The Torah is a story about hearing God’s call and choosing to embrace a sacred destiny. It is a story about journeys into a life of holiness. Every year, Temple Israel conducts an Introduction to Judaism class, which offers those not born into Judaism a portal into a life of spiritual and ethical meaning framed by the wisdom of Jewish tradition. It is a profoundly transforming experience not only for those who take the class, but also for all of us as we are inspired by their sense of spiritual renewal through Judaism. One young woman who took the class said: "I was a seed. With Judaism I’ve become a rose." Through this regular column, Journeys to Judaism, come to know the rich and vibrant garden that is blossoming here at Temple Israel through our Introduction to Judaism program. --- Rabbi Steven Moskowitz

Since I was a youngster growing up on a farm in Kansas, I have wrestled with the concept of God. After being confirmed a Presbyterian at 12 years of age, I was left with serious doubts about what I was being told to accept without question. Religion to me meant memorizing words in the Bible and accepting those words with blind faith. The more blind faith one had, the better one’s religious life was considered to be. By the time I was in high school I identified myself as an agnostic-atheist.

Things began to change for me when I met my wife-to-be, Jackie, in 1991. She remained very close to her in-laws from her previous marriage, who were involved with Temple Israel. Three and a half years ago I attended an Introduction to Judaism Class at Temple Israel, which was taught by new Assistant Rabbi Steven Moskowitz. To my surprise and delight, I heard a message from Rabbi Moskowitz I had never heard in the past. It was about a dialectic religion that was in constant tension with itself. It was about Torah, which no one knew the exact meaning of, but was revered for that very reason. I discovered that Torah provides a wellspring for study and imagination on a path to becoming a better human being. My class taught me that looking at Torah was like looking at a diamond with multiple facets, multiple meanings and multiple truths. Reading the same sentence could be interpreted different ways by different readers. Rabbi spoke of the meaning that was present in between the words of Torah. In my Torah class I heard such words as interpretation, dreams, imagination, mystery, poetry, and unsettled. This ignited a spark in me to look further into Judaism. I repeated the Introduction class the following year, and began attending Torah Study class on Saturday mornings at Temple. The more I learned of Judaism, the more it spoke to my inner being. I find myself increasingly eager to do more study at home as well as in Torah study class. I was truly amazed at Torah study, because it was the first time in my life that I saw people openly argue over passages of Scripture, and encouraged to do so by our Rabbi. I saw how this unique form of religious study could enhance my contact with God rather than detract from it. In my previous religious experience I was told what to believe, not what to question. For me, to be able to question the meaning of Torah and the meaning of God, in a sacred setting without fear of ostracism was fantastic. I loved it!

My decision to embrace Judaism has been a slow and deliberate one. My journey may have begun as a youth when I began to question things, and was not satisfied with pat answers. After my bet din and my mikvah, I was not struck by a sudden surge of religiosity, but a gentle assuredness that I am on the right path that continues to soothe my soul and helps me to make my life a blessing.

Many thanks to my wife, my Jewish family, Rabbi Moskowitz, and my Temple Israel family for so graciously and lovingly embracing me into the heart of Judaism.

Shalom,
Tom Besley

When I was growing up, I attended a Christian school in Fresno, California. I was taught about Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, his 12 disciples, and many others. Every night before bedtime my father, who was an ordained minister, would read to me and my siblings these stories from the Bible. At a young age I recognized religion as a predominant foundation in our household. Christianity was what I grew up knowing; however, I could not really grasp why I could not whole-heartedly identify with this religion. I realize now, looking back at all my questions and all my hesitations, that I was always destined to enter onto the path of Judaism.
Fast forward 15 years. Graduated from high school, I was attending fashion school when I met Eyal, my soon to be husband. Israeli-Jewish and gorgeous is what I thought when I laid eyes on him the first time. From there a friendship and partnership grew. I was so curious to know these holidays and rituals that he celebrated and practiced. I remember the first thing that struck me was our discussion of Shabbat, and how Friday night through Saturday sundown is when Jews observe this day of rest. I had been raised to observe Sunday as the Sabbath. I was intrigued about what other new perspectives I might learn through Judaism.

In 2006, I went to the Holy Land with Eyal. We went all over Israel. I was there during Pesach, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. On Rosh Hashanah I had a chance to sit down and talk with Eyal’s grandfather and great aunt. I saw the numbers tattooed on their arms and could only imagine what they went through to escape the Holocaust. Seeing that, I understood the importance of being Jewish. It is, in fact, a matter of life or death.

During Yom Kippur I was in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is a fast-paced city, where on any given day there is plenty of traffic, and young individuals fill coffee shops and hip trendy restaurants. Not so on this day. Starting at sundown to sunset the next day, driving is forbidden. Everyone either walks or rides their bikes to get around. Cable TV is shutdown for this day too. Families are forced to actually get to know each other. Since this is a day of fasting, an individual has the opportunity to get to know oneself as well. I have never seen or felt anything like that before. I fasted with everyone else and therefore was on that same rhythm.

I attended a Reform synagogue with Eyal that night. The synagogue was flooded elbow to elbow and out the door with people! On our way out, I glanced across the street and could see children with their parents playing at the park. That was my pivotal moment.

