Choosing to Stand at Sinai

Every year on Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai. The Babylonian Talmud, in Shevuot 59a, teaches that the words of Deuteronomy 29:13-14, "I make this covenant with its sanctions not with you alone, but both with those who are standing here with us this day before our God and those who are not here with us this day," refer to those who were physically present at Sinai, as well as the souls of all future Jews...including those who join the Jewish people through conversion.

In honor of this teaching, we asked some Jews by choice about their conversion journeys. Here are some of their responses.

What drew you to Judaism?

I have always wanted to have the relationship with God that Tevye has in "Fiddler on the Roof." I could feel in my bones that (...) even though I had a healthy dose of imposter syndrome, it was time to come home to Judaism.

- Christine C.

About 10 years after my adoptive mother died, I found my birth mother and learned both of my birth parents had Jewish ancestry. I had left Catholicism in my 20s and was curious to find a new spiritual community. After visiting two different synagogues, I decided that Reform [Judaism] felt right for me.

- Michelle J.

I was drawn to Judaism upon becoming very good friends with a Jewish person. When I began asking so many questions that even they were out of their depth, they suggested I speak to my local rabbi. Something about the intricate history and ritual of Judaism called to me.

- Savannah W.

What advice do you have for someone beginning their conversion journey? 

"Be open to experiencing your Judaism in your own culture and in ways that are meaningful to you. Resist the temptation to model on an aspirational idea. Be you."

- Ellen P.

"The best advice I received was from my cantor, Brad Hyman: No one is perfect and no one reasonable expects perfection. The most important thing is intentionality."

- Robert H.

Realize that there may be bumps in the road. It's ok to make mistakes while learning, even in front of others. Keep at it.

- Dawn H.

Shavuot is associated with the biblical story of Ruth joining the Jewish people. Was there a moment when you first identified as Jewish and knew you belonged? 

I've always had a great pride in my Jewish ancestry. I decided I belonged when I discovered I agreed with the teachings, found meaning in the traditions, and could not shake the innate feeling that I am Jewish.

- Katie S.

When I hosted my first Passover dinner, I felt I was right where I was supposed to be in that moment. I had been so nervous about saying the prayers and pronouncing the Hebrew correctly, but I realized that what mattered was my intention behind gathering my family to celebrate and tell the story of the Jews leaving Egypt.

- Samantha O.

I wasn't sure I truly belonged until the day of my beit din and mikvah. I was stunned to discover that a large part of the community at my synagogue turned out to support my step. It meant so much and felt like true acceptance. 

- Steven M.

What aspects of Jewish culture have brought you a sense of joy, connection, or discovery? 

Education and curiosity are welcomed. This is wonderful to me since I always want to learn something.

- Mary S.

My wife and I use the Shabbat candle lighting as a way to reflect on the previous week and look forward to the next. We cook a lot and cookbooks have helped me connect with my Judaism through both Ashkenazi and Sephardi recipes.

- Robert H.

One of the most powerful parts of my journey has been seeing what I actively built over the years become something generational. Watching my children move through Jewish milestones is the fulfillment of something I kept reaching toward, even when it wasn't yet fully formed in my life.

- Quinn M.

A 2024 Pew study found that 14% of American Jews are Jews-by-choice who enrich and strengthen our communities. As we celebrate receiving the Torah and accepting the covenant in our own lives, may we find new ways to deepen our Jewish journeys and build communities of belonging.

Interested in learning more about Judaism? Discover our Becoming Jewish information sessions and our Intro to Judaism classes!