Thank you for all your support and kind words in these comments! B"H, everything went well this morning at the mikvah and NOW, I'm really, really done...😊! ua-cam.com/video/g-d22La2HW8/v-deo.html
We are Ruth. I immersed in the presence of a woman who was born in Jerusalem in 1908. May Hadassah Epstein's spirit be with you, as she was with me in the mikveh in 1987. Along with the Hungarian mikveh lady, a number on her arm. I only wish I'd written that number. I know it was an evil tattoo. But still. One of my few regrets. Sei gesundt!
Mazel Tov!!❤ Converts are truly precious to the Jewish people. You have a Jewish soul and you’ve found your way to exactly where you’re supposed to be. ❤️🙏🏻
The Jewish soul concept is alien to the Torah. It’s a Kabbalistic doctrine that might be heretical. She became Jewish not because she has any innate Jewish soul but because she was looking for a rewarding spiritual path and Judaism presented itself to her.
As an ex Muslim who converted to Christianity 30 years ago and still Christian until this moment, I wish you the best of luck dear ma’am and may God bless you 🙏
If you are happy with where you are today, then the steps you took to get to this place were the right ones. No one should comment except to say "Mazel Tov" and go forward. Mazel Tov.
Good point that you mentioned that conversion doesn’t change the person from the inside. There are still many Gentiles out there who are willing to go through conversion, but it is far from being particular. These people like myself you have given them hope. I believe Ha Shem is pleased with what you said here. Because loving ourselves as we are along with accepting ourselves is big.
Mazel Tov!!! I am so happy for you and hope that HaShem blesses you abundantly! I am a Korean-Canadian in the process of converting to Orthodox Judaism and I pray to HaShem that He allows me to make aliyah soon so that I can help Am Yisrael in any way I can. I pray that the hostages get released/rescued soon, the IDF soldiers stay strong and safe, and that all Am Yisrael remains blessed now and forever. Am Yisrael Chai!
I am just here to celebrate your relationship with Hashem! It brings me to tears to hear about the connection or reconnection that you have been able to cultivate. To realign your soul. Simply beautiful. I am crying
MAZAL TOV!!!!! I'm so happy for you! I'm so glad you shared this with us on here- I was literally not an hour ago just reading an article from the Orthodox Union about Ahavat haGer, love for the convert, and how hurtful behavior like you experienced is the sin of Ona'at haGer, or causing pain to the convert. I hope you experience nothing but love and acceptance from now on, and may your life as an officially official Orthodox Jew be full of beauty and Torah!! 💜💜
No idea why UA-cam recommended this to me but I am happy for you. Good luck. Orthodox Jews can be tough and getting into their community even tougher, so I really wish you the best.
Thanks! I feel very integrated in the community and find it to be very warm and welcoming. I’m sure there are less friendly groups but I have yet to encounter them.
When my Beis Din approved my conversion… I sobbed. I started in the conservative movement but quickly realized I was not conservative when I found my way to Chabad.
I can’t explain how much I resonated with everything you said; particularly embracing the idea of being a ger because being a stranger is one of the things about Judaism that really resonated with you. I also did a conservative conversion and am set to have my final Beit din meeting with an Orthodox Beit din here in the states this month. My orthodox process has been almost 2 years and I can’t wait to feel free. I feel so similarly, there really are no words. Mazal Tov. Hope to cross paths with you one day!
Mazel tov! Your words really resonated with me. My situation is somewhat similar, my mother did a reform conversion before I was born, but I’m currently undergoing an orthodox conversion because that’s where my beliefs are. It’s so difficult to be considered a non-Jew by the community when you know in your heart that you have a Jewish soul, and waiting so long to convert and finally be accepted is so difficult. I’ve definitely shed a few tears because I’ve made so many sacrifices and I still don’t know when the mikveh day will come, whether it’s a few months or another year. I’ve been a subscriber for a long time and I’ve always been rooting for you, and seeing you and others achieve my goal really helps me get through the difficulties. I’m not sure what I should even feel after I eventually immerse, but hearing your thoughts and feelings on this is incredibly validating. Hashem is cheering for you that you’ve finally come home to Am Yisrael ❤️
Thanks for sharing that! And Kol hakavod for undergoing the process, despite its difficulties. It’s such a weird feeling to be at this stage and I’m honestly still settling into what it means now that it’s finally happening. Wishing you a peaceful journey ahead. ❤❤❤
As a Ben Noach, and fellow Zadikim, I say Baruch Hashem for you dear sister! Welcome home to Am Yisrael. May you have a Gut Shabbos this coming weekend. 🙏🕎❤️
I'm an orthodox jew from Israel, and personally i think you've been a jew since your conservative conversion, what counts is the heart. Your heart is true, and you've been living according to the halacha then a conservative conversion is still good. However, it is best to go through an orthodox conversion so that no one can say anything about it. And those who still have what to say are wrong and idiots. It's so nice to see more people join the Jewish people, it gives hope in times like these. Glad to have found your channel.