When I returned to California, I found out I was pregnant. Eyal and I talked about how we wanted to raise our children. I told him that I wanted our child to be Jewish and wanted to go through the conversion process. We lost the baby shortly after; however, we both continued to take the Introduction to Judaism classes with Rabbi Moskowitz. My husband attended class with me so we would discuss our classes. It definitely brought us closer. What an amazing experience. My outlook on life was opened up to a perspective that made so much more sense to me. I was deeply moved by the sense of authenticity I found in Judaism.

My mikveh or ritual bath took place shortly after my last conversion class. This was my day of rebirth. That morning I remember lying in bed and hearing the raindrops outside. “How appropriate.” I thought to myself. “What a perfect mayim chaim, for this world around me.” Not only was it my body’s time to be cleansed, but today the earth had its own cleansing. I woke up and as I was getting ready to walk out the door I heard this song on the radio, “This is the first day of my life... I went out in the rain, suddenly everything changed...” (The First Day of My Life, by the Bright Eyes) Before my mikveh, I attended my Bet Din with Rabbi Moskowitz, Sharon Amster Brown, and Amy Lipeles. At the conclusion I recited my declaration of Jewish commitment to myself and to my Jewish community.

Immediately after my Bet Din, Eyal and I drove to Los Angeles to finalize this renovation of my soul’s conversion, my first mikveh! We arrived at the University of Judaism where met up with my mikveh lady, Penelope Oppenheimer-Kieffer. She instructed me in all the beautiful requirements and rituals regarding the mikveh. I entered the water as a student of Judaism and immersed in it, grateful for the guidance of Jewish tradition. As I emerged from the mikveh I thought about how I had never felt as clean as I did at that very moment, a new Jew.

We all have a path we take in life. I remain very proud of those parts of my life which I inherited: my parents, siblings, and growing up knowing Christianity. I have found fulfillment in those parts of my life I have chosen: my husband and my Judaism. There’s an expression that says, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” My embrace of Judaism is proving to be both an evermore fulfilling journey and a rewarding destination. My next challenge... Hebrew! Behazlacha! Wish me luck!

by Michal Hislop

“There lives more faith in honest doubt, than in half the creeds.” Tennyson wrote. As I questioned some of the tenets of the faith in my teens, I started my journey toward Judaism. I didn’t know that I would become a Jew, but I did know that I was seeking an approach to life that made sense to me and a set of beliefs that I could apply to living.

My life’s journey included my marriage to a wonderful man, Wayne, who was a Jew. Wayne was not a religious Jew but he identified with the Jewish community, particularly the performing arts world in which he worked. Because of my own curiosity, I had become very familiar with Jewish traditions through the years and, as described by Wayne and his mother, was more “Jewish” that he was. Through my insistence, we observed Hanukkah, Passover, the high holy days, and observance of other Jewish traditions until Wayne would say, “Let’s not get carried away with this.”

My beloved Wayne passed away in March 2001, a day after Rabbi Howard Laibson visited our home. Wayne said he wanted us to become members of Temple Israel to make me happy, so Rabbi Laibson left the membership application forms for us to complete when convenient. That night I couldn’t sleep. I completed and faxed the forms to the Temple Israel office. My husband died hours later. Since we became members as a couple only for a few hours, I was able to remain a member even though I wasn’t a Jew. The Temple Israel congregation was so incredibly welcoming and provided invaluable support to me immediately following my husband’s death. I needed the structure that Judaism provided through the minyan, observance of shloshim, and Yizkors. Judaism gave me permission to grieve and feel the pain of losing Wayne. Arms reached out to me that didn’t try to hurry me through the mourning process or tell me to believe that Wayne was in a better place when I knew Wayne’s place was next to me here on earth. I experienced Judaism in a way I hadn’t before, which caused me to embrace it on a deeper and more committed level. After my first year, I decided to become more involved in the Temple Israel community, which had been so wonderful to me. I became involved in K’vod Israel as a participant and then as a co-chair. I participated in Mitzvah Day. I went to Twilight Services (the early show) when it was just beginning, and attended many Torah Talks. I began my own journey toward Judaism, independent of Wayne’s Jewishness.

My conversion process stopped and started a number of times. I had come to realize I couldn’t make such a major decision without going through a formal conversion process based on wise counsel and formal study. I asked Rabbi Moskowitz to be my guide and help me through my conversion process. He has been more than my teacher, his warm support and encouragement have been a great gift.

My day of conversion was a wonderful day. The Bet Din panel was thoughtful, and the questions I was asked proved to me again why I was choosing to be Jewish. The Mikvah experience was powerful and left the lasting, peaceful impression that the road I freely traveled is going in the right direction. Robert Frost’s words succinctly describe my continuing journey “…two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the road less traveled by and it’s made all the difference.”

By Cindy Shilkret

I was never really interested in religion, per se. I thought of religion as government: dogmatic, judgmental; and you’re not allowed to argue with them. I was interested in what was going on in the world. And what our real reason was for being here. Okay, so you get up in the morning, you eat, go to work, have a shower, watch TV, go to bed, get up and start all over again. Hey, I did that yesterday! I felt that life was like being on a conveyor belt and eventually you got off. So what’s the point? I didn’t want to accept that.

Maybe it’s an existential question. I wasn’t searching for a way to give my life meaning. Rather I was trying to find out what was going on—like a detective. I felt there was something going on in this world, something behind the scenes, and I wanted to know what it was.

So, if I wasn’t looking for religion, how did I find it? My older son was in the only Jewish rehab center in the US, called Beit T’Shuvah. He invited my wife Peggy and me to Shabbat, and wanting to support him, we attended.

