Are Jewish Converts Really Accepted? 🤔
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- Опубліковано 8 лис 2020
- Are Jewish converts really treated the same as other Jews? Watch this video for my personal insights on what it’s like to be a Jewish convert and whether I’ve experienced being accepted by the community.
“As one of your native born he shall be considered…and you shall love him as yourself…” - Leviticus 19:34
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My reaction to this video...3 years later! 👉 ua-cam.com/video/VZupDqaCGzw/v-deo.html
I'm an Orthodox Jew, I hope all the converts are guided in positive path.✡🕎🇮🇱
I am a Jewish woman with several Jewish friends who are converts. Your dedication to Judaism and your desire to learn is beautiful. A Jew is a Jew, regardless of if you converted or not. I hope that there will be more acceptance of converts and you making these videos is so powerful. Thank you!
Jew is a bloodline. Jew is short for Judah Christ tribe.
@@starseed7609 Actually Jew is from Judah, Jesus is a very common Jewish name (AKA Joshua).
@@uridavis2037 "Yeshu`a" is the Aramacized version of the original Yehoshu`a.
@@ZviJ1 Nope. Yeshu is a name in itself.
There was no Aramaic version of ‘Yeshua’, as the Aramaic the Jews spoke in the time of the gospels was a mix of Hebrew and Syrian Aramaic. It’s like saying the name John in Dutch will be different in Flemish….
Jesus is the Greek version of Yeshu.
The Christians wanted to correlate the name Yeshu with that of ‘salvation’ in Hebrew. It is not a factual idea.
@@uridavis2037 "Yeshu" (ישו) is merely the corrupted form of "Yeshu`a" (ישוע) that was prevalent in northern Israel, where Jews no longer pronounced the `Ayin that figures at the name's end.
You seem to have misunderstood me, as I stated that "Yeshu`a" is the Aramaic version of the Hebrew original "Yeshoshu`a" (יהושע).
If by "Syrian Aramaic" you mean royal Aramaic, I agree. And none of this contradicts or detracts from what I originally stated; how you connect the two eludes me.
While the Christians are wrong theologically, all the aforementioned names that originate from "Yehoshu`a" are grammatically related.
as a fellow orthodox jew, you are valid!! this is so inspiring and eye opening. i’m so sorry there’s a stigma 🥺🥺. am yisrael chai ✡️
also your dog is SO CUTE
Yes my family is orthodox they are so judgey
she wont get a jew man for shiduch, she will get a convert to marry her, also cuz she has (oriental) features it will be difficult,.....i was told on a shabbois table by a friend once they would never want to marry a convert as it will alter their ............
@@salmanpishori5489you guys are all fakes anyway , the real hebrews were not like how they now look you guys always wanna claim being jew but original jews were not whites or asians or arabs , will arabs might be the closest cousins but still original hebrews looked like anceint egyptians that how mosa was able to live in the pharoph house , if hebrews were different they would have killed mosa but you guys so delusional. 😂
@@salmanpishori5489. That isn’t my experience I was engaged to a Jewish man. His family are Orthodox Jews. I was welcomed and loved as a family member. I was not asked to convert. My fiancé did want to raise our children as Jewish and I was very positive and called to accept Judaism into my heart. When he travelled on business for periods of time, I would drive several hours to stay with his family. On the sabbath, we would walk to temple and I always felt welcomed. I’d never felt so loved, even more than my own family. So, this is just a brief story of my experience.
Shalom
I am so glad that I converted. I liked Judaism for a long time but felt very much at home as a Roman Catholic. Over time, I felt drawn to Judaism and as I learned more and more (than I thought I "really" did) I knew it was the right place for me. I even changed my first name because I felt it was such a transformation for me. People told me over time I "had a Jewish head", "I had a Jewish soul". I now understand what they saw.
I am in the process right before converting. Still trying to learn about the religion. I am not rlly familiar with the religion. If you could, could you explain the basis of what you do to practice Judaism? Or any tips you have?
Hi Dov, this may sound obvious but if someone converts to Judaism say reform Judaism, is it required or customary to get a new name? For instance you receive a new hebrew name- that is required? Also, if so, do you change your name officially with your government? I know nothing about this topic but it appears as if people who are not ethnically Jewish who convert to Judaism have Jewish names. Thank you for anyone who helps clarify!
@@jenniferh.7219 For me all the stars aligned. The rabbi who converted said I could do whatever pleased me, and for me, I felt having left Catholicism behind, it was a giant step as everyone who knew me could attest to. I heard a few "horror" stories from friends and friends of friends who converted in order to marry and who were quite upset that they couldn't keep Jesus in their toolbox... I didn't have any issue with this and I had been around my ex for many years and I had a lot of time to think about it, all the more reason. It's funny, during that time I've run into plenty of peole who questioned my motives, but at the same time those who I thought might be harsh were actually supportive. I'm very happy and the only thing I'm still waiting to scratch off my to-do list is to find a synagogue to join, once Covid subsides and things get more back to normal. I miss that.
@@jenniferh.7219 It is customary to pick a Jewish name if you convert reform, but you do not have to legally change it. Hope that helps :)
@@sofiaherrera5329 youre a waste of time, freakin wanting to be a jew ew ew jew jew jew
Thank you for sharing your story. My Great Grandmother was a convert from an Irish Catholic background. She made a full Orthodox conversion when my Great Grandfather started talking about getting married. Despite my Great Grandfather coming form a none religious background and would have married her regardless, she felt in her heart it was what she wanted. I am not too sure how her experience was joining the Jewish community as she passed away long before I was born but I can tell from photos of my Grandfather's Bar Mitzvah, she had a sense of pride and happiness for him as any loving Jewish mother would. I have a heavy heart for anyone who converts and faces stigmas about their background. I am sorry you have had these experiences. I pray for the day where this is no longer an issue in the community. Conversion is not easy and I have the deepest respect for those who take up the journey. Welcome to the Jewish Nation!