Mazel Tov !!!! 18 years is not easy, slowly but surely. You went through a difficult process, being a Jew is not easy, and being a kosher Jew is even more difficult, probably your soul could not rest until you finished the process. Now you can be calm and happy, because in heaven they are happy by the very fact that you did not give up, and now you can be a slave of the creator of the world because this is the highest rank a Jew can reach. Welcome home .
Your journey ignities and enhances my own understanding of Torah-Judaism. In tandem, the process has been lifelong, but having reached three score years and ten, I thank you for showing me who & what I am. You are my sister.
Mazal tov! I wish you the best. Making aliyah is extremely difficult. I was worried you had a meltdown and perhaps even stopped living with Jews. How wonderful to hear that you are having an Orthodox conversion. I think it is a must if living in Israel. Now getting married and getting buried will be non-issues (with many productive years in between.)
Haha no! Thank G-d, I’ve been well and very much ingrained in society. Being able to get married and buried were some of the main reasons I knew I had to go through this properly.
I think you are a beautiful human being and appreciate all you have shared with this journey. I think your thoughts about how you see "conversion" are incredibly insightful. The converts I have been privileged to know have all felt Jewish before it was made "official." You are blessing us all with your ability to articulate your experience. May Hashem continue to bless your life and work.
It’s really moving to hear you talking about the conversion process. I am a Jew myself and I feel that because you chose to become one and not born into it like myself, you are on a different level! I am proud that you have chosen to go through that difficult process and hope that you’ll find your inner peace and your unique Jewish belief. Welcome dear sister, You are a beautiful person !
Mazal tov! As an asian convert, we get a lot of racist remarks from the people here in Israel and ofcourse a lot of stares! May H” bless you with a lot of strength to overcome all these hardships. I’m also living in Jerusalem and I’m here for you!!!!
Wow!! A HUGE MAZEL TOV, to you, Meorah!! I’m going through an orthodox conversion process after doing a conservative one, and everything you’re saying is something I feel so deeply. You’ve been a huge inspiration in this process for me. I’m so glad you’re finally where you want to be and klal yisrael recognizes you as who you’ve always been❤
Wow mazel tov. No words for your amazing journey. Hazak u'baruch. You can't please everyone and there's always that one guy, but you're legit. Welcome back to the tribe 🎉
What you said about how a convert was already part of the Jewish people in a sense is correct. We believe that anyone who converts, their soul, was at Har Sinai with us, and in a sense they found their way back to us. I am very moved by your journey, and I pray that you find a true peace and home with Am Yisrael.
I really dream about converting to Judaism myself and it is such a tough process. The hardest part is that I always felt jewish and it is so harsh to feel like you do not belong anywhere in the world. So happy for you and it is so inspiring to hear your story!
Mazel tov and yasher koach! You are a treasure and a neshamah tovah. A good soul! Am Yisrael is lucky to have you. Best wishes for good health and much peace as you continue your journey. Chukahaeyo! 😊❤😊
You are awesome. So much about Jewish practice is a process and we all have different paths. You bring so much light even when I can see that this has been painful and difficult for you to share. Thank you.
You have taken an amazing step. My recommendation is Chabad. Unlike most Chabad members I had cats at home. Have a long and a good life. Take vitamin D3 1100 IU + Magnesium every day in order to prevent the "known disease". Avoid red meat and don't eat more than 3 eggs a week, both cause CRC. 18 years is a long time and it could be much shorter if you started in Chabad! Leave water for cats and hedgehogs when it does not rain, sometimes even in the winter. Give charity when you can. Wishing you all the best, Eytan and Jessica.
Chabad generally don't do the giyur process. They focus mainly on teaching unaffiliated Jews, If you really want to accept Judaism you need to find a reputable beis din.
Dear Meorah, I'm happy to see that you found your way. I love your videos and really appreciate your honesty. I think that what's important is that you'll live near the community you love. There you'll meet new people that will strengthen you. Also you can go to University or learn Hebrew with a group of Olim, there you can also gain new friends ❤
❤❤❤ I haven’t been able to make it. I have spent 9 yrs learning by myself, feeling misunderstood; I have been hiding for a long time. And now that I’m ready to do it I realized that I can change my spouse and children’s mindset or life style. Sometimes I feel that I’m going to give up but my soul always finds a way to call me back to the rodeo and fight for who I want to become. I wonder how many more years should I wait like you did to finally embraced who I am. You are brave and determined. I’ll have you in mind when I feel discouraged. Congratulations ✡️
I know, it’s a real fight, but you’ll see through it when the time is right! Anything beautiful and holy is hidden and protected. You just have to respect and desire it enough to make it yours. ❤️
Baruch HaShem!! Wow, Mazal Tov! You are an absolute inspiration and it’s the greatest gift that you are part of Klal Yisrael!! I definitely agree with you that the neshama source was always Jewish just yearning to return!! I love you dearly and am extremely thankful that your story was on the top of my recommended videos!! Extremely happy for you!! THANK YOU HASHEM that you are a JEW🩵 ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU!