Having really no understanding of Judaism I was a bit apprehensive; but I was pleasantly surprised at the way they accepted people of all faiths and beliefs, no questions. They just seemed to enjoy us for who we were. In October 2006 we stopped at Temple Israel to check it out and found the same reception there. Must be a Jewish thing!

So what was the moment of awakening? We spoke with Stephen Bascove and found out about a really, and I mean really, cool Torah study led by Rabbi Steven Moskowitz. Peggy and I began attending the Torah study program. Coming from a Christian home, I was familiar with the text, but I was surprised at how Hebrew appeared to convey much more than could be conveyed in any other language. I couldn’t figure it out. But what was so compelling was that I thought it was telling us/me something about myself. It was like opening an inner dimension that perhaps many people don’t even know exists. I thought it had to do with the language itself. I didn’t know at the time that it was the religious dimension. And from there I began to discover the beauty of Judaism: attending Introduction to Judaism, Beginning Hebrew, and a great study session with Rabbi Moskowitz on a book written by Lawrence Kushner, God was in This Place & I, Did Not Know. I couldn’t understand why I had such a thirst and love for Judaism, and was not Jewish. The opportunity was right there. I asked myself, why am I out of the picture? At this stage Peggy and I made our decision to convert at the same time.

I turned 50 this year and it was like starting my whole life over again, this time awake with purpose and meaning. Our Bet Din and mikveh was a very special day. It was Peggy’s turn in the mikveh, and I was to have my turn after hers. I was in the room preparing for my mikveh and remembering one of the study sessions in our Introduction to Judaism class that had talk about the suffering of Jews at the hands of others. I thought about how a Jew says “Shema Yisrael” before giving up his life for the faith, and was I ready for this? Yes! I said to God that I was and that I would. I felt as if all of the Jewish community and all of Israel were welcoming me home. On this day. I can’t explain what happened, but I do believe nothing happens by accident. It was a very powerful experience.

An important factor in being Jewish for me is adding more study and community involvement to my life. And this enrichment will lead me to becoming a better person and hopefully a better Jew.

I think this bumper sticker says it best; “All that wander are not lost.”

Shalom,
Jamie Helminiak

by Peggy Helminiak

My journey to Judaism started in a jail cell. Strange, but all too true.

My older son had been in a lot of trouble due to his drug addiction. The last time he was incarcerated, his cellmate happened to be Jewish. He suggested that Damon look into Beit T’Shuvah (the only Jewish rehab in the US) when he was released.

Damon had been in and out of various types of rehab, but felt that this time he could do it on his own. He quickly found out he couldn’t and called Beit T’Shuvah. He was admitted after a week of out patient therapy.

Damon invited Jamie and me to visit him on Shabbat. We were a bit apprehensive since neither of us really had anything other than a very casual understanding of Judaism. We wanted to support Damon so we attended our first Shabbat in June 2006.

I clearly remember the drive home that night and all the questions that Jamie and I had about Judaism. I also remember feeling that no one treated us as a stranger and the overall good feeling we had there.

From that night on we made it a point to join Damon for Shabbat and to research what Judaism was about. Every time we left Beit T’Shuvah on Shabbat we were uplifted, excited and very eager to find out more.

In October 2006 we drove by Temple Israel to see what a “real” Temple was like. We spoke to Stephen Bascove and found out about Torah Study and other Temple happenings. We started attending Torah study regularly and continued to read and research on our own.

The more I learned about Judaism the more I knew I had found my path. I was (and still am) amazed that the beliefs that I have always held, that I felt made me an outsider in other religious settings, are part and parcel of Judaism.

After completing the Introduction to Judaism, beginning Hebrew and a study session with Rabbi Moskowitz, Jamie and I made our decision to formally convert.

My Bet Din and Mikveh was a very emotional experience. It was the culmination of so many wonderful events and the beginning of my journey to be the best person and Jew that I can be. I am still amazed that I can say I AM A JEW! I have finally found a spiritual path that I have searched for as long as I can remember.

I am very fortunate to have begun this journey with Jamie and to have the support of Damon and his fiancé. I know that the rest of the family has serious doubts about our choice, but I am very confident that this is my true path and I look forward to learning and exploring new ways to further my Jewish learning and spiritual growth. I am looking forward to years of study and Temple involvement.

I am grateful to Rabbi Moskowitz, Rabbi Goldfarb, Stephen Bascove, and all the wonderful people I have met and/or studied with at Temple Israel. You have all been a help and an inspiration.

My journey to Judaism has taught me to always leave myself open to a new experience. You never know when one step will change your life forever.

Shalom,
Peggy Helminiak

by Andrew Lunt

The journey that led me to my recent conversion to Judaism is in some ways unique, yet in other ways hardly unique at all. As I read the stories about other congregants’ divergent routes to conversion in Temple Israel’s newsletter, my experience seems to me all the less exceptional. But true to the form of Judaism’s subtle truths and power, my realization of the common yet singular paths we all travel has transformed me -- into one who belongs, and is at peace with belonging, in a loving community steeped in tradition that just feels like home. Speaking with my wife after I emerged from the mikvah, Rabbi Moskowitz made an insightful comment that what I had done in adopting Judaism was to give a name to what I had already known, and given myself permission to know this name (How do rabbis get so insightful – do they take a class?) That this loving congregation has so warmly waved in this person who has given a name to his faith feels to me a blessing and homecoming at once. Thanks for the welcome home.