Thanks for sharing that! I can really feel the warmth of your memory and it's touching to hear from someone who's proudly descended from a dedicated convert. ( I can only hope that my descendants will think as fondly of me! 😄 )
Omg, this reminds me of King David of Israel who after all was the great grandson of the first convert, Ruth😱🥰
I really appreciate hearing about your perspective and experiences. As a Baal Teshuva (someone who became religious later in life) I totally relate to feeling like an outsider. I think the best way to describe it to other people is like moving schools during high school and trying to learn the new customs while also trying to feel normal from the get go.
Because of my background I also have a lot of friends who are converts and I think the main deterrent from the communities' side of accepting converts is that no one really knows what's in someones heart and why they are converting and we have to rely on the Beis Din that approved the conversion to also 'approve' of it too. That being said, there's a lot of bureaucracy around different Beis Dins and who will hold by what and individuals end up getting caught in the cross fire.
But you don’t know what’s in anyone’s heart...so why single out converts?
That's a good point but I think the hard part of relying on a beit din's approval is that there are an alarming number of converts who convert for disingenuous reasons, lie to their beit din and get away with it. It really bums me out to see that happen but it's very real. You're spot on in saying that it's the individuals who get caught in the cross fire of bureaucracy. I figure we can't expect to change the red tape but what we can do is be kinder and more welcoming as a community!
@@applebottomjeans333 Because if a person isn't converting for genuine reasons, its considered an invalid conversion whereas someone who is born Jewish can never do anything to change that fact.
@@hameorah I completely agree. Its just significantly easier to rely on a Beis Din that you trust rather than trying to constantly figure it out for yourself. I think it more comes into play when it comes to the question of marrying a convert. 100% the community should be kind and welcoming regardless!
@@hameorahThank you for your truthful reactions and comments. This is something that should be discussed at length in temple/synagogue in discussion groups, as dramatic presentations (skits). and even in song so that born-Jews will know how it really feels to sometimes be treated as an outsider or how it feels to have people question your legitimacy as a Jew.
Thanks for the inspiration and openness on the subject matter. Means a lot that you shared this video :)
I just began the conversion process. Will start studying with a rabbi in January. Beginning this process in the time of a pandemic is also strange because you can’t really immerse yourself in the congregation. Everything is online and the interaction is different.
I also watched your conversion video and I was so touched. God willing I will get to feel that when Hanukkah rolls around next year!
Thank you for posting this!
I am in the process right before converting. Still trying to learn about the religion. I am not rlly familiar with the religion. If you could, could you explain the basis of what you do to practice Judaism? Or any tips you have?
@@sofiaherrera5329 To learn what to do, you need to seek out a Rabbi. You can look up the closest Chabad to where you live. You can't convert on your own. You will need a Rabbi to help you. He will teach you to study, learn Hebrew, all the beliefs, holidays, the ideology, and rituals. A conversion can take 1-5 years of learning and studying. You will need a Rabbi.
As a daughter of a convert, I found this very interesting. I always felt that I was accepted until it was time to settle down and look for a husband. I had an incredibly difficult time.
Hello sweet jamie💕💕
Hi, Jamie, I made a comment up above but as I was scrolling through the comments, yours shocked me. I am African-American and my mom told me when I was 13 that she was studying to convert even before I was born, so, your story is interesting to me. I know that the people who have treated you so callously perhaps have made you feel rejected, hurt and uncomfortable. If so, I get it. And not to downplay any of those feelings whatsoever, but it just occurred to me that those people are just plain ignorant. Take note and pray to find people who are not ignorant to be your friends!Truly learned,g-dly people and their families and friends who really have a heart for HaShem would know the scriptures and warnings regarding how to treat converts and they would not reject you.Besides, you aren't even a convert, your mother is. But even so, it doesn't matter that she is. I think it's even more special that HaShem pursued her, wooed her until she had to say 'yes' to Judaism! What a wonderful legacy you have!!! Take care. Barbara
@Julian Clarke since you’re quoting the New Testament as authoritative that obviously means you’re a Christian and not a Jew. Also since you’re focused so much on Jews being black that also reveals that you’re a racist.
@Julian Clarke you are racist,even the people near Israel not black
@Julian Clarke All you've proved is that you're a Christinsane Black Tea-brew Israel-lie.
As a born Jew I am deeply disgusted and ashamed by ANY such notions or attitude against Converts. Since the founding of our Nation and the giving of the Torah God has made it very clear that this type of thing is against His teachings, Converts are a really important part of Judaism and what it represents and sets out to achieve - humanity united under God and His Torah IS the mission statement, and the main function of the Nation. This is what we were chosen for, it is our duty on earth. Your kind, beautiful and you belong with us. Blessings from Jerusalem. Subscribed.
هل يمكنني ان اصبح يهودي؟
Thank you for your truthful talk about the issues converts face. I remember in university, I had to just visit a Temple/synagogue for my Religion class (I'm African-American).I was really looking forward to being there and the rabbi knew I would be there but the congregation didn't and one woman kept turning around to stare at me. Maybe she was staring because she thought I might not know what was going on and wanted to help me. Or maybe she thought I was lost....regardless of her reasons, I was SO uncomfortable that I ended up leaving as soon as it was over and missed out on interacting with members of the congregation. I wish that rabbis would address this issue head-on in their congregations. I think your ideas about the psychology of some converts is right-on. I practice Shabbat at home, the Day of Atonement and do tons of reading on Jewish topics but I am nervous about going to a Jewish space due to all of the issues you've mentioned. One day, I am going to have to be brave and go. I live in Europe so it's even more complicated. Anyway thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to your next video. Shalom Aleichem. Barbara
I began my conversion last year, hopefully by the end of the year I’ll be fully converted, im yirtzeh hashem ❤️ I am a conservative jew and am happier than ever!!
Mazel Tov welcome in the family .
welcom to the family. i hope it goes well
Hello fellow amphibia fan, also welcome to the community
@@animethighs2371 oh hey!! Never thought I would have saw another amphibia fan here. also ty
Great video, achoti! You touched on all the major points. Saying, "It's a mixed bag" sums it up. That's definitely my experience as well. Most fascinating to me is that the less religious the Jew, the more embracing they are of my conversion 🤔.
