4 essays

4 ESSAYs FOR CONVERSION CANDIDACY

Ari daughter


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


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.