Like many others, I was brought up in an agnostic or skeptical home. Growing up in Long Island, New York in the 1960s, our family joined a Unitarian church that focused more on social action than spirituality. But there was a synagogue across the street from our church. And the Jewish kids in my classes always had this cool money/candy around Christmas. And I’d get hints and sniffs at their houses of amazing potato treats, and the most awesome pickles. If I were paranoid, I might suggest that God, ever wise yet practical, had planted these early olfactory memories into my brain, knowing the gastric homecoming I would feel when I celebrated holidays with my Temple Israel family years later.

When my wife and I were living in San Francisco with our then-newborn son, Levi, we would occasionally attend services at the Unitarian church. On one such occasion, a visiting cantor filled the sanctuary with Hebrew prayers, and I couldn’t help but cry. This deep emotional impact came out of left field for me, and I kept it to myself. Around the same time, I began viewing a TV show with various clergy and the subtle truths spoken by the rabbi astounded me. I kept watching, and kept being impressed.

Relocating to Long Beach in 1998, we joined the Jewish Community Center, at first mainly for its well-regarded pre-school for our son. But my wife began re-connecting with her Jewish heritage, and I went right along with her. Before we knew it, we were members of Temple Israel and had committed to give our sons a Jewish education.

In 2005, Rabbi Moskowitz spoke at Yom Kippur services about the first convert – Abraham. This sermon inspired me to take the Introduction to Judaism class, and from the first meeting, it became clear to me that I wished to go through with conversion. Each discussion with the rabbi and my classmates revealed the subtle truth of the Torah, and I was particularly impressed with Judaism’s emphasis on the role of interpretation in the individual’s search for meaning. I finished my initial class, and continued with a second class; I became fascinated with the history of Civilization’s debt to Jewish thought across time, and I read up on this subject. Finally, in August of this year, I went through formal conversion in a mikvah, which was an emotional experience words can only fail.

The most common remark I hear from people in the Temple when they learn of my conversion is, “Oh, I always thought you were Jewish”. And they’re right. I was already a Jew, I just didn’t know it.

by Andrew Lunt

As Rabbi Moskowitz has taught, it is often difficult to determine how or when something begins, because there is perhaps something relevant that happened before. B'resheet, or "In the beginning" starts with a Bet (the second letter in the alefbet) and not an Alef. It is thought that possibly this is to remind us that there was a "beginning" before "the beginning".
So it has been with my journey to Judaism. My first impulse was to state that it began with Rabbi's Introduction to Judaism class, but I think that a chain of events dating back to childhood led me to take the Intro class.
As a child I didn't know anyone who was Jewish, but apparently my grandfather did. Although he was an atheist, I can remember him telling me when I was about nine, how much respect he had for Judaism because, he said, it is more than a faith, it is a way of life. At that time I was going to a Christian church and attending Sunday school. By the time I was eleven I was beginning to question what I was reading in the New Testament. I was told by my Sunday school teacher that I must take what I read on faith, and not doubt or question. Not long after that I stopped attending church and Sunday school.
Many years later I married into a Jewish family. No one asked me to consider conversion to Judaism. Having left a Christian tradition that stressed the importance of faith, I assumed that Judaism was the same. I thought that conversion to Judaism was not an option for a doubter like me.
We lived a pretty secular life during those years, and did very little in the way of Jewish observance. We lit the candles on our menorah at Hanukkah and recited the blessing. Our children opened their Hanukkah gelt and other gifts each night. That was as involved as we got at that time. The only times we went to Temple were for bar mitzvahs, weddings and funerals. I read about many different cultures and traditions over the years, including Hinduism, Budddhism, Islam, and especially, Judaism. In my heart I felt that I was Jewish, yet those old doubts kept me from pursuing conversion.
Even though that marriage eventually ended, I remained a part of my wonderful Jewish family. To this day we love and support one another. I have learned a lot about what family values really mean from this family.
On October 1, 2004, we lost our beloved family matriarch, Flora Spellens. One day not long after her passing, my daughter, Amanda, expressed to me her wish to explore her Jewish roots. She had heard that there was an Introduction to Judaism class being offered at Temple Israel, and wanted to know if I would go with her. Of course I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share that experience with her.
From the very first night of the Intro class I realized that I was in the right place. Questions and doubts were not only allowed, but expected. The people in the class came from varied backgrounds and were there for a lot of different reasons, but their ideas and thoughts were all welcomed. I was discovering something that I had been unconsciously yearning for. I learned a lot during that class, and the process continues. It was heartwarming to learn that the principle of tikkun olam, or healing the world, is an integral part of Judaism. Also, that Temple Israel takes this concept so seriously and offers each of us so many choices for social action.
Shabbat has become very important to my husband and to me. We like lighting the candles on Friday night, attending services, and going to Torah study on Saturday morning (where we have made many new friends). Rabbi Moskowitz guides us as we search for new meaning in each Torah portion.
I realized that I was living a Jewish life, and that all that remained was for me to cast my lot with the Jewish people by formalizing my attachment to this wonderful tradition. At last, after a further course of study with Rabbi Moskowitz, I met with the Bet Din and later went to the mikveh for immersion in the Mayim Hayim, the Waters of Life. It was a powerful, emotionally charged day, a day that represents yet another beginning.....

