 Friends        | I'm an imperfect being who has made many tragic mistakes in my life harming myself and others along the way. However, as long as I am still alive, I will continue to work on fixing the things that are wrong with me and asking forgiveness from those I have hurt. I am a 'ger' ie a convert to Judaism. I am a former Southern Baptist Christian. Eleven years ago, I came to Israel and became a 'Yid'. It wasn't easy. To become a Jew requires total sacrifice and dedication. The conversion process itself alone typically takes three years to complete and then you have to dedicate your life to total observance for several years thereafter to demonstrate your sincerity. Only after that can one say, 'I am a Jew'. Well, I've done all of that. I was an Ultra-Orthodox Jew (Haredi) for 6 years after completing my conversion process which took me five months to complete. After my conversion, I made 'Aaliyah' to Israel ie I became an Israeli citizen. I share dual US/Israeli citizenship. I speak Hebrew fluently. I have made mistakes both before and after conversion: I hurt people and I am sorry. The Talmud teaches that God made the 'Yetzer HaRa' (The Evil Inclination) and the Torah 'HaTavlin' (The Spice) to cure it. I am totally a different person now and I credit that to the power of the Torah. However, I am still 'under construction' so be sure to wear a safety helmet and steal tipped boots around me. |