I have always thought of you as a Jewish Woman. I’m half Jewish on my father’s side, so you know that I have to convert. I live as and observant Jewish Woman . I am going to convert. I’m in a class with one book to go .
As a 71 year old former atheist who converted to Christianity and ultimately Catholicism, I love conversion stories. Your story is one of the most inspiring I've ever heard. Let not your heart be troubled about being wholly "accepted" by all within your newfound community. You have made a bold, brave, heroic choice for the best of personal reasons. This will become more apparent to the doubters over time. Also, consider how you describe your journey. Yes, it may be a conversion. But that term brings to the mind of the small minded the pejorative homonymic ' convict" or "pervert. Also, it doesn't sufficiently describe the radical personal agency that you have si thoughtfully and sincerely exercised. Consider instead reframing your journey as a "convincement", as my Quaker forebears called it. As the Anglo American husband of a free thinking Hokkien Chinese from Singapore (for whose own future convincement I also pray), Im surecim not the only one who would like to hear more about your origins. Anyway, stay true to yourself true to yourself and our God, who surely will bestie special blessings upon you.
Mazal Tov! ❤ As a Jew I sorta get how hard it is to convert and if I had to convert... Wow, I don't think I would have😅 unless I got help for every single step-- Wishing you all the best moving forward!!
Mazel tov! Coming back in these hard times is special. Every convert neshamas were always jewish, is great that you found Your way back. I was born jew, i started my tchuva 5yo ago and did aliyah couple of months ago, best decision ever. The difference now, is that the whole am israel recognize you, and that is not small. Best wishes, ברכה הבאה
Wow. Mazal Tov! The Rabbinute of Israel is recognised all over the world. You have nothing to worry about. Glad you finally got it done. I remember you from years ago. May you have much success and find your Besheret Bsha Tova and start your very own Orthodox Jewish Family. We would love to have you over for Shabbat once things settle down with the 2nd birth and our move to the Settlements.
Kol hakavod! It takes real commitment to go what you went through. Only a fool would put a question mark next to your judaism. Ve shavo banim l'geulam - the sons (and daughters) are returning home. Welcome back.
Mazel Tov ! very impressive , you are quite a soul. You did the right thing as in Israel you really need the orthodox acceptance to be fully accepted. wow 18 years ... that's a lot of work.
You will never be a stranger to the Jewish people as you are one of us. I commend your courage to embrace who you are despite the unfortunate ones who are too racist to see a beautiful Jewish soul such as yourself. Judaism gives you more than a religion and a culture, it gives you a connection to a deep love for G-d and humanity. כל הכבוד
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm very proud of you and can see how much this means to you. It is overwhelming how much I relate to your journey and the way you are wording it which describes exactly how I feel as well. Watching you like this helps me with my journey. G-d willing, your mikveh experience will be transformative in a spiritual sense, eventhough you may feel that nothing major will change, it is still life changing. Wish you all the best. Be safe!
Thank you! I’m glad to know you can relate. I know many won’t agree with the way I see the situation and I’m prepared for at least a few “you’re Jewish now!” comments. But that’s okay too. And I also hope the mikvah will be spiritually transformative- I do believe it has an energetic/spiritual effect, so I’m really excited for that! 😀
Shalom Meorah, I’m happy for you, and it’s the right path you’re taking. My wife and I went through orthodox conversion 12 years ago. It’s special to be part of bnei Israel and to serve HaShem. We finally are planning to also make Aliyah this August. All the best to you, Kol Tov.
One of my favorite things about being Jewish is the fact that we believe that God loves everybody, whether or not they're Jewish - and nobody has to be Jewish, unless they're born to a Jewish mother. God loved you before you started the conversion process, and you're still loved now. Your conversion in the Conservative tradition made you Jewish enough that the state of Israel granted you aliyah, so that's pretty Jewish right there ;) But I understand how you would want to commit to an Orthodox conversion, because joining that community allows you to make a public declaration of how you are committed to the mitzvot. And I agree that an Orthodox conversion doesn't make you any more or less Jewish than you were before - because you were Jewish before you started on the Orthodox conversion path. I think of the conversion experience for gerim as being more about what Jewish community they will be a part of than anything else. Anyone can serve God, Jewish or not. It's better to be a righteous Noahide than it is to be a lousy Jew, you know? But there are so many parts of Jewish observance that require a Jewish community if you want to have the full experience, so it matters which communities will or will not recognize you as a Jew. There's no kaddish without a minyan. You can't hear the book of Esther for Purim unless there's another Jew who can read it. As I have been learning more about daily prayers, I started thinking about why so many of the Hebrew words in the siddur end in "-einu" - I don't speak Hebrew yet, so I didn't know what it meant. But after thinking about it for a while, I realized that this has to be a suffix that changes the base word to mean "our" - like "shalom" is peace, but "shlomeinu" is "our peace". So the reason so many words in the siddur end with this is because so much of our religious life is communal. I don't pray that *I* will lie down to sleep in peace - I pray Hashkiveinu - that WE will lie down in peace to sleep. You don't need anybody else to be Jewish, and you don't need anybody else to love God and to do the work God has given you. But to have the full Jewish experience, you need other Jews. And the more closely your views about the Divine align with the rest of your community's views, the richer your religious life will be. I hope your Orthodox conversion brings you such community, so that your spiritual life will be filled with richness and joy!