Omg you’re a convert AND Korean? You are already my favorite UA-camr. Thank you for making this video. I am trying to convert, I’ve been trying for years, but I can relate to so much of what you said.
Yep, and proud of it! 😄 Thanks for the love and best wishes on your journey-you'll make it in due time!!
Thank you for covering this topic. I've been wanting to convert for a few years now, but this has been one of the biggest obstacles I have faced. I worry that no matter how hard I study or observe, it would never be enough to be considered "fully" jewish. Your words have been nothing be reaffirming and comforting.
Edit-sorry. I’m tired. So typos
I know how you feel. For me it is between me and HaShem. I do not need others to tell me who or what I am. I’m being guided to do what I need to do. It’s not easy but it’s important that I don’t worry too much about the social aspect of being a Jew. Being accepted by others is important for our mental and spiritual health but for me, it’s about my covenant with HaShem. ☺️
Best wishes to you. Much love and peace
Shalom ❤
I'm not a convert but I grew up in a community were there are a lot of converts. I noticed that it all depends on the community. Some communities don't accept converts or any outsiders. Some accept depending on the type of conversion and others welcome anyone. I'm so happy that you have a lot of support in you life and you also have support here online :)
Yeah my community in Toronto is very cliquey and suspicious of converts. I feel bad that they are ostracized and unwelcome.
@Gstar2395
Did you grow up in Georgetown in DC? That shul, kesher Israel, is like a third convert.
@@Adam33067 No, I'm not from the US
Welcome and I’m so happy to hear your perspective.
Regarding people having biases regarding marriage, usually those people are picky with many other (what we may think of as) shallow reasons. Personally a convert to me is a plus, because it means they’re Jewish because they’ve chosen this way, and they have a deeper commitment and connection, not to mention the hurdles they’ve had to overcome which most definitely made them stronger.
The one who is worthy of sharing your life will see all of that within you, and will not only not mind the convert status, but will prefer and celebrate it.
thanks to you i feel more confident to convert thank you ! :)
Excellent Meorah. Really important to bring the issues faced by converts into the light. I know that the process of conversion is a long hard one full of arcane study. And many don't appreciate the internal struggle that some have with their family and friends when they decide to convert, sometimes having to leave those they've spent a lifetime with. Then to be treated as "less than" by your new people makes me embarrassed that you'd encounter this. To me converts are more legit as you've joined our people by choice and can probably run circles around most of my friends and family in terms of knowledge. Anyway, Blessings on you and welcome to the Tribe. Remember, from Ruth we got King David. I'll take that deal.
Great Video! Its amazing to see more converts putting out quality videos to help other converts out there. When I started my Journey there was almost nothing to be found. Chag Sameach.
Just found your channel and this is dope. Your the first korean Jew I'm coming across!
Id love to meet in person and collab somewhere around the world!
Mazal tov
It's confusing
Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
I'm so thankful that you brought light to this particular issue about converts as well as being Jewish and a Person of Color. I similarly held off in emarking on my own Jewish journey because I knew I would be seen as an outsider for being Poc and B'H, I am heading for my Beit Din this friday. Thank you for continuing to tell your story and using it to push for change! Yasher Koach!
👍
Ahh, I'm so excited for you-mazal tov!! 👏
Mazal tov to you 🎉 just a little side note, technically, Jews aren’t white because unless you’re a white convert, most of Jews come from the Middle East, Judea. I know that in the US some Jews are white passing because a lot of them are Ashkenazi, but that doesn’t make them white... I live in France and here we are not considered white.
I have talked about this before as Well. Truth is Jews weren’t really considered White in Europe or America for most of history. It wasn’t really until the past decades that people started considering them as White. I know on forms it would often say Jewish as a category with Black, White, etc. And it’s quite interesting that the first people to really bring Middle Eastern culture into Europe/the West were Jews. When Jews started becoming more integrated and immigration really became a thing that’s when Arabs and other Middle Easterners started taking over the role that Jews had for such a long time had in European and Western society as the bridge to Middle Eastern culture
Nobody cares if you're black or white or purple. You're putting a limit on yourself. I know converts of different races and nobody cares or treats them any different.
I'm into my second year of working on my conversion, and I can totally relate to what you're saying. I'm not sure when I feeling like I'll be ready, hopefully within another year, but I'm still intimidated after two years..
I am in the process right before converting. Still trying to learn about the religion. I am not rlly familiar with the religion. If you could, could you explain the basis of what you do to practice Judaism? Or any tips you have?
@@sofiaherrera5329 just know that what ever is happening whether its good or bad god made it happen for a reason and he'll always be by your side.
Hey while I was born Jewish my mother (a Dutch woman) converted, I've seen and heard the stigma that some within the community hold towards her, and truly it's rather disgusting behavior at times.
Still as you pointed out most people have a deep respect for converts.
I do remember reading somewhere that Ba'alai Tshuva and Gerim generally are in the eyes of God held on a higher podium because they put in a lot more work and a generally more faithful that born Jews, I suppose some of the discrimination is derived from people being embarrassed that a convert has better faith, motivation, and respect for Halacha and Am Yisrael.
Hi dear, I have also come to that same conclusion. The convert has no need to convert, yet the love for all of Torah and the Mitzvot is so great they are willing to put in the work; it is certainly not easy to be an observant Jew. I have thought that those confused Jews which act negative against converts have very sad lives and just feel jealous about someone going through so much trouble to be able to observe mitzvot and actuality be happy doing them. But, we all know the Creator and Torah are not negative like that.
@@thesweetlifeeveryday8143 the most important thing to remember for converts is that God loves and fully accepts them.
@@bernardcornellisvanmeijere4375 Yes dear. But even more, the Creator loves and accepts every human being .
Just curious, did she have an orthodox conversion ?
@@S_goldman_ my mother did a full Orthodox conversion.
im Hassidic Jewish and you are 100000000000000% accepted by me and you have alot of valid points god bless love your vids! btw hi from my baby bird 🦜😇💕
@birdy4life - As a reconstructionist, would you also accept me? Lots of stigma around reform and reconstructionist giyurim.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective/story. Blessing your journey!
