1. Describe the process that led you to want to become Jewish.

     

      I grew up Catholic, my family was Catholic and I attended Catholic school for

5 years when I was younger. My family went to church on important occasions such as Christmas, Palm Sunday, funerals and baptisms. I never practiced regularly, but I grew up with the idea that I was Catholic, and that was that. As I grew older, I was confused and unsure about my faith. I spoke with priests and asked questions. They would tell me that through prayer I should feel the presence of Jesus, and Jesus would help me fill in the void in my life.

      Years passed and I never went back to Church. I prayed at home to G-d, but stayed away from organized religion. I always understood that G-d was The Creator of the Universe and every human being, but Catholicism did not seem like the right path of worship for me.

      I have worked with Jewish people for years in a Jewish community, and often have Shabbat with Jewish families. I learned some of the customs and practices of Judaism, and the more I learned, the more the religion seemed like a good fit for me.

      In addition, my fiancé is Jewish, and through him and his family I have learned what a beautiful, fulfilling religion Judaism is. I look forward to my conversion every day.

 

 

2.   Which Jewish values and beliefs do you find most appealing and persuasive?

 

      I love the process and value of the Friday night Shabbat. I look forward to joining my family in a sacred tradition that goes back thousands of years, and is at heart a time of worship, bonding and togetherness.  I will also enjoy the process of getting everything prepared for Shabbat. Saturday services at the synagogue are important to me as well because of the closeness I feel to G-d when I’m in the temple. After I attend services, I feel that all of the stress in my life has been relieved.

 

 

1. How is Judaism more appropriate for you than your former religion or lifestyle?

 

      Judaism allows me to learn and to have a relationship with G-d on my terms, in a way that makes sense to me. Before my relationship with G-d was not as clear, and it did not have the depth it has now. The priests I encountered in my life did not give me the answers I was looking for in terms of faith and belief. Since I have been attending classes at the synagogue, I have seen a whole new world of belief and faith open up to me.

 

  

1. Describe how your personal and home life has changed because of Jewish tradition and how it may yet change in the future.

 

      There is Shalom in the home. People who come to my house know that it is a Jewish home. I have several mezuzahs in my home, and I have begun the process of going Kosher. Everywhere you look in my home you see books on Jewish theory and practice. Since I have begun the conversion process, my Jewish friends have been extremely helpful and supportive, and my relationships with them have become closer. I think and read on how I can be a better Jew, and I intend to live a Jewish life with my future husband and the children we plan on having.

 

 

1. Describe your sense of identification with the Jewish people in relation to Israel, World Jewry, the local Jewish community and your synagogue.

   

Ever since I set foot in the synagogue, I have felt incredibly welcome. Every Jewish friend I have who I’ve spoken with about my conversion has been wonderful and supportive. I will admit I had some concerns and fears about being accepted into the Jewish community because of my background. After attending classes, services, and special events with the EHNTJC community, I can say without reservation that I feel accepted and ready to convert.

I have never traveled to Israel, but my fiancé I are committed to going to the Holy Land in 2008. I can’t wait to walk on the same ground that the ancestors of my faith walked on, and feel that deep connection to the roots of my new religion.

 

 

1. Describe how you intend to fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah.

 

      I will be giving donations to various Jewish organizations. I will also donate my time and try to make a difference in the Jewish community. I am committed to the importance of mutual aid – the community coming together to help each other.

 

 

 

 7. What is your commitment to prayer, Shabbat and keeping Kosher?

           

            My commitment to prayer is a big part of my everyday life. For me, it goes hand in hand with having a fulfilling, centered life. On Shabbat I intend to go to services and I will continue my Shabbat dinners. I will continue to keep Kosher and buy kosher products. I don’t mix meat and dairy. In addition, I intend to strengthen my commitment to the EHNTJC community, and will attend special events and dinners. When my fiancé and I have children, we will pass on these traditions to them.

 

 

 

 

1. Plans for the future Jewish study?

      I plan on going to Israel in 2008. I will get married February 9^th, 2008 and will have a traditional Jewish ceremony. I will continue my Jewish studies at EHNTJC, and my studies of the Hebrew language.