I don’t know what you think about this, but I imagine conversion to Judaism as an adoption into a family. Both sides have to agree. You need to want to be part of the family and the family need to be willing to accept you. So, your conversion is not only for you, but also for your community and for the whole Jewish nation. It is, of course, way more important what you think and feel about yourself, but it is not completely unimportant what other people think about you, not in terms of judging you or stuff like that, but in terms of knowing how to relate to you.
Yes, that’s a perfect analogy! It really is like that. It felt painful that some of my family didn’t “see” me, and now, aside from a few grumpy uncles (😂!) I’ll be more embraced by the tribe.
First, Mazel Tov on your joining Orthodoxy! However, I’m _really_ hoping you understood you were Jewish the moment you finished your conservative conversation (as long as the Halacha criteria was met for the steps required to convert). Because Orthodox isn’t the only ‘real’ Judaism, there’s many ways to be Jewish. It bothers me that you didn’t feel acceptance from others as a Conservative Jew, because that’s messed up. The main thing is that we are with the community we resonate with. It’s because there’s many ways to be Jewish that Israel has changed to allow Conservative, Reform, etc. be eligible for Aliyah. If conservatism is what it took to help you get to the level of observance you’re comfortable with, I think that’s a beautiful thing! We all have different journeys in life, and I’m glad you found a path that works for you. 😊 Am Yisrael Chai! 💙 🇮🇱 💙
Thanks! I did feel accepted with a conservative conversion because the people I engage with can tell I’m committed Jew regardless of my “certification.” But that was only on the surface. I didn’t try dating so I’m sure that would have been an issue. That’s another can of worms of course. 😅
This is beautiful. Your soul has truly come home and it shines through here - may Hashem bless you and your journey always. He has given you a special pathway to filter His light.
Thank you for all your support and kind words in these comments! B"H, everything went well this morning at the mikvah and NOW, I'm really, really done...😊! ua-cam.com/video/g-d22La2HW8/v-deo.html
We are Ruth. I immersed in the presence of a woman who was born in Jerusalem in 1908. May Hadassah Epstein's spirit be with you, as she was with me in the mikveh in 1987. Along with the Hungarian mikveh lady, a number on her arm. I only wish I'd written that number. I know it was an evil tattoo. But still. One of my few regrets. Sei gesundt!
Ah wow, mazal tov! 💙
Mazal tov
When people ask if you’re Jewish they’re not asking or care about your religion but ethnic background
Mazel Tov!!❤
Converts are truly precious to the Jewish people. You have a Jewish soul and you’ve found your way to exactly where you’re supposed to be. ❤️🙏🏻
The Jewish soul concept is alien to the Torah. It’s a Kabbalistic doctrine that might be heretical. She became Jewish not because she has any innate Jewish soul but because she was looking for a rewarding spiritual path and Judaism presented itself to her.
As an ex Muslim who converted to Christianity 30 years ago and still Christian until this moment, I wish you the best of luck dear ma’am and may God bless you 🙏
Love from Israel ❤
If you are happy with where you are today, then the steps you took to get to this place were the right ones. No one should comment except to say "Mazel Tov" and go forward. Mazel Tov.
Good point that you mentioned that conversion doesn’t change the person from the inside. There are still many Gentiles out there who are willing to go through conversion, but it is far from being particular. These people like myself you have given them hope. I believe Ha Shem is pleased with what you said here. Because loving ourselves as we are along with accepting ourselves is big.
Much respect to u my mom converted it’s the greatest gift I ever got to be born part of am Israel
Congratulations!!! You are an amazing woman! I just turned 60, and starting the process of converting. Wishing you much happiness!
Mazel tov! I’m so happy for you. I hope you still feel called to share your life and faith journey with us. So happy for you!
Mazel Tov!!! I am so happy for you and hope that HaShem blesses you abundantly! I am a Korean-Canadian in the process of converting to Orthodox Judaism and I pray to HaShem that He allows me to make aliyah soon so that I can help Am Yisrael in any way I can. I pray that the hostages get released/rescued soon, the IDF soldiers stay strong and safe, and that all Am Yisrael remains blessed now and forever. Am Yisrael Chai!
There's more to Judaism than IDF and Israeli nationalism
I am just here to celebrate your relationship with Hashem! It brings me to tears to hear about the connection or reconnection that you have been able to cultivate. To realign your soul. Simply beautiful. I am crying
🥹❤ Thank you!