Thanks!
To set the record straight...I'm a baal teshuva and we recieve the same attitude like you do. Which is really understandable. I see what kind of secular behaviour I bring with me and how it might influence frum children who are exposed to me for instance. So I lovingly accept my second class citisenship so to speak. And because of my personal experience I try my best to give my convert friends the best feeling and acceptance. Good luck sister!
I love love love this video! I'm a Filipino Jew and super proud. Your journey is so inspiring keep going! :)
Hi Bianca G. Maybe I can get your Facebook name, I am Filipina and wanted to convert. Maybe somehow u can give me ideas about the process.
@@gretchenalupay1088 Hi Gretchen thats amazing congratulations! I will leave you an email in your inbox of who to contact. Mazel tov and Mabuhay!
@@gretchenalupay1088 I cant seem to message you send me your facebook link and ill link you with someone :)
Your journey is incredible and inspiring. You are encouraging my to work on my own Teshuva and mitzvahs. Please don't ever get discouraged, not even for a minute.....
The wonderful comments tell you how important this conversation is. Well done from a fellow convert.
I really want to thank you for making this video. As someone who is seriously considering converting to Judaism, hearing about how converts are perceived and what personal struggles they have as converts was really informative. It’s good to know what to expect on an otherwise unpredictable journey.
I’m truly enjoying all your videos. I found you at a great time right before my conversion! G-D Bless
Hello sweet anne
@@shahzaibmikaeel6550 hello
@@annemariemilne4453 sweet anne u r so gorgeous if u dont mind i want to be a best friend💕
@@annemariemilne4453 maria If you need help and to learn more about the history of things ask me,some people In my nation make it harder then it need to be
I feel so connected to your journey! my dad converted to Judaism ( before conversion my dad study so many religions and I was agnostic), after 5 years I did the conversion with my dad and sister. My community is orthodox but I consider myself a conservative jew due to the leniency in matters of Jewish law and due to their unwelcoming attitude towards the LGTBQ community ( I also feel that this movement is male dominant). However, I love Judaism, I feel so connected ( my mom's dad abandoned her but he was Jewish). Right now, I live in the diaspora (Central America), and is so difficult to connect with my Jewishness...but it makes me glad that there's someone out there that had a similar experience. Sometimes I question my Jewish identity, and I feel so scared of rejection, especially in the orthodox community. at this point in my life I'm lacking Emunah, and today somehow I found your channel, and definitely, it has inspired me to come closer to HaShem.
Wow. I love this video. I am going through the process as a Latino ( I’m also not converting because of marriage) and have felt lots of love from the tribe, but sometimes I feel self conscious because of ancestry, but I’ve always known I was Jewish.Thank you for sharing your story! ❤️❤️ Shabbat shalom.
@@rohan7224 please explain
@@rohan7224 These are lies and you know it -- typical Christinsane behavior. The historical Yeshu`a -- to the extent he actually existed -- did not establish any Church as he never entertained the notion of founding some other religion. It was Paul, who distorted Yeshu`a's teachings beyond recognition in the blasphemous idolatrous pagan Greco-Roman direction, who effectively founded your Church
@@rohan7224 The main volume of your Scriptures, the Non Testament, is a blasphemous, idolatrous, pagan Buy Bull amalgamation of (mostly) fairy tales composed by heathens in Europe that contradicts Judaism on almost every point imaginable.
Welcome home to the tribe brother
I converted to Judaism over 20 years ago through an orthodox rabbi. I don't refer to myself as a "convert", i just say I am a Jew. If the subject comes up, I will say that I did convert. I had some bad experiences in both Orthodox and Conservative synagogues with people treating me as a second class citizen or, as you mentioned, not even Jewish. But for the last number of years, I attended primarily Reconstructionist, Reform or Renewal congregations, and no one seemed to care, I was treated like one of the crowd. In these places, I often knew more about Judaism than the born Jews did, maybe because of the Orthodox training I had in the beginning. In any case, despite some harsh experiences, i am very happy I became a Jew. A very rich and profound tradition.
I am focused on your Pug :) Congratulations on your conversion. Welcome to the tribe!
Thank you so much for this ! 🤍
I am half Korean and Half Ashkenazi Jewish but raised by Jewish step father and mother originally from the USSR. I was born into it since my mother was Jewish. Dual US and Israeli citizen. Haven't been to a synagogue since 1996. I found it difficult to become friends with Koreans but always had Jewish and non Jewish Russian speaking circles. My last name is a Russufied version of the word Shemesh lol.
When did you apply for Israeli citizenship? Did you do military service?
The Soviet Koreans I have met have always been closer to Russian than South Korean culture, so your experience makes sense to me.
You r my hero. I'm really want to become to convert to Judism so I want to thank u for the inspiration and the honesty of yre message 🙏. It's real and honest eye opening
Wishing you well on your life journey.you have chosen a beautiful path
I was born into a Jewish family on my father's side (My mother was adopted by a Jewish family) but my step-father converted from Christianity. We don't live in a very religious community here in Chicago, but he's fortunately never been treated poorly by fellow Jews. Even my father, an orthodox Ashkenazi Jew who grew up in, and lives in Israel, supports him. Ironically enough, the most unfair treatment he's gotten is from his own family.
True converts - who are not actually "converts" but people whose Jewish souls have been "unveiled" - are precious to the Jewish people. You have come a long way to find who you really are. You must be accepted and appreciated (because you have struggled and overcome). It is Jewish law.
Not in my experience, sorry
What denomination did you convert through? I am going through conversion now and I’m very curious what denomination and why you chose it.
I think it’s really sad that born Jews make converts feel unwelcome. How do they think that this as being Godly behavior?? Every other faith I’ve encountered go out of their way to welcome anyone who’s interested in their faith...
No matter what religion, there's always the over-religious gatekeepers who want to keep their community the same.
