From Alex

Esynagogue.org


ESSAY FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY


1. Describe the factors which have drawn you to Judaism.

I am supposed to come from a catholic background. My parents never believed in God and didn’t give me a religious education (instead of it I went to catechism). Despite that, I had always believed in God. At the age of 14, I realized that Catholicism was not my religion and decided to turn myself to Judaism. I had read, learnt, tried as much as I could to understand the Jewish law, faith and History.

2. Which Jewish values do you find most appealing and persuasive?

There are a lot of Jewish values that are most appealing and persuasive. First of all, concerning the Messiah; the Messiah has nothing divine and it will come only if Jews act well. I really don t believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, God is all powerful and unique. He created us as his image and gave us the free will. So a human being can act and this free will drives us every day. God forgives us if we know how to repair our mistakes. The mitzvoth are very important and are positive. The 13 articles of faith are also an important part of the Jewish faith.

3. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or worldview/lifestyle?

Contrary to Catholicism, in Judaism God is unique and not a God and Jehovah. Moreover, in Judaism, salvation is known as forgiveness and not predestination and hell like in Catholicism. For Jews, death is not the end of life and not a question of heaven/hell like in my former religion. Despite of those things, Judaism is not only a religion it is a language, a history and the community has a large power. Sharing things and time with your pairs are very important. You can have a second family with your pairs.

4. Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.
When I was younger, talking about God was not something common in my family. Since an early age, I had always believed in him. I don t blame him, don t insult him and everything there is an obstacle in my life, I turn myself to him and ask him to send me a sign. When things are easy, I just know that I still can pray and serve him. Since I started to convert and recited many prayers, my relation to God became different. I know learn how to really serve him, to understand.


5. How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do see your Jewish life progressing in the future?

My home became a Jewish home. I put a mezuzah on my door step. Bought candles sticks to light up the candles of Shabbat and also have a tzedakah on my desk. I don t bring non kosher food at home and even started to cook for Shabbat. I also try to keep my house clean and not messy like before as a sign of respect toward God. In the future, my Jewish life will progress with a husband and kids I guess and will raise them as Jews with the values and beliefs. I also want to help some people who want to convert because it is a very rich experience.

6. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, world Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.

I ve never been to Israel but want to make Aliya. I guess it is such an honor to go to them motherland where everything started. The world Jewry is unfortunately menaced all the time but we are a community and need to protect each other. The Jewish community share values and the synagogue is the place where you can meet people, pray, share time. It is a sacred place, and as the place of God you feel safe and comfortable.


7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping kosher?

I recited the holidays prayers, light up the candles of Shabbat and keep kosher, also don t bring non kosher food at home and ask my guests to do the same. I try to do many things during the week, so Shabbat is a rest day.

8. How do you plan to continue your Jewish study?

I would like to have an Israel trip and planning to take classes about the whole Judaism. I also want to learn Aramean.