husband and I were being drawn in our spirits to start observing Jewish practices like keeping the Sabbath, eating kosher and keeping the High Holidays. I couldn’t understand why I was being drawn more and more towards Judaism. After one of our friends gave us some material which proved to us how Christianity was a lie and pointed us in the direction of Judaism, I was scared, sad and angry for being lied to all my life. But the last emotion was joy; joy for seeing the life, hope and promise in Judiasm. My soul felt like it had been reborn. I began getting answers to all my hard questions. Judaism is not a religion – it is a way of life, Hashem’s wisdom teachings coming to life for me! And I wanted more and began becoming more and more observant. Then I was contacted by distant cousin on my Mother’s side who got me looking into my family heritage on both sides where I found out I was Jewish, but the assimilations happened 3-4 generations back. I couldn’t get any paperwork for proof and my families had been living secular lives and had converted to another religion or left Judaism altogether. So the only step I can do to proudly admit I am Jewish and identify with my people and have proof that I am part of the covenant between Hashem and His chosen nation was to go through a formal conversion process.
Judaism’s strong commitment to community and humility are only a few of the reasons which have drawn me to it. I love the honesty of the Torah and the mitzvoth and I have never felt so right in my spirit or soul until I began to follow Judaism. Judaism has answers for those living thousands of years ago and still is very relevant to today’s society. It didn’t matter to me that some of my family or friends may not understand or turn away. I pray for Jews around the world and love the land of Israel and hold the Torah the most precious item in my home. Judaism changed my life and the Torah’s wisdom guides my life and I could no more walk away from Judaism than I could walk away from the Almighty.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The fact that the Torah is intellectually based – not emotionally based - was one of the most persuasive aspects for me. The way the Jewish people are dedicated to prayer and study and your love of family, community and acts of kindness and charity is very appealing to me. The sanctity of marriage and the loving care of the deceased is awesome. The focusing on how to live a proper and good life and not dwelling on the after life like so many religions do is one of the most appealing values to me also. Judaism is such a simple, loving no-nonsense way of life and yet there is so many layers of wisdom in the Torah that one never reaches the limits of learning and growing.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
I pretty much was involved in Christianity for a few years which focused mainly on the New Testament. Since studying Torah and seeing where Christianity has manipulated and changed the Torah, I have renounced any
Christian beliefs. Christians say the Torah or law is done away with and that their New Testament overrides the Torah, both which are complete lies. Knowing that I am Jewish, I cannot have anything to do with idol worship. One cannot be Jewish and believe that Jesus is the Messiah, god in the flesh or that the Messiah has come. Judaism/Torah is the true communication from Hashem and I want to stand before Him in truth and righteousness. Judaism has brought me closer to Hashem than any other point in my life and my lover for Hashem is a very serious part of my life.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
God is the creator of everything and His spark in is all things. He is the Ein Sof and humans can not fully understand Him but we are given His direction in the words of Torah. God loves His creation and wants to bless us if we will just live by His wisdom morally and justly. My ancestors stood at Mt. Sinai and entered into a covenant with Him.
My relationship to God means I am to study Torah, continue to learn and gain wisdom, follow His commandments and try to be a light unto the nations. By being committed to prayer I can affect Tikkun Olam and help to hasten the coming of Messiah. I am to support my husband, keep a Jewish household, love Hashem with all my heart, mind and strength and be kind to my fellow man.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do you see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
My home is filled with Jewish items and we observe all the High Holidays. I listen to Jewish audio teachings every day for 1-3 hours and read Torah or Jewish related articles every day also. I follow many rituals to the best of my abilities. My husband and I have opened our home to Torah study on Sabbath and have held several holiday gatherings in our home also. I have started learning how to read Hebrew and can say several prayers and blessings in Hebrew. I now help an elderly blind widowed lady every week by washing her clothes, running errands for her and spending time talking as friends.