Because being Jewish isn't just about religion -- it's also an ethnicity. It's like trying to be Italian. Even if you're Catholic, if you're not Italian (Irish, let's say), you'll never be accepted as "one of them." I don't like saying it but it's true. Sometimes I wonder why converts have such an attraction for wanting to be Jewish? Haven't they any pride for their own heritage? Or can they somehow work it out and be both? I guess that's the whole point. The good news is that some do speak of "Jewish souls," but of course we can't verify that (or the general idea of "souls") scientifically.
Judaism is not just a religion, it is an ethno-religious group. There is a reason we make it difficult to convert to Judaism and do not actively seek converts like most other religions. I can understand where people are coming from when they make converts feel unwelcome. Do not speak ill about the true descendants of Abraham.
It’s honestly so dumb it’s barely even a religion most Jews hate god or don’t even believe in god
@@yitzhakgoldberg2404 Some people want more in their connection to Gd, or feel more connection to the Jewish people then whoever they were born to.
This is wonderful Thank you will share
Thank you so much for your video, I can relate to what you've experienced. I converted to Judaism about 14 years ago and even now, there is a Jewish sect that will not accept me as a Jew. That really bothered me for years and years, until I told myself they are wrong, who are they to judge if I'm a Jew or not I will let Hashem decide. Now, I belong to a great synagogue, they are excepting and very kind. I finally found a home in Judaism.
Anyone who would not wish to marry you for the simple reason that you are a convert is not someone you want to marry in the first place and it says a lot more about them than it does about you.
I am a brown complexion man. I've been refused entry many times to synagogue. The Rabbis have refused to meet with me.Many times.
When they hear the word "convert,red flags go off in their mind. In Israel I was treated with high respect. I found black women are openly accepted and protected.
A rabbi in Atlanta told me that he had enough converts and I was not allowed to come
I am a Jew by Choice, aka Convert. We are considered defective Jews. Then we are pushed to being a Noahide even after conversion.
You certainly seem to be a really great human being, regardless of how you look and what you believe. You're very articulate and down to earth. Well-done for an excellent presentation!!!
❤ wow you waited for 14 years!
Having been a convert for 40 years I no longer worry what people think of me .today as I am approaching 60 I just work on my relationship with hasem .i have been a member of the hasdic community most of my life and have children and bh grandchildren all Jewish all hasdic . But i really agree with your intelligent video .
I love this video! As a patrilineal Jew, I've always wondered if I would be accepted in a Jewish community having had a Jewish grandfather. I would hope Reform circles would accept me. I celebrated Hanukkah since I was very young when my mom introduced me to the holiday. My dad is an atheist and doesn't follow his dad's religion. I love to read Torah a few times a week and am interested in learning more about the other Jewish holidays like Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, etc.
I agree. These are all really great points, especially the part about the insecurity. You kind of just have to jump into Judaism or you'll never really be a part of the community. I felt intimidated and wanted to hide away from the temple and other Jews. A part of me felt like a fish out of water and thought that others Jews would think that I was an outsider. Looking back on it, it was silly of me to do this. None of these people really cared about my background or what my reasoning was. They didn't really notice me that much because they were doing their own thing (and I was trying hard not to stick). If you just look at it that way, then it's easier to ignore what you may perceive to be a "cold welcoming" or "unfriendliness." Some people are legitimately unfriendly towards converts, but these are catty and nasty people regardless. Some sects don't see reform as a real Jewish sect which can also be intimating. You just have to say "screw it" and leave mean people to believe what they want.
Great video, thank you for posting
Yasher koach. I converted back in 2011 and all that you say is true.
Jewish converts in my experience are incredibly loved and appreciated in my synagogue. Often inspiring others to get closer to Judaism. A convert Jew = 1000% legit Jew. Nothing less! ❤✡️
I converted through the Orthodox Beth Din in Israel about 10 years ago. I was raised Jewish and later discovered my mum had completed a reform conversion, and after feeling inspired by books I'd read in my early 20's around Judaism and living around Jews at University, I decided to go over to Israel and complete the conversion. In hindsight I definitely had a complex about not feeling accepted by my peers, not feeling good enough - when I had considered my identity Jewish - and consider now that my intentions were mixed, it was sometimes to belong, and it was mixed with a genuine connection to Hashem and my roots. Years later I realized the struggle and psychological issues from hiding and accepting abuse that this placed on me, and I lost that connection with God, felt embittered by how much weight in my life I'd placed on this, and stopped keeping shabbos or kosher. Thankyou for posting your story on here - since I'm half Israeli there's this expectation to be Jewish by default and if I share that I discovered I wasn't Jewish - I notice how I am treated like someone who isn't Jewish at all, or like a convert, which is kind of what you're explaining, who isn't considered Jewish at all. I'm sorry you're being treated that way, I think there's a lot you're holding back too, and I hope you find peace whichever way you go. Unfortunately I don't know what the path forward is for me anymore. Thanks parents for falling in love and placing that over your connection with God - haha, it's ok, I'll handle the trauma.
Thank you so so much for this
Thanks for this channel/video. You make me feel less alone.
Hello sweet katrina u married
If you ever need help ask me,I'm jewish that want to help people,the ortodox convert can be hard for no good reason only because some small groups,but you can do it anyway,on some rulls every light orthodox will ask you to do alway as jewish,ask me more if you want,the jewish religion didn't gave allot of rulls for women that make it hard it's easier them Islam and other religions
@@Eyawork That's interesting... I find Judaism to be more strict in many ways than Islam. Are you Orthodox?
@@katarina6724 I gather you meant Orthodox Judaism. What do you think of Scriptural Judaism e.g. Karaism?
IMO Islam is largely a 90% plagiarism of Judaism mixed with a dash of Christinsanity and twisted to match the taste of Arabs. Evidently in most forms of Islam it's important to perform the Ramadan, abstain from consuming alcohol and pray 5 times per day -- hardships I would never take upon myself even if I believed Islam was generally correct -- but not treat one's fellow man decently. When the "ritual" ascepts alone are considered, I believe Islam is more difficult than Scriptural Judaism.