MAZAL TOV!!!!! I'm so happy for you! I'm so glad you shared this with us on here- I was literally not an hour ago just reading an article from the Orthodox Union about Ahavat haGer, love for the convert, and how hurtful behavior like you experienced is the sin of Ona'at haGer, or causing pain to the convert. I hope you experience nothing but love and acceptance from now on, and may your life as an officially official Orthodox Jew be full of beauty and Torah!! 💜💜
Thank you! 🥰
The incredible thing is, all the nations are coming to Jerusalem. You are part of that . Thank you
No idea why UA-cam recommended this to me but I am happy for you. Good luck. Orthodox Jews can be tough and getting into their community even tougher, so I really wish you the best.
Thanks! I feel very integrated in the community and find it to be very warm and welcoming. I’m sure there are less friendly groups but I have yet to encounter them.
Wow, the algorithm works in mysterious ways. But, I'm very interested in your story.
Welcome ! A big mazal tov. This is very inspiring. We need people of that quality in the Nation of Israel.
Mazal Tov, so much worth the time, work, and tears. I know personally. ❤ May you continue to go from strength to strength! 🎉
When my Beis Din approved my conversion… I sobbed. I started in the conservative movement but quickly realized I was not conservative when I found my way to Chabad.
I can’t explain how much I resonated with everything you said; particularly embracing the idea of being a ger because being a stranger is one of the things about Judaism that really resonated with you. I also did a conservative conversion and am set to have my final Beit din meeting with an Orthodox Beit din here in the states this month. My orthodox process has been almost 2 years and I can’t wait to feel free. I feel so similarly, there really are no words. Mazal Tov. Hope to cross paths with you one day!
Ahh that’s so exciting! ❤ I hope we cross paths in 🇮🇱 . 😊
Mazel tov! Your words really resonated with me. My situation is somewhat similar, my mother did a reform conversion before I was born, but I’m currently undergoing an orthodox conversion because that’s where my beliefs are. It’s so difficult to be considered a non-Jew by the community when you know in your heart that you have a Jewish soul, and waiting so long to convert and finally be accepted is so difficult. I’ve definitely shed a few tears because I’ve made so many sacrifices and I still don’t know when the mikveh day will come, whether it’s a few months or another year. I’ve been a subscriber for a long time and I’ve always been rooting for you, and seeing you and others achieve my goal really helps me get through the difficulties. I’m not sure what I should even feel after I eventually immerse, but hearing your thoughts and feelings on this is incredibly validating. Hashem is cheering for you that you’ve finally come home to Am Yisrael ❤️
Thanks for sharing that! And Kol hakavod for undergoing the process, despite its difficulties. It’s such a weird feeling to be at this stage and I’m honestly still settling into what it means now that it’s finally happening. Wishing you a peaceful journey ahead. ❤❤❤
As a Ben Noach, and fellow Zadikim, I say Baruch Hashem for you dear sister! Welcome home to Am Yisrael. May you have a Gut Shabbos this coming weekend. 🙏🕎❤️
Mazal tov 💓 I’m so sorry for the pain you’ve been through. Your neshama shines. You are a blessing to עם ישראל.
I was born Jewish and so were all of my ancestors before them. I believe you are 100% Jewish. You’ve done a real mitzvah. Mazel Tov and welcome 💙
I am honored to have you with us❤
You are a true inspiration to us all!
I'm an orthodox jew from Israel, and personally i think you've been a jew since your conservative conversion, what counts is the heart. Your heart is true, and you've been living according to the halacha then a conservative conversion is still good. However, it is best to go through an orthodox conversion so that no one can say anything about it. And those who still have what to say are wrong and idiots.
It's so nice to see more people join the Jewish people, it gives hope in times like these. Glad to have found your channel.
Mazal tov! May Hashem shower you with berachot
Mazel Tov !!!! 18 years is not easy, slowly but surely. You went through a difficult process, being a Jew is not easy, and being a kosher Jew is even more difficult, probably your soul could not rest until you finished the process. Now you can be calm and happy, because in heaven they are happy by the very fact that you did not give up, and now you can be a slave of the creator of the world because this is the highest rank a Jew can reach. Welcome home .
Your journey ignities and enhances my own understanding of Torah-Judaism. In tandem, the process has been lifelong, but having reached three score years and ten, I thank you for showing me who & what I am. You are my sister.
Mazal tov! I wish you the best. Making aliyah is extremely difficult. I was worried you had a meltdown and perhaps even stopped living with Jews. How wonderful to hear that you are having an Orthodox conversion. I think it is a must if living in Israel. Now getting married and getting buried will be non-issues (with many productive years in between.)
Haha no! Thank G-d, I’ve been well and very much ingrained in society. Being able to get married and buried were some of the main reasons I knew I had to go through this properly.