Jacqueline Besley

My journey to Judaism began almost 10 years ago, although I wasn¹t aware of it at the time.

When I met my fiance’, Greg Basich, we were both juniors in college studying at Leeds University in England through the University of California study abroad program. We were strangers in a foreign country that was very like ours, but not quite the same. In addition to both being from Orange County, our similar values and beliefs brought us together. As a couple, we experienced British people and culture together and enjoyed discussing the similarities and differences we noticed.

After returning to the United States at the end of the school year, we continued our relationship and our lives as non-denominational Americans.

Several years later, Greg realized that he was Jewish, although he had not been raised in a Jewish household. He began researching the religion, culture, and history of the Jewish people. He also began attending Temple Israel and felt very welcome there. I, too, was interested, not knowing much about Judaism myself.

Joining Greg at Friday night services and Torah study, I found a new way to view and worship God that I hadn’t been exposed to before. I could question and debate and doubt, and that was OK. In fact, I learned that in Judaism debating and discussing Torah with each other is a way of worshiping and becoming closer to God. This was the God I had believed in all along. Soon I was going to services and Torah study by myself when Greg couldn’t make it.

Welcomed as we were, Greg and I were still experiencing a culture we weren’t wholly familiar with, as we had in England. We both enrolled in the Introduction to Judaism course led by Rabbi Moskowitz to gain a better understanding of Judaism together. As the weeks and months progressed, I couldn¹t wait to learn more, not for Greg, but for myself. The notion of tikkun olam particularly touched me.

As I attended classes and continued going to services at Temple Israel, I came to realize that God had come into my life and blessed me with a greater appreciation of life and love and of my responsibility to the world around me. I wanted to recognize this blessing and formally enter into a covenant with God by converting to Judaism.

Immersing in the mikveh in May, I felt an amazing calm and peace come over me, something I can¹t fully explain. I can say I am honored and blessed to join a beautiful religion and a rich tradition.

by Melanie Hamilton

It was at a family service at Temple Israel that God came down and redirected my life’s course. The service was held in Feuer Auditorium. It was Chanukah. There were tables displaying many different menorahs, and after the children lit the candles, the room lights were turned off, and the children began to sing happily. Suddenly I started crying in that dark room with the candles glowing around me. I felt God kiss my cheeks. I cried and I cried but I couldn’t stop and I couldn’t really explain why I was crying. At that moment I felt like I “belonged”; I knew I had to be a Jew. After the service an elderly man gave me a pack of gum and asked me to cheer up because I looked so sad. But I was overwhelmed by the powerful presence of God, who was with me that evening.

In February 2002, I met Jonathan Friedmann, the man who would bring Judaism into my life. I didn’t know much about Judaism before I met him. I did know that millions of Jews had been killed during the Holocaust, and that they celebrated Chanukah instead of Christmas. We started dating and I grew more curious about Judaism. He lent me books and we started attending Shabbat services and celebrating holidays together. I quickly fell in love with Judaism. I thought that if I allowed Judaism into my life, our relationship would grow stronger.
When I first started attending services, I felt like I was drowning whenever Hebrew was spoken. The sounds crashed in my ears. It was so unfamiliar, and I felt out of place. Later I taught myself to read and write Hebrew, and was eventually able to follow along in the prayer book and participate during services. As time went on, I decided that Jonathan was the man for me. I felt a special connection to him and to his people. And the more I read, the more I felt like they were my people.

I met with Rabbi Moskowitz to ask him to guide me along my journey. I was excited and extremely happy. I knew my conversion would be important for the family Jonathan and I plan to have someday. I want my children to be given a rich and stable Jewish foundation. And I knew Judaism would make me a better, more complete person. Shortly after meeting with Rabbi Moskowitz, I signed up for an Introduction to Judaism class. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the course, and since there are so many beautiful layers to Judaism, there were many things we were not able to cover.

I hope to continue learning and evolving into a better Jewish person. It is very difficult to be Jewish. It takes real effort. Saying that you are a Jew is not enough. You must continually practice and develop your Jewish identity. Converting to Judaism was one of the most meaningful choices I have made in my life. It was very a bold and very wise decision. I stepped out of the warm mikvah, dripping clean and pure. I emerged full of hope for a better life with Judaism.
By Elvia Friedmann

Spirituality is a very important aspect of my life. I believe in God and that we have different ways of attempting to feel closer to God and celebrating God through religion. There is no right or wrong way, but instead there are different roads. We choose our own; one that feels comfortable and touches our hearts.

I was baptized as a baby and raised Catholic. My parents did not attend church, but made sure that I was enrolled in Sunday school. I stopped attending church after doing my first communion, but my personal relationship with God never ceased. God is always there by my side ready to listen and provide comfort.

My first contact with Judaism was in college through Jewish friends. There was something familiar about them and I felt an instant connection. I particularly loved the way they were involved, reached out, and tried to help others. They were like me in my quest and desire to help make this world a better place. I am a social worker for this reason. I was also exposed to some of the Jewish holidays and was fascinated by the meanings behind them and how they were celebrated.

