Spain

ESSAY FOR CONVERSION
CANDIDACY.

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

The first factor which intervened in my approach to Judaism was a long-standing personal search of the “right path” for me; a set of beliefs and practices that agreed with me and made me make right choices. One day, I came across Judaism through a friend and since then, I have not stopped reading, learning and putting Judaism into practice.

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

I believe that all Jewish values are intended to make us better, but I especially like all the values that highlight kindness, charity and compassion to all our fellow creatures. I also like the values that emphasize the importance of a peaceful home and community.

3.- How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion ?

In the first place, I have to start by saying that I always had serious problems in accepting some of the basic principles of my former religion, as for example the acceptance of Jesus as a Messiah. This made me uncomfortable and completely out of place. In contrast, Judaism is more appropriate for me in every way; first of all, because I accept the basic principles of the Jewish Conservative movement without reservations In addition to this, I feel that Judaism encourages me to think, ask questions, make my own choices, and most importantly: act “here” and “now”.

4.- Describe your understanding of and relationship to God.

I believe God is One and ultimately unknowable. I also believe that I connect with God through the fulfilment of mitzvot and that only God can forgive my sins against God.
5.- How has your personal and home life changed because of Jewish tradition? How do you see your Jewish life progressing in the future?

Firstly, and on a personal level, my life has changed for the better because I feel that I am doing what is right for me.. Secondly, my home life has improved greatly because by sharing Jewish values and traditions with my family, I give the best of myself to them; consequently, this has had a very positive impact on our lives, not only individually, but also as a family. Thirdly, I see my Jewish life growing through continuous study, consistency of ideas and acts.

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

From now on, I want to share my destiny with the Jewish People. Israel, and the Jewish community are as important to me as to any other Jew in the world.
I feel fortunate to have Jewish friends who share their Jewish lifestyle with me, and to have met Rabbi Gail Ginsburg and Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg, who have supported and guided me during the whole process.

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

Prayer is an important aspect of my daily life. I pray every day (Shema and other private prayers), I also say my daily blessings and read the Torah every week. I also follow the rules of “kashrut” when I go shopping, when I store, cook or eat food. Finally, I prepare and celebrate Shabbat with my family every week, which is a source of joy and fulfilment for all of us.

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

After my conversion I plan to continue my study as I have been doing until now, by reading and learning as much as I can. I already have a small “library” of Jewish books that I plan to enlarge . I would also like to improve my Hebrew by taking classes whenever I can, and participate in Torah and Talmud discussions and lessons.