I think you are a beautiful human being and appreciate all you have shared with this journey. I think your thoughts about how you see "conversion" are incredibly insightful. The converts I have been privileged to know have all felt Jewish before it was made "official." You are blessing us all with your ability to articulate your experience. May Hashem continue to bless your life and work.
It’s really moving to hear you talking about the conversion process. I am a Jew myself and I feel that because you chose to become one and not born into it like myself, you are on a different level! I am proud that you have chosen to go through that difficult process and hope that you’ll find your inner peace and your unique Jewish belief.
Welcome dear sister, You are a beautiful person !
Mazal tov! As an asian convert, we get a lot of racist remarks from the people here in Israel and ofcourse a lot of stares! May H” bless you with a lot of strength to overcome all these hardships. I’m also living in Jerusalem and I’m here for you!!!!
Wow!! A HUGE MAZEL TOV, to you, Meorah!! I’m going through an orthodox conversion process after doing a conservative one, and everything you’re saying is something I feel so deeply. You’ve been a huge inspiration in this process for me. I’m so glad you’re finally where you want to be and klal yisrael recognizes you as who you’ve always been❤
Wow mazel tov. No words for your amazing journey. Hazak u'baruch. You can't please everyone and there's always that one guy, but you're legit. Welcome back to the tribe 🎉
Thank you for sharing. Mazel Tov!
What you said about how a convert was already part of the Jewish people in a sense is correct. We believe that anyone who converts, their soul, was at Har Sinai with us, and in a sense they found their way back to us. I am very moved by your journey, and I pray that you find a true peace and home with Am Yisrael.
I really dream about converting to Judaism myself and it is such a tough process. The hardest part is that I always felt jewish and it is so harsh to feel like you do not belong anywhere in the world. So happy for you and it is so inspiring to hear your story!
Mazel tov and yasher koach! You are a treasure and a neshamah tovah. A good soul! Am Yisrael is lucky to have you. Best wishes for good health and much peace as you continue your journey. Chukahaeyo! 😊❤😊
You are awesome. So much about Jewish practice is a process and we all have different paths. You bring so much light even when I can see that this has been painful and difficult for you to share. Thank you.
You have taken an amazing step. My recommendation is Chabad. Unlike most Chabad members I had cats at home. Have a long and a good life. Take vitamin D3 1100 IU + Magnesium every day in order to prevent the "known disease". Avoid red meat and don't eat more than 3 eggs a week, both cause CRC. 18 years is a long time and it could be much shorter if you started in Chabad! Leave water for cats and hedgehogs when it does not rain, sometimes even in the winter. Give charity when you can. Wishing you all the best, Eytan and Jessica.
Chabad generally don't do the giyur process. They focus mainly on teaching unaffiliated Jews, If you really want to accept Judaism you need to find a reputable beis din.
@@jacobsolomon427 It seems to be correct. I know Chabadnikim which underwent Giyur and all needed to go through Beis/Beit Din.
Dear Meorah, I'm happy to see that you found your way. I love your videos and really appreciate your honesty. I think that what's important is that you'll live near the community you love. There you'll meet new people that will strengthen you. Also you can go to University or learn Hebrew with a group of Olim, there you can also gain new friends ❤
❤❤❤ I haven’t been able to make it. I have spent 9 yrs learning by myself, feeling misunderstood; I have been hiding for a long time.
And now that I’m ready to do it I realized that I can change my spouse and children’s mindset or life style.
Sometimes I feel that I’m going to give up but my soul always finds a way to call me back to the rodeo and fight for who I want to become.
I wonder how many more years should I wait like you did to finally embraced who I am.
You are brave and determined. I’ll have you in mind when I feel discouraged.
Congratulations ✡️
I know, it’s a real fight, but you’ll see through it when the time is right! Anything beautiful and holy is hidden and protected. You just have to respect and desire it enough to make it yours. ❤️
Baruch HaShem!! Wow, Mazal Tov! You are an absolute inspiration and it’s the greatest gift that you are part of Klal Yisrael!! I definitely agree with you that the neshama source was always Jewish just yearning to return!! I love you dearly and am extremely thankful that your story was on the top of my recommended videos!! Extremely happy for you!! THANK YOU HASHEM that you are a JEW🩵 ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU!
🥰 thank you
MAZAL TOV, MAY THE GOOD LORD WILL BLESS YOU RICHLY, AMEN.
Thanks for your candor, Meorah. Mazal tov !
Thank you!
So much respect and appreciation to you and the people who goes through the process you go through.
מזל טוב!
Mazal Tov welcome to the community. I wish you all the best with your journey
I have always thought of you as a Jewish Woman. I’m half Jewish on my father’s side, so you know that I have to convert. I live as and observant Jewish Woman . I am going to convert. I’m in a class with one book to go .
Kol Chavod. Baruch Haba welcome to the family. You are not only converting, but you are making aliyah. Wishing you much hatzlacha!