As I got older and realized the importance of religion, I started exploring Judaism to find out if it was the path for me. I took an 18 week course on Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stephen Einstein at Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Ana. The classes provided a wealth of information and good foundation, but they were only the beginning to my learning. I asked Rabbi Moskowitz to be my sponsor as part of the conversion process. I truly enjoyed and looked forward to studying with Rabbi Moskowitz. We read and discussed “God was in this place and I, I did not know” by Lawrence Kushner. Through this experience, I learned a new way of studying which includes discussion and questioning. There were so many interpretations to our readings and not necessarily a single right one. This made studying fascinating, enjoyable, enriching, and endless.
I also read other books on Judaism on my own, and as a result, my relationship with God has changed. I no longer see God as vengeful, ready to strike when I miss the mark. Instead, God is on my team rooting for me and wanting for me to succeed. He wants me to enjoy life, help others, and be the best person that I can be. God knows that I am flawed and will make mistakes, but God has even created the opportunity to atone. What a wonderful way to live life!

On December 6, 2006, I completed my conversion with an interview with the bet din and immersion in a mikveh. I will never forget this day because it marked my commitment to Judaism. It means that I have chosen a new path and that my spiritual journey of learning as a Jew continues.

by Norma Serafano

God knows me and loves me; of this I have always been sure. But the best way to come to know God or express my faith in God did not happen until I found Judaism. Now with becoming a Jew-by-choice I have found a true spiritual home, or the right pair of shoes, so to speak.

I was raised as a Presbyterian (at least the third generation, probably more) and stayed faithfully so well into my adult life. Jews were always a part of my extended family. My great-grandfather Robert (may his memory be a blessing) who married my maternal great-grandmother was Jewish and the patriarch of my family. And he sure made an awesome brisket! Only a few years after Grandpa’s death, I married a Jew (another Robert). However, my beloved was not a practicing Jew, so I gave our children religion through the Presbyterian Church.

Marriage, career and family all settled in through the years, but religion and spirituality wasn’t so settled after all. When the Presbyterian Church USA decided to divest from Israel, I had a strong reaction. This reaction was strong enough to cause me to question my long-standing form of worship. And thus I began my exploration of Judaism. Like a great pair of shoes that you want to love yet which leave a sore spot on the back of your heel, Christian beliefs had never been perfectly comfortable for me. The shoes seemed to go with the outfit, but I realized it was time for a wardrobe change.

I joined the Introduction to Judaism class at Temple Israel and loved every minute of it. Every Wednesday there was something new that touched my soul and encouraged my faith. Through this class and my readings I came to know that Judaism is about making the best of God’s gift of life and the world that God created. Through Jewish practice at home, every day is centered on God and everyday moments become spiritual.

I took the Introduction to Hebrew class after that and became fascinated with the letters and the language. Next came studying privately with Rabbi Moskowitz, another engaging, enriching and joyful experience. During this time of study my oldest daughter began classes at Temple Israel’s Torah Center. I admire her bravery of jumping in with both 5th grade feet to learn Hebrew, participate in Judaica class, and join the Youth Choir.

This past December I completed my conversion with an interview with a bet din and immersion in a mikveh. I was very nervous on this eventful day, but it was beyond wonderful. I will never forget the feelings created by talking with the rabbis, reciting my declaration of Jewish commitment, and experiencing the immersion in the mikveh.

The conversion ceremony did not “complete me” as a Jew. For me, being a Jew will always be a process, an endless exploration that will strengthen my love for Judaism. Now I have a pair of slippers to complete my outfit. Not just ordinary slippers, special ones, that are comfortable from the beginning, don’t wear out, never need replacing, are warm and support not just the feet but the entire person as they complete their daily tasks. However slippers can be a bit floppy, like me not knowing all the prayers or what page of the Siddur I’m supposed to be on at services, or my girls giggling during Shabbat readings on Friday night. But over time my Jewishness will fit better and I can always look to my oldest daughter for inspiration to jump in with both (slippered) feet.

Kris Damon

I suppose some people would find it odd that I would decide to convert to Judaism when I was seventeen going on eighteen, but for me it was the most appropriate time. When my mother asked me if I wanted to take the
Introduction to Judaism class with her this past January, I did so out of pure curiosity. I have had Jewish friends and have always been interested in learning more about Judaism, but it was not until I began attending the class, that I realized I had basically grown up with Jewish values and ideas and had just not known it.

Many people spend lots of time studying with a Rabbi and on their own before converting, but I was on what my mother refers to as the “fast track”. I knew after I completed the class that I wanted to convert - it was just a matter of when. I had one summer before I left for college, and I knew that I wanted to convert before I left. Everyone knows that college is a point in your life where lots of changes come about and many people start to figure out who they are and what they want to do in life. I wanted to embark on that journey as a Jew because I knew that it would come to be such an important part of me.

I was very excited, but also nervous for my Bet Din and Mikveh. All of the Rabbis were extremely kind and put me at ease. The experience of immersing in the Mikveh is indescribable. You hear about how buoyant the water is and how it is not like regular water, but you cannot really understand it until you go through it yourself. Immediately afterward and for a few months, I did not feel truly Jewish. I now do and I continue to feel more Jewish as time passes.

I am now a freshman at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. It is sometimes difficult to be one of only a handful of Jewish people at school, but that makes going home and going back to Temple Israel that much more special. This has been such a wonderful experience and I appreciate all of the support and kindness I have received from everyone.

