Conversion

My Thanksgivukkah Anxieties

November 5, 2013

When I first heard the term “Thanksgivukkah”—the convergence of Chanukah and Thanksgiving—and that it was happening this year, I must admit that I became a little anxious because it brought back some of my interfaith marriage insecurities that I thought were long gone.

Conversion

A Trip to the Mikveh: Finally, Finally Jewish

Maya Bery

August 8, 2013

The words have never been sweeter. After 14 years of waiting, searching, hoping and dreaming, I am finally, finally Jewish.

A hand holding a Jewish star (Magen David) necklace

Conversion

I have wanted to convert to Reform Judaism for several years now. However, I have heard that Reform Jewish converts will not be accepted by all denominations as "officially Jewish" unless they convert to Orthodox Judaism. Is this true?

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Judaism is not a monolithic religion.

View of a synagogue sanctuary with the focal point being a wooden pew with a Star of David carved on its side

Conversion

Journey to Conversion

John Tibbetts

I was raised in a rural Catholic family of the 1950’s. My home parish was in the orchard-rich east bay town of Mission San Jose (now part of Fremont) and was one of the original California missions. I was taught by the nuns from age five. When high school came along I commuted by bus 90 minutes each way to San Jose to be taught by the Jesuits at Bellarmine.

Star of David made of twigs and tied between two tree trunks against green foliage

Conversion

Finding Faith in Judaism

Katherine Finnegan

I do not feel like a convert who has had a revelation that here is where I belong; I feel like I am confirming my commitment to a belief system because it is the best way I know how to express, live and enhance my faith in God.