I see my Jewish progression to include becoming even more observant, more kosher, continuing to learn Hebrew until I am proficient in it and planning on some day living in a Jewish community and/or making Aliyah to Israel.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
I feel a strong affiliation with Israel and the Jewish nation and am proud to be Jewish. We send donations when we can to Jewish causes. Whenever I watch documentaries on the Holocaust I have such a sense of empathy and sadness that I can’t help but cry for all the Jewish souls that were lost. I pray for peace in Israel.
I feel a sense of peace like I am with family whenever I am with Jewish people. I am uncomfortable being around my old friends now and do not like the way the gentiles or the world act. I don’t feel like I can be myself or talk about the most important thing to me (Judaism/Hashem) out in today’s world. I cannot condone the world’s values and they certainly don’t line up with Jewish values.
I feel a kinship with the few Jewish people we have in our area and would love to have a bigger community. It breaks my heart that our synagogue has been sold to the gentiles and is only used on High Holidays. We do all we can to donate our time and personal items to assist the President of our Synagogue. Our hope is that some day soon we will be able to move to a Jewish community where we can learn through example too.
It is very sad that the birth rate of the Jewish nation is falling and that so many Jews in America are assimilating and becoming secular. I read all I can on Israel and the Jewish communities around the world and rejoice when many Jews make Aliyah.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Every morning I pray the Modeh Ani prayer, the Netilat Yadayim hand washing prayer, the blessing when putting on my Talit and the Shacharit prayers. I recite the Shema every morning and evening with my husband. I say the food blessings after each meal. I say the Sabbath candle blessing every Sabbath. I say special prayers for blessings, healings or thanksgiving from my Women’s Siddur as needed. I plan on adding the Minchah prayers and memorizing more prayers in Hebrew.
We light Sabbath candles and have Kiddush on Friday evening and perform Havdalah on Saturday evening. We do no work or commerce on the Sabbath. We study, read or listen to teachings all day and try to make it a delight unto Hashem.
I eat kosher and try to buy and cook kosher but it is a challenge living in an area that does not have any kosher groceries or restaurants. We bought all new pots and pans but don’t have a mikvah to immerse them in. I have several kosher cook books and plan to start using them more if I can find the kosher ingredients at the store.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
I will continue to study the Torah every day and on Sabbath, continue reading other Jewish materials, continue and increase my prayer observance, keep listening to audio teachings and devote more time in reading the rest of the Tanach. I would like to get a women’s study group going once a month, possibly on Rosh Chodesh. I am praying diligently for a Rabbi to move to our area!
ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY
1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.
All my life I had asked myself the questions: Why am I here; what’s my reason for living? Judaism gave me the answers. I grew up in a secular family that never pushed any religion upon me. I had visited churches but never felt at ease or at home in them and it wasn’t until I met my husband that I started to take my faith seriously and wanted to draw closer to my Creator. We tried a couple churches but always had questions that the minister couldn’t answer and we were just told to believe what they said and be quiet. I wanted the truth, the real thing. I wanted to know my Creator spiritually and intellectually and understand the truth of Hashem’s words of instruction and wisdom. After years of study showed us that what we had been taught was full of contradictions and lies, I still felt like I didn’t have my answers. But what also was happening over the years of study was that my husband and I were being drawn in our spirits to start observing Jewish practices like keeping the Sabbath, eating kosher and keeping the High Holidays. I couldn’t understand why I was being drawn more and more towards Judaism. After one of our friends gave us some material which proved to us how Christianity was a lie and pointed us in the direction of Judaism, I was scared, sad and angry for being lied to all my life. But the last emotion was joy; joy for seeing the life, hope and promise in Judiasm. My soul felt like it had been reborn. I began getting answers to all my hard questions. Judaism is not a religion – it is a way of life, Hashem’s wisdom teachings coming to life for me! And I wanted more and began becoming more and more observant. Then I was contacted by distant cousin on my Mother’s side who got me looking into my family heritage on both sides where I found out I was Jewish, but the assimilations happened 3-4 generations back. I couldn’t get any paperwork for proof and my families had been living secular lives and had converted to another religion or left Judaism altogether. So the only step I can do to proudly admit I am Jewish and identify with my people and have proof that I am part of the covenant between Hashem and His chosen nation was to go through a formal conversion process.