Claire Sfregola

My Journey to Judaism  by Jack Fox

I had originally intended to write about why I did not want to be anything other than Jewish, but that is not why I am a Jew. My reason for coming to Judaism, and particularly Temple Israel, are not based upon negatives; rather, it is because Judaism is the faith that I always had in the back of my mind and in my heart. Although I was not raised as a Jew (my father is Jewish, but my mother is not), I always had the nagging question in my mind – “Am I Jewish?” My father’s decision to raise his kids as non-Jews was a decision that I can respect, even though I don’t always understand it. Dad hasn’t practiced his faith as an adult. This was either because of, or in spite of, his having left Nazi Germany with his parents and sister when he was a child. That does not say why I want to be Jewish. It does, however, give me the feeling of being connected to my Jewish ancestors and the feeling that I am a Jew.

When I first started exploring the idea of becoming a Jew, I looked around and tried to find where I was the most comfortable. After visiting several different synagogues and having even started the Introduction to Judaism class elsewhere, I realized that the encouraging welcome I received from Rabbi Moskowitz and others at Temple Israel fit the bill. I had spoken to Rabbi Moskowitz first by phone and then later at the oneg after services. He remembered my name and said that a class would be starting the first of the year. Although there were other classes elsewhere starting sooner, I knew that Temple Israel would be my synagogue and that Rabbi Moskowitz would be my teacher. Later, he actually became much more. I now think of him not just as a teacher, but as my spiritual leader and friend as well.

The Introduction to Judaism class was very helpful and much more than just informative; it was truly exciting. Not only was there a wealth of information, there was also a lot of fun, and friendships blossomed as a result of the class. When you make the effort to get to these weekly classes after work, you tend to learn a lot about yourself and others in the process. The lessons that I got from the class are things that I’ll never forget. It is very comforting to learn that Judaism is an on-going learning experience and that we don’t stop learning if we don’t want to. The two biggest things I learned are: that Torah starts the discussion and that questioning what is written is an essential part of the religion. It settles nothing. It is all interpreted on many levels and in many ways - all Jewish!! The other thing I learned was very eye opening for me. The Covenant is as binding on God as it is on us! When Torah was received at Sinai, we committed to God and God also committed to us. I’m sure that what I just said and how I stated it might generate a lot of discussion, but that’s ok; it’s Jewish, right?

I have to say that my lifelong quest for spiritual answers has brought me to Temple Israel and Rabbi Moskowitz, and I have been able to find a place where I feel welcomed and, indeed, encouraged to continuously learn about the religion that I had but didn’t know. I will always revere this and hope to continue to be a member and a part of the Temple Israel family for a long time.

Shalom,
Jack (Yaakov) Fox

My Journey to Judaism  by Coni Sfregola

My journey to Judaism began quite a number of years ago while I was still in high school. At that time, like so many others, I was

searching for a purpose to my life, something bigger than myself. I had not been raised with any religious training or belief up to that point, which allowed me complete freedom in my search. Being a voracious reader, I began to read books on world religions and found that the tenets of Judaism spoke to both my heart and mind. I began to read Jewish theology and literature. As much as I felt connected to the Jewish faith, I thought that to be Jewish I would either have had to be born into a Jewish family or convert as a prerequisite to marrying a Jewish man.

I continued to develop and refine my belief system by reading both Jewish fiction and theology. I have tried to raise my children (now young adults) using the Jewish values of self-improvement through introspection, atonement, and self-discipline. I emphasized continued learning, along with the importance of the dignity and purpose of every human being. Recently, I was led to Temple Israel by our website. One of my daughters and I took the Introduction to Judaism class and we were inspired to begin attending services, Rosh Chodesh evenings, observing Shabbat, and celebrating Passover and Chanukah. We both converted to Judaism in July. I had been longing for the structure of a religion and the community of a Temple congregation and am thrilled for the opportunity to join Temple Israel. I appreciate the warmth and acceptance I have encountered and look forward to participating in the Caring Community and many other activities of Temple Israel. I feel that I have finally come to the place of belonging that I have searched over thirty years to find.

Coni Sfregola

While attending California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2002, I took an Introduction to Religion course as a general education requirement towards my degree. During the course, I became very intrigued about how many different religions are practiced in the world and I wanted to explore this on my own. I decided to ask my coworkers about their religious affiliations and was fortunate that I had the opportunity to learn about several different religious traditions. I then made it a point for our office to observe and celebrate each religious holiday.

During this time, I became closer to my Jewish friends and colleagues as they were the most grateful of my celebration of their holidays. As years went by, I learned and respected how the Jewish faith was something that was observed on a daily basis with dietary restrictions and weekly Shabbat. In addition, I especially noticed that all my Jewish friends and colleagues were very family orientated. Coming from a small family, and brought up with no religious affiliation, made me yearn to learn more about the Jewish faith.

In the spring of 2004 I tragically lost my father, and in my grief, I realized I was missing an important component in my life -- religion. Even though I had support from my family, friends, and community, I realized that not having any spiritual guidance to deal with my loss made me feel empty and alone.

It wasn’t until the summer of 2005, that I finally found the courage to inquire more extensively about the Jewish faith and possibly conversion. I searched online for a reform temple in the Long Beach area and found Temple Israel’s web site and sent an email message requesting information. To my surprise, the next afternoon, I received a phone call from Rabbi Steven Moskowitz to schedule an appointment to discuss my inquisitiveness about conversion.

Rabbi Moskowitz was so patient regarding my abundance of curiosity and questions. I’ll never forget how he listened carefully to my questions, concerns, and my life story. He made me feel that no matter what I had to say, it was important, and at that moment I felt like I was finally at home.