@@ZviJ1 - You seriously need to visit @Apostate Prophet on YT. His channel will teach you _a lot_ about Islam. Judaism and Islam have very little in common. In fact, Islam has very little in common with Christianity as well. Islam is one weird, wacky, and disturbing belief system. The biggest problem I have with it… it actively calls for our destruction (not kidding). Their entire eschatology is hinged on Muslims uniting with Christianity to kill the Jews, then the faithful Muslims slay the Christians. (Sadly, not kidding.) Take a moment and watch some of his videos, especially those that relate to Islam’s view of Jews and Judaism… it’s an eye opener.
My congregation has several spouses who have become Jews. They are, and have been treated as equals.
You're a really good speaker.
You should be blessed! as many of the sages say, you were born with a Jewish soul, you just returned home to where you belong, bless you!
You are loved and welcomed
I, "converted" and struggled with having to do so for a long time. I was raised Jewish. I was circumcised, given a bris, bar mitzvah'ed, went to Jewish summer camp, and actively participated in my synagogue like any other Jewish person. But I'm from a mixed faith family and my mother isn't Jewish. So recently I finally chose to, "convert" just so that I'd never have anyone question my Judaism ever again. It was relieving, yet also frustrating. I wish I hadn't had to do it, but I knew that most Jewish communities would refute my Judaism had I not done so.
As far as Qaraite Judaism is concerned you were Jewish from the moment you began being raised Jewishly, since your father is Jewish. If Qaraite Judaism or its Scriptural predecessors had not been relegated to the margins and had been at least an equally viable option like Orthodoxy , you would have not had to go through this conversion.
@MTS 3 baby Acts is not part of Scripture as it belongs to the blasphemous, idolatrous, Greco-Roman Buy Bull Non Testament amalgamation of pagan fairytales composed by gentiles in Europe. F*** off heathen; your neck is stiff, your heart is foreskinned, your eyes are covered with the Jesucks veil and from this reason you're stumbling in pagan darkness.
@MTS 3 babyChristian Black Tea-brew Israel-lie, go to MTV. This is a place for reasonably educated grownups to discuss matters.
Minors (boys under 13, girls under 12) cannot be converted. You must convert as a halachik adult. If you're converted as a child then you need to confirm it as an adult for it to be valid. Also it sounds like the original conversion might have been invalid for other reasons, so that's why instead of confirming it you'd have to redo it. Sorry for your bad experience.
@@ZviJ1 Scripture says that a scripture-only approach is fundamentally wrong as the original and primary method of transmitting the commandments is through speech and there is much reinforcement for this throughout the text, like Moses having to stand and teach and answer questions and solve disputes from morning until evening until he created a whole hirarchy of judges to support him, instead of saying "just read the blessed manual!". Or the commandments to obey the judges and turn to fathers and elders with questions, or commandments to repeat the words to your sons and how to answer certain questions. The text, ironically, is all about the oral tradition. Only in a few specific places does it say certain passages should be written or read.
You are so right
I intensively want to be a Jew according to the rules. However there is no one to help me here in India. A synagogue is there st Kerala ( The Pardesi Synagogue, Jew Market, Kochi), but unable to contact them. What to do??
I think it all depends on the community that you live in. For example, my wife who is a convert from a very young age has been called a non-Jew by her community for a very long time. So I was shocked to hear that... until I realized what community it was. It was a Syrian-Jewish community.
In the end, it is alll circumstantial. For example, if you are a convert, but spend had the opportunity to go to yeshivah and really just immerse yourself in the Jewish lifestyle, then most people wouldn't know that you were a convert. For women this could be a little more difficult because women seminaries don't go to a later age. But there are many Yeshivot that take men well into their 30s.
Best thing to do is be yourself and don't let others put you down. There is a video of the Lubavitcher Rebbe addressing a convert on the day of his conversion letting him know that he did something that even the Rebbe never had the opportunity to do and that was to choose. You had your personal Har Sinai, and no one can take that away from you.
The Syrian community is the only Jewish community that does not allow converts for marriage. It's a very tough community. This rule passed by Syrian rabbis is not from Judaism. It's from trying to keep the community together in the US.
I hope your wife didn't have a tough time...I know many ppl who did with the Syrian community. It's common... sadly.
@UserMll It was only there. We live in a different community today in Florida, where things are very different.
Thanks! Good discussion.
I wonder if this is dependent on denomination? I know humanistic, reconstructionist, renewal judiasm tend to be more open to others
Converts done properly is totally accepted. It's not just for converts...as someone who became religious later on...I can say it wasn't easy to find the right community... it always feels like an outsider...but it gets easier when you are married and have a family.
It would be really interesting to me to see if I would even be accepted back at the conservative shul I went to with one of my best friends, as a kid. When I used to go there people would ask if I was Sephardic. I went there so often, I was a regular to others. I’m a biracial woman who looks more like the Mexican side of my roots.
As a born Jew, I think converts are accepted more-so in liberal Judaism like Conservative, Reconstructionist or Reform. Orthodox can be clannish. They see it as a family (mishpucha) or genetic birthright. Things are changing though with more people converting. Find a good rabbi to help guide you with this. Good luck and welcome. Hope you aren’t discouraged.
It depends, if you don't have an orthodox conversion then most likely you wont be accepted . ..As a Orthodox Jew/African American Jew , I lived in Israel/ Mea Shearim for awhile, I spent months with Chassdim, and I never felt out of place.. I never was never questioned when I lived in Israel. I mean the children stared lol but they got use to seeing me. People thought I was famous because I was religious black Jew. I always had invitation on the shabbos table in Israel. never felt out of place.. HOWEVER, the secular Israelis pissed me off a lot ...
That’s not always accurate. I converted Reform and I’m accepted in many traditional communities.
@@christo-chaney Well you would not be accepted in an orthodox shul and Israel would not accept it... At this point does it matter? you seem happy and thats all that matters :)t
@@iTzShakenJoE I don’t care about being accepted in an orthodox shul. And actually the State of Israel does accept my conversion. Those who won’t accept me as a fellow Jew…well it’s their loss.