Judaism’s strong commitment to community and humility are only a few of the reasons which have drawn me to it. I love the honesty of the Torah and the mitzvoth and I have never felt so right in my spirit or soul until I began to follow Judaism. Judaism has answers for those living thousands of years ago and still is very relevant to today’s society. It didn’t matter to me that some of my family or friends may not understand or turn away. I pray for Jews around the world and love the land of Israel and hold the Torah the most precious item in my home. Judaism changed my life and the Torah’s wisdom guides my life and I could no more walk away from Judaism than I could walk away from the Almighty.
2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?
The fact that the Torah is intellectually based – not emotionally based - was one of the most persuasive aspects for me. The way the Jewish people are dedicated to prayer and study and your love of family, community and acts of kindness and charity is very appealing to me. The sanctity of marriage and the loving care of the deceased is awesome. The focusing on how to live a proper and good life and not dwelling on the after life like so many religions do is one of the most appealing values to me also. Judaism is such a simple, loving no-nonsense way of life and yet there is so many layers of wisdom in the Torah that one never reaches the limits of learning and growing.
3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?
I pretty much was involved in Christianity for a few years which focused mainly on the New Testament. Since studying Torah and seeing where Christianity has manipulated and changed the Torah, I have renounced any
Christian beliefs. Christians say the Torah or law is done away with and that their New Testament overrides the Torah, both which are complete lies. Knowing that I am Jewish, I cannot have anything to do with idol worship. One cannot be Jewish and believe that Jesus is the Messiah, god in the flesh or that the Messiah has come. Judaism/Torah is the true communication from Hashem and I want to stand before Him in truth and righteousness. Judaism has brought me closer to Hashem than any other point in my life and my lover for Hashem is a very serious part of my life.
4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
God is the creator of everything and His spark in is all things. He is the Ein Sof and humans can not fully understand Him but we are given His direction in the words of Torah. God loves His creation and wants to bless us if we will just live by His wisdom morally and justly. My ancestors stood at Mt. Sinai and entered into a covenant with Him.
My relationship to God means I am to study Torah, continue to learn and gain wisdom, follow His commandments and try to be a light unto the nations. By being committed to prayer I can affect Tikkun Olam and help to hasten the coming of Messiah. I am to support my husband, keep a Jewish household, love Hashem with all my heart, mind and strength and be kind to my fellow man.
5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do you see your Jewish life progressing in the future?
My home is filled with Jewish items and we observe all the High Holidays. I listen to Jewish audio teachings every day for 1-3 hours and read Torah or Jewish related articles every day also. I follow many rituals to the best of my abilities. My husband and I have opened our home to Torah study on Sabbath and have held several holiday gatherings in our home also. I have started learning how to read Hebrew and can say several prayers and blessings in Hebrew. I now help an elderly blind widowed lady every week by washing her clothes, running errands for her and spending time talking as friends.
I see my Jewish progression to include becoming even more observant, more kosher, continuing to learn Hebrew until I am proficient in it and planning on some day living in a Jewish community and/or making Aliyah to Israel.
6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.
I feel a strong affiliation with Israel and the Jewish nation and am proud to be Jewish. We send donations when we can to Jewish causes. Whenever I watch documentaries on the Holocaust I have such a sense of empathy and sadness that I can’t help but cry for all the Jewish souls that were lost. I pray for peace in Israel.
I feel a sense of peace like I am with family whenever I am with Jewish people. I am uncomfortable being around my old friends now and do not like the way the gentiles or the world act. I don’t feel like I can be myself or talk about the most important thing to me (Judaism/Hashem) out in today’s world. I cannot condone the world’s values and they certainly don’t line up with Jewish values.