He informed me of the steps I would need to complete if I wanted to convert into the Jewish faith, and then gave me a tour of the synagogue. I was captivated once he took me into the sanctuary, opened the Ark, took out one of the Torah scrolls, and let me see and touch it. My meeting with the Rabbi, and having the tour of the synagogue, brought me at peace with myself and with God. In my heart, I knew I was already a Jew, and now I wanted to formally convert to Judaism.

The day after my meeting with Rabbi Moskowitz, I contacted the Union for Reform Judaism and enrolled in the Introduction to Judaism courses in Santa Ana. My conversion date was Monday, July 24, 2006, and my immersion in the mikvah was a small and beautiful beginning to my journey into Judaism.

My mikvah experience is one that I will always cherish. Walking into the actual mikvah room, being assisted by the mikvah lady, having my girlfriend, mother, and Rabbi Moskowitz there, and completing the immersion rite was an experience unlike anything else I have ever done. I felt that every fear I had evaporated, and I felt confident and strong as I recited the Hebrew blessings. I felt more and more as if I were getting closer to where I wanted to be as each chorus of "amen" urged me forward through the next step of my conversion.

I had been intrigued with Jewish values for decades. Education, family, social justice, and hospitality were all values that I embraced and admired. Raised Catholic and educated in parochial schools, I had minimal exposure to the Jewish community. My knowledge of all things Jewish came not from personal experience but from novels and newspapers, and I couldn’t get enough.

The death of my mother spurred me to examine my spirituality. What did I believe? Did I even want to believe? I researched and explored faiths and philosophies. Deciding it was time to satisfy my infatuation I enrolled in the Introduction to Judaism class in the fall of 2001.

Early in the 18 week schedule of classes, I started celebrating Shabbat in my home on Friday evenings and set aside a Saturday morning Torah study time. Both of these experiences created a sense of peace and meaning in my life. I was smitten, but I wanted to know more. In 2003, I signed up for what I thought was a Hebrew class so that I could learn to read the prayers and participate in services. But it was a B’nai Mitzvah class! The more I continued to grow in knowledge, and experience life as a Jew, the more I knew it was what I was seeking. From the very first time I stepped into the synagogue at Temple Israel, I felt a sense of belonging, which only grew with the kindness and assistance I received from everyone there as I continued on my journey to Judaism.

For me, the experience was exciting and stimulating. For my grown sons and husband, it was very threatening. We had many discussions about the impact of my conversion on the family, my marriage, and the many family traditions that we had all enjoyed. I believe my husband and sons were won over as they observed first-hand what becoming Jewish meant to me and the difference it was making in my life.

In August of 2005, I became a Jew and three days later celebrated my Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel with the support and encouragement of my husband and sons. In Judaism, I discovered the intellectual stimulation and spiritual growth that I was unable to find elsewhere. I found the path to live my life as a spiritual and ethical individual. My journey continues as I daily experience what it means to live life as a Jew.

I was born into an interfaith family. Despite the fact that my mother was born Jewish, I was baptized and raised a Protestant. As a child, I attended Sunday school and celebrated Christmas and Easter. I went away to college at age 17 and after that really only attended church for weddings and funerals. Most of my adult life I chose to be agnostic, unsure about the existence of any God.

In 2004, I found my life challenged by numerous health crises, which left me wondering about my own existence. I believed in something called "fate" which had brought me to that point. As part of my New Year’s Resolution, I set out to determine if there was a place for spirituality in my life.

Having been surrounded by Jewish friends throughout my life, I felt a kinship that kept pulling at me. During the first week of January, I went online to determine where I would learn more about Judaism. I ended up sending an e-mail to Rabbi Steve Moskowitz and inquiring about Judaism. He informed me that an Introduction of Judaism class was about to start at Temple Israel that week. I quickly registered and showed up at the second class.

I’m not sure what I expected from this class, but it wasn’t more than a few weeks before I felt a sense of being at home. I knew then that I belonged to the covenant of Judaism and was surprised and impressed with the liberalism of the Reform Movement.

I completed the 18-week class and asked Rabbi Moskowitz to be my sponsoring Rabbi as part of a formal conversion process. Our individual study involved the reading of the book "God Was In This Place and I, I Did Not know" by Lawrence Kushner. Each week we discussed the interpretations of Genesis 28:16 given by various sages, from Shmuel bar Nachmani to Rashi, to Moses De Leon. Each week, I came to feel that the chapter we were discussing described my life and the numerous attempts that God had made in trying to get me to pay attention to what I was doing and acknowledge God’s presence.

Yom Kippur was fast approaching and I inquired about making my re-affirmation official by appearing before a bet din, a panel of three rabbis, and immersing in a Mikvah prior to the High Holy Days.

The day of my conversion ceremony was one of the most memorable days in my life. Coming to believe that I would no longer be alone spiritually was very important to me. Through continued study, I have come to have a new understanding of the writings of the Torah and the story of Genesis, which is portrayed as a beginning. Just as several thousand years ago the Jewish people made a conscious decision to believe in one God, so was this day like my own personal Genesis.

I consider myself a Jew by Choice as I decided to accept the covenant and become a Jew at this time in my life. I have subsequently signed up for my Adult B’Nai Mitzvah class and am looking forward to my Bar Mitzvah in the Spring/Summer of 2007. Half a lifetime late, but better late than never.