As a 71 year old former atheist who converted to Christianity and ultimately Catholicism, I love conversion stories. Your story is one of the most inspiring I've ever heard. Let not your heart be troubled about being wholly "accepted" by all within your newfound community. You have made a bold, brave, heroic choice for the best of personal reasons. This will become more apparent to the doubters over time. Also, consider how you describe your journey. Yes, it may be a conversion. But that term brings to the mind of the small minded the pejorative homonymic ' convict" or "pervert. Also, it doesn't sufficiently describe the radical personal agency that you have si thoughtfully and sincerely exercised. Consider instead reframing your journey as a "convincement", as my Quaker forebears called it. As the Anglo American husband of a free thinking Hokkien Chinese from Singapore (for whose own future convincement I also pray), Im surecim not the only one who would like to hear more about your origins. Anyway, stay true to yourself true to yourself and our God, who surely will bestie special blessings upon you.
As baal teshuvah who started returning back to Hashem in 2016 , I understand your feelings! It's life long work😊
Mazel to ! Welcome to the tribe!!💜
Thank you for sharing your journey and the process of it all.
Mazal Tov! ❤
As a Jew I sorta get how hard it is to convert and if I had to convert... Wow, I don't think I would have😅 unless I got help for every single step--
Wishing you all the best moving forward!!
Mazel tov! Coming back in these hard times is special. Every convert neshamas were always jewish, is great that you found Your way back. I was born jew, i started my tchuva 5yo ago and did aliyah couple of months ago, best decision ever. The difference now, is that the whole am israel recognize you, and that is not small. Best wishes, ברכה הבאה
Non Kabbalistic Jews do not believe in Jewush neshamas.
Mazal Tov!!!!! Welcome home dear sister 💖❤️💚💜, Wishing you much Mazal, Hatzlacha, Brocha!!
Mazel tov!! You are 1000% a Jew. Never let anything doubt that.
Mazel Tov!! I've had an almost identical experience. I feel you! Enjoy being finally home!!!❤
Wow. Mazal Tov! The Rabbinute of Israel is recognised all over the world. You have nothing to worry about. Glad you finally got it done. I remember you from years ago. May you have much success and find your Besheret Bsha Tova and start your very own Orthodox Jewish Family. We would love to have you over for Shabbat once things settle down with the 2nd birth and our move to the Settlements.
Kol hakavod! It takes real commitment to go what you went through. Only a fool would put a question mark next to your judaism.
Ve shavo banim l'geulam - the sons (and daughters) are returning home. Welcome back.
Hi admire your tenacity and devotion in your pursuit in conversion of Judaism. I find you very admirable, and I wish you much success.
My dear! Todah raba to you for this. I am a convert, also. I was with Masorti rabbis but might do it over. We have so much in common!
Thank you! I've felt and experienced so much of what you've shared.
Beautiful message, thank you for sharing such a personal and meaningful part of your life
Mazal tov ❤. So happy for you. I love seeing your videos. They are like a safe place for the soul in all this social media world. Thank you ❤
Mazel Tov ! very impressive , you are quite a soul. You did the right thing as in Israel you really need the orthodox acceptance to be fully accepted. wow 18 years ... that's a lot of work.
Mazel Tov. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You have a beautiful soul ❤
You will never be a stranger to the Jewish people as you are one of us. I commend your courage to embrace who you are despite the unfortunate ones who are too racist to see a beautiful Jewish soul such as yourself. Judaism gives you more than a religion and a culture, it gives you a connection to a deep love for G-d and humanity. כל הכבוד
Thank you for sharing your story ❤💙
Mazel Tov! I’m happy for you! Shalom Aleichem
Wishing you the very best! Lots of Hatzlacha and MAZAL TOV in all that you do!
I'm so proud of you, I've been following your journey for a while. Mazel Tov. ❤
Mazal tov ! This is so inspiring ! I’m so happy for you ! 🙌🏻✡️
Mazel tov! Only love and blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm very proud of you and can see how much this means to you. It is overwhelming how much I relate to your journey and the way you are wording it which describes exactly how I feel as well. Watching you like this helps me with my journey. G-d willing, your mikveh experience will be transformative in a spiritual sense, eventhough you may feel that nothing major will change, it is still life changing. Wish you all the best. Be safe!
Thank you! I’m glad to know you can relate. I know many won’t agree with the way I see the situation and I’m prepared for at least a few “you’re Jewish now!” comments. But that’s okay too. And I also hope the mikvah will be spiritually transformative- I do believe it has an energetic/spiritual effect, so I’m really excited for that! 😀
Mazal tov! So amazing and happy for you!
Shalom Meorah,
I’m happy for you, and it’s the right path you’re taking.
My wife and I went through orthodox conversion 12 years ago. It’s special to be part of bnei Israel and to serve HaShem.
We finally are planning to also make Aliyah this August.
All the best to you, Kol Tov.