@@christo-chaney Israel wont accept it.. I lived in Israel. I know the government. I lived there and as an Orthodox Jew the Israeli government needed to confirm I had an orthodox conversion. They gave me a hard time doing their investigation..Yeshivas wont even accept you if you dont have one. you can't even get married if it's anything less than an orthodox conversion in the state of Israel..
@@christo-chaney Also , yep I feel you... their loss In the community .
Unfortunately, racism is prevalent in many cultures.
Definitely can relate
Hello can somebody help me out regarding the conversion I’ve always was kind of fascinated by the Jewish history and religion of course is it possible to go through the conversion process where should i start?
Here's an excellent guide put together by the fantastic mods of Reddit's r/Judaism: www.reddit.com/r/Judaism/wiki/conversions
@@hameorah Thanks a lot for the link i appreciate it, can you tell more about your conversion process how long did it took you?
You went into a synagogue, you’ve met a rabbi as a start?
Could you please tell me what should i do? :)
@@blood6601 I had a somewhat abnormal process as I waited a long time before hunkering down into a community, but normally, one would contact at least a few different synagogues and set meetings with their rabbis to discuss the possibility of converting. Then, depending on whether you'd still like to move forward and assuming you've found a rabbi that you like, you'd start working with that person as your "sponsoring rabbi." Their role is to help oversee your Jewish education and integration into the community before eventually recommending you for an official conversion. It tends to take 1-2 years on average depending on how well you acclimate to learning and observances.
@@hameorah I appreciate your feedback, your story is amazing I’m from Paris there’s a lot of synagogues here so hopefully I’ll find my way through conversion. The thing is that we always tend to think that it is super hard to convert to Judaism which is true, but on the other hand as long as you find your rabbi and educate yourself about it.
Much love ❤️
Your soul is the most Jewish soul I have ever seen. I have to wear sunglasses when I look at it.
Hang in there, my sister. Stay strong.
My mother was Jewish (Passed away when I was young) and I was in foster care from 5 to 21 and I'm 24. I wasn't raised Jewish because of that and well... it calls ti me, and has since around 12 when I got exposed to it more. I'm not sure if I need to convert or not, because I've never been converted to another religion.
If you ever decide to live among Jews while being recognized as a Jew, you won't need any conversion as long as you effectively join a Rabbinical community. The only exceptions are the American Reform, who will expect you to convert because (I presume) you weren't raised as a Jew.
However, if you decide to be recognized as a Jew by the Qaraites, you'll need to undergo a conversion process through the Qaraite movement.
Some people are just A**holes, no matter their religion. I am sorry you have had this experience. Be blessed.🙏🏽
Definally! I want to convert, but am not sure yet about the denomination. I feel very pressured to convert in to the orthodox comunity, because I want my children to be accepted
Same. I would love to convert. Just not familiar with the religion
I think you should convert to the Jewish tendency you most comfortable with. i don't know if you live in the US but my wife converted through a Conservative Bet Din and her Jewishness (she was or Temple's first women President!) and that of our children has never been questioned.
@@sofiaherrera5329 ask me I'm jewish that know many things,I'm not redical and convert need to be really easy for womens,I'm follow tradition many jewish in Israel don't see themself part of group,but I'm more orthodox
same i want my children to be accepted and an easier time for getting married but i don’t know if i could really live an orthodox life
@@hollyg022 - Just find the community you want to be part of and that is the community you need to convert into. As long as you’re part of the community you want to be part of, I can’t see how it would not be accepted as a legitimate conversion.
This may sound obvious but if someone converts to Judaism say reform Judaism, is it required or customary to get a new name? For instance you receive a new hebrew name- that is required? Also, if so, do you change your name officially with your government? I know nothing about this topic but it appears as if people who are not ethnically Jewish who convert to Judaism have Jewish names. Thank you for anyone who helps clarify!
It's customary to take on a Hebrew name when you convert, but in practice, many people don't actually use it outside of ritual circumstances (when getting married, for example).
@@hameorah thank you!
nice video :)
There are no "converts". That word is misleading. There are only Jews.
Converts are people that follow judisim and say they are Jew-ish. Jew is short for Judah Christ tribe. Only 3 tribes out of the 12 are Jews. Jew is a bloodline..
Is this from the perspective of the Orthodox community or a different community?
I'm commenting across the spectrum but tbh there's no question that the more right you lean, the less welcoming it is for converts (generally speaking). That's not to say that Orthodox Jews are less welcoming to converts by nature, but most Orthodox Jews will only acknowledge and accept converts who have converted through an Orthodox beit din. Practically speaking though, no one really asks about where and how you converted so even if one converts through a non-Orthodox beit din, I think most Orthodox Jews will be friendly to you.
@@hameorah I am friendly to converts, and have no problem with converts but I don't agree with people that convert for marriage (such as Ivanka trump) and not act like a real Jew that observes
I think that if someone is converting for Judaism for marriage or knows that he wouldn't observe the torah. I think Judaism is not for him (maybe Noahide). because as being a Jew you have many commitments that you didn't have when not being a Jew and all the commitments you didn't follow are considered עברות (sins/offences) .
that is my opinion so sorry if you disagree with it
@@supermemememe605 I agree with you. I converted a long time ago after finding out that I had Jewish ancestors. I had always been attracted to Judaism, so finding this out gave me further reason to revert back to my heritage. My last name itself is of Sephardic origin, which is Torres. I converted through the orthodox branch since for me that is real Judaism. From what I know, Orthodox Jews do not see conservative or reform converts as Jews. I don’t agree as well with people who convert for marriage.
@@accountspayable7671 well we mostly dont see reform branch as valid because people go to there so they can be secular jews or marriage
which i think is very wrong
if you want to be a jew you need to keep mitsvot etc and if not its very bad
and that you can when being a gentile you have only 7 mitsvot
yishar coach on your convertion though !
are you in israel or somewhere else?
@@supermemememe605 your statement about people going through the Reform Movement so they can be secular or fir marriage is wrong. Many of us only have reform synagogues we can get to. And many of us Reform Jews who have converted happen to be very observant.