I feel a kinship with the few Jewish people we have in our area and would love to have a bigger community. It breaks my heart that our synagogue has been sold to the gentiles and is only used on High Holidays. We do all we can to donate our time and personal items to assist the President of our Synagogue. Our hope is that some day soon we will be able to move to a Jewish community where we can learn through example too.
It is very sad that the birth rate of the Jewish nation is falling and that so many Jews in America are assimilating and becoming secular. I read all I can on Israel and the Jewish communities around the world and rejoice when many Jews make Aliyah.
7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?
Every morning I pray the Modeh Ani prayer, the Netilat Yadayim hand washing prayer, the blessing when putting on my Talit and the Shacharit prayers. I recite the Shema every morning and evening with my husband. I say the food blessings after each meal. I say the Sabbath candle blessing every Sabbath. I say special prayers for blessings, healings or thanksgiving from my Women’s Siddur as needed. I plan on adding the Minchah prayers and memorizing more prayers in Hebrew.
We light Sabbath candles and have Kiddush on Friday evening and perform Havdalah on Saturday evening. We do no work or commerce on the Sabbath. We study, read or listen to teachings all day and try to make it a delight unto Hashem.
I eat kosher and try to buy and cook kosher but it is a challenge living in an area that does not have any kosher groceries or restaurants. We bought all new pots and pans but don’t have a mikvah to immerse them in. I have several kosher cook books and plan to start using them more if I can find the kosher ingredients at the store.
8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?
I will continue to study the Torah every day and on Sabbath, continue reading other Jewish materials, continue and increase my prayer observance, keep listening to audio teachings and devote more time in reading the rest of the Tanach. I would like to get a women’s study group going once a month, possibly on Rosh Chodesh. I am praying diligently for a Rabbi to move to our area!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
positive story
Hello, Rabbi Jonathan.
I once again have to say "todah!" to you for our conversion. It continues to enrich our lives.
My in-laws are selling their home, and had a garage sale today. We assisted them. Our kids decided to help by building and running a lemonade stand, where they sold lemonade, water, pop, and even some brownies. This attracted a great many folks to my in-laws' garage.
Robbie/Rafael wore his kipah the entire time, of course. :)
The best part is that our kids decided from the very start that all of the proceeds from their sales would go to charity. They decided that the charity should help orphans. They even put on their sign "all sales go to charity." This they decided all on their own, but the idea sprang from their tzedakah efforts.
Our kids have been generous in the past, but never more so as they've been since our conversion. Another great gift of Judaism is our ability to convey to them tikkun olam. They readily understand it when presented in a Jewish context, where before it seemed baseless and thus unnecessary.
The sense of duty our children have adopted - again, without dictate from us - gives me great hope for the future of the world, and the future of the Klal Israel.
Thank you again for a gift that will reverberate for generations to come.
I once again have to say "todah!" to you for our conversion. It continues to enrich our lives.
My in-laws are selling their home, and had a garage sale today. We assisted them. Our kids decided to help by building and running a lemonade stand, where they sold lemonade, water, pop, and even some brownies. This attracted a great many folks to my in-laws' garage.
Robbie/Rafael wore his kipah the entire time, of course. :)
The best part is that our kids decided from the very start that all of the proceeds from their sales would go to charity. They decided that the charity should help orphans. They even put on their sign "all sales go to charity." This they decided all on their own, but the idea sprang from their tzedakah efforts.
Our kids have been generous in the past, but never more so as they've been since our conversion. Another great gift of Judaism is our ability to convey to them tikkun olam. They readily understand it when presented in a Jewish context, where before it seemed baseless and thus unnecessary.
The sense of duty our children have adopted - again, without dictate from us - gives me great hope for the future of the world, and the future of the Klal Israel.
Thank you again for a gift that will reverberate for generations to come.
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