Thank you! And that’s great to hear, Mazal Tov on making Aliyah soon. ❤❤❤
Mazel tov! Blessing you with hatzlacha, clarity , and simchat chayim.
That was heartfelt and awesome, con gratz
Mazel tov! May you be blessed by Gd.
Welcome to the tribe! ❤
One of my favorite things about being Jewish is the fact that we believe that God loves everybody, whether or not they're Jewish - and nobody has to be Jewish, unless they're born to a Jewish mother.
God loved you before you started the conversion process, and you're still loved now. Your conversion in the Conservative tradition made you Jewish enough that the state of Israel granted you aliyah, so that's pretty Jewish right there ;) But I understand how you would want to commit to an Orthodox conversion, because joining that community allows you to make a public declaration of how you are committed to the mitzvot. And I agree that an Orthodox conversion doesn't make you any more or less Jewish than you were before - because you were Jewish before you started on the Orthodox conversion path.
I think of the conversion experience for gerim as being more about what Jewish community they will be a part of than anything else. Anyone can serve God, Jewish or not. It's better to be a righteous Noahide than it is to be a lousy Jew, you know? But there are so many parts of Jewish observance that require a Jewish community if you want to have the full experience, so it matters which communities will or will not recognize you as a Jew. There's no kaddish without a minyan. You can't hear the book of Esther for Purim unless there's another Jew who can read it.
As I have been learning more about daily prayers, I started thinking about why so many of the Hebrew words in the siddur end in "-einu" - I don't speak Hebrew yet, so I didn't know what it meant. But after thinking about it for a while, I realized that this has to be a suffix that changes the base word to mean "our" - like "shalom" is peace, but "shlomeinu" is "our peace". So the reason so many words in the siddur end with this is because so much of our religious life is communal. I don't pray that *I* will lie down to sleep in peace - I pray Hashkiveinu - that WE will lie down in peace to sleep.
You don't need anybody else to be Jewish, and you don't need anybody else to love God and to do the work God has given you. But to have the full Jewish experience, you need other Jews. And the more closely your views about the Divine align with the rest of your community's views, the richer your religious life will be. I hope your Orthodox conversion brings you such community, so that your spiritual life will be filled with richness and joy!
That was beautiful 🥲 Well said! 💖
That's awesome. It's a pity how Zionism has hijacked your beautiful spiritual tradition and turned it into a nationalistic cult.
You've done it now! Welcome to the Twelve Tribes. כל הכבוד!
This is incredible. I wish you all the best.
I'm so happy for you welcome in to the Community 😍🤗🤗
You are amazing ! I cried with you
This is the first video I have ever seen of you. Deep respect for your journey. Mazal tov! Welcome home
Congratulations 🙌 🥂
Congratulations
I don’t know what you think about this, but I imagine conversion to Judaism as an adoption into a family. Both sides have to agree. You need to want to be part of the family and the family need to be willing to accept you. So, your conversion is not only for you, but also for your community and for the whole Jewish nation. It is, of course, way more important what you think and feel about yourself, but it is not completely unimportant what other people think about you, not in terms of judging you or stuff like that, but in terms of knowing how to relate to you.
Yes, that’s a perfect analogy! It really is like that. It felt painful that some of my family didn’t “see” me, and now, aside from a few grumpy uncles (😂!) I’ll be more embraced by the tribe.
Mazal tov!! 18-חי Now you can start your life. May you live a beautiful long and connected life
Mazeltov! So happy for you!!
Congratulations ❤❤
mazal tov, I hear you, I am dancing for you, very happy.
Welcome to the tribe. Mazal Tov... best wishes for a fulfilling life
I celebrate your story! ❤️
mazal tov! I am very happy for you!
Congratulations!
First, Mazel Tov on your joining Orthodoxy! However, I’m _really_ hoping you understood you were Jewish the moment you finished your conservative conversation (as long as the Halacha criteria was met for the steps required to convert). Because Orthodox isn’t the only ‘real’ Judaism, there’s many ways to be Jewish.
It bothers me that you didn’t feel acceptance from others as a Conservative Jew, because that’s messed up. The main thing is that we are with the community we resonate with. It’s because there’s many ways to be Jewish that Israel has changed to allow Conservative, Reform, etc. be eligible for Aliyah. If conservatism is what it took to help you get to the level of observance you’re comfortable with, I think that’s a beautiful thing!
We all have different journeys in life, and I’m glad you found a path that works for you. 😊
Am Yisrael Chai! 💙 🇮🇱 💙
Thanks! I did feel accepted with a conservative conversion because the people I engage with can tell I’m committed Jew regardless of my “certification.” But that was only on the surface. I didn’t try dating so I’m sure that would have been an issue. That’s another can of worms of course. 😅
Congratulations. Welcome to Am Israel.
❤
This is beautiful. Your soul has truly come home and it shines through here - may Hashem bless you and your journey always. He has given you a special pathway to filter His light.
Welcome sister!
Very inspirational! Mazel tov!