I was Zera Yisra'el myself and converted so this hits x2.
Me too buddy
You experienced pain even as Zera Yisrael? If you don't mind me asking, how far back does your ancestry go [how long ago was there a full-blooded Jew]?
I really do wonder why anyone would mistreat someone who is Zera Yisrael, they should know better than that because your ancestors also came out of Mitzrayim.
I loved your video. I am a convert as well. Every Jew I have ever met in my entire life knows immediately that I am a convert; because, my name is Chris. There is only one problem I have had as a convert over the years, and it continues to this day. People never expect me to know anything about anything. They still say things like, “You know who Moses is right?” It drives me Crazy!!!
Sorry for what you have gone through. I know of someone who converted to Qaraite Judaism and legally changed their name from Christopher (clearly a Christian name) to a Hebrew name. Why not do the same?
"You know who Moses is, right?"
Hahahahaha. Wow. 😆
@@ZviJ1 I agree. Perhaps a Hebrew name - Ariel.
I don't know about my fellow Jews but I accept you. I'm a natural-born Jewess yet you are more knowledgeable about Torah and many other things ✡️ Jewish than I. I admire you your love of Judaism, your knowledge, your self-surrender to it and you living in Israel!! ✡️ ✡️ ✡️ ✡️
As an orthodox jew I have to say that your video is very eye opening.
Although, about the subject of marriage, the reason for this seemingly discriminatory attitude in this area is not particularly because of actual dislike. Being that religious aspect is very essential in any orthodox Jewish married life and religious views within communities themselves can vary, it's important that people living together have views that don't clash or that will have a bad effect on the relationship. With that said, converts (and the same goes with ba'al tshuvos) all though on the surface the may seem to have similar views, in most cases after some time you'll notice that views can differ in many different amd often essential areas of belief. Not saying that one view is more right than the other but is not the best recipe for a good relationship.
Thanks for your comment! I think that’s a valid point-I do think the POVs can be quite different between people who are FFB, converts and baalei teshuva (with the latter 2 holding more commonalities). Also not saying that’s a bad thing, but another aspect that’s important to consider when matching for marriage.
Wow. Just wow.
this is excellent
Shalom Alekhem, Baruk Atah Adonai Elohenu Malaek ha Olam !!! Much power to you my Asian sister. That real is not fair and it sucks. I dont know about but Biblical Judaism was never this hard to join and they were even command to accept their converts as Jews. I love Judaism I have been trying to convert and study, however alot of the process turn me off like all the prices and rules and regulations. So it might take me another 40 years in the dessert like Moshe and the rest of the Israelites to receive the 613 Mitzvahs. Well more love and respect to you my sister. Shalom !!!!!
If someone charges you thousands of dollars to convert, look somewhere else. They're making it a for-profit business. You should maybe be charged a few hundreds to cover costs, if not being allowed to do it for free.
What was your religion prior to conversion? Just wondering.
This question is actually disrespectful. Because she's Jewish and nothing else matters.
I'm not attacking u. I'm just telling u.
@@user-sx3ki7vo6z Understood. But why is it disrespectful? The reason I asked wasn't to question the sincerity of her conversion. I just often wonder what motivates people to convert to a religion. I have no agenda beyond mere curiosity. I was raised Catholic, but I'm attracted to Buddhism for example. I'm currently irreligious. But perhaps that might change.
@@sbnwnc Basically when someone converts to Judism, they are now part of the culture, and to bring up someone's past is considered affensive because that part of their old life. And when u convert, u get a new soul, a Jewish soul. Judism isn't like other religions, because it's not just a religion. And the practice of Judism is a extremely hard process, so it's just disrespectful to someone who went through all of that, to then ask them about their old religion.
@@sbnwnc Judism considers converts to be extremely holy, because they've taken on what it means to be Jewish. They weren't just born that way. Once a convert converts properly. They're considered the same as someone who was born Jewish. So everything before that is irelavent.
Dear Meorah, I know it's Reform Judaism is not your preferred choice, but you might check out Angela Buchdahl. She's the chief rabbi of Central Synagogue in NYC. She's wonderful, and also speaks to the challenges of being Korean and Jewish, as well as the larger issue of racism in the community as a whole.
Where in the Bible does it say you can convert to another people?
LoL.. right. That's why they Jew-ish., Not Jews. ❤️
There's no formal conversion cerremony. But Ruth's story in the Scroll named after her proves through a real life example that it was possible for a Foreigner to become Israelite in ancient Israel. There are also a few statements in the Prophets that indicate this, in addition to the route the Torah provided for Gerim (resident aliens, Sojourners) to become Israelite if they chose to -- by preparing and eating of the Passover slaughter-offering.
Note: I will not be replying to the antisemitic, gentile, Christinsane Black Tea-brew *Israeliar* "Star Seed" if s/he addresses me. The BHI's are genetically sub-Saharan Africans engaging in attempts at identity theft and cultural appropriation in order to cope with their identity crisis and inferiority complex that are the products of being robbed of their African identities by White Christian slavemasters in America.
As a converted, I totally agree with everything!
Thank you for sharing your story. I think you might want to clarify when you’re speaking about clothing that the black clothing is worn by Orthodox men. As far as Orthodox women go, “modern” Orthodox women typically dress quite fashionably.
Other than Orthodox Jews though, There’s no particular style of dress for Jews.
You’re right that a lot of Jews think that non-Jewish women in particular are converting so that they can marry a Jewish man. The Jewish population is only 1- 2% of the entire United States so Jewish women tend to think that they’re losing opportunities each time a non-Jewish woman marries a Jewish man. I think it’s probably somewhat the same with many black women who know that they have a limited number from which to choose and so when they see a white woman marrying a black man that might bother them on some level.
It took a lot of courage for you to convert I’m sure, and I wish you all the best. ❤
Hi!! I watched one of ur videos and didn't think ur a convert! I'm Jewish and happy u r one too! Sending love from Israel 🇮🇱💖