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OUTREACH
STORIES
How My Daughter Inspired Me to Become a Jewish Woman
Lisa Gittleman
Shabbat Shalom! I've been asked to briefly recount for you the steps I took on
my journey to Judaism. At times, that path has seemed more defined than others,
but I have always believed that in life, no experience is wasted and usually
the lessons learned from these experiences point us in the direction that has
meaning for us. That direction has led me to stand in this synagogue with you
all tonight.
My journey to Judaism probably started over 20 years ago, when I started dating
my husband Jeff. His family warmly welcomed me, this blonde non-Jewish girl with
the pioneer roots. I was invited to every holiday and family occasion and was
enthralled by the traditions that celebrated Hanukkah and Passover and weddings
and was also moved by the sadder times and traditions that marked the passing
of Jeff's grandparents and aunt. I come from a very small, not very religious
family and had never seen so much tradition in celebrating life's events!
We had a Jewish wedding – it meant a lot to Jeff and I felt strongly that
I would rather have a Jewish wedding that was meaningful to us and our families,
as opposed to running off and having some secular ceremony. However, it did not
occur to us to join a congregation or participate more fully in a Jewish life
until our daughter, Amanda, reached school age.
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Suddenly, it seemed very urgent that we decide to have a Jewish home, participate
in synagogue life and pursue religious education for her. Amanda expressed her
interest to learn more about being Jewish so we asked around for reform congregations.
The first one we went to see was CBI (in its old location downtown) and instantly
felt so at home that we became members and registered Amanda in the religious
school.
At this point, I came to see the importance of religion in my life and the life
of my family. I really wanted one religion and tradition in our home and started
contemplating the idea of conversion. It took me two more years of attending
services, celebrating holidays and learning about Judaism from our daughter before
I felt I was ready to embrace Judaism as MY religion –not just the identity
of my husband.
When Amanda committed to study to become Bat Mitzvah, I signed up for the Basic
Judaism class. Over that year, I learned so much about our Jewish beliefs, values
and history and truly felt that they could be mine, too. I also started learning
to read Hebrew (though I doubt I will ever catch up to Amanda and Jeff!). This
really increased my enjoyment of the liturgy in services.
Last summer, I met with Rabbi Goloboy and expressed my readiness to formalize
my decision to convert. In the fall, I went before a Bet
Din (a gathering of three rabbis) and was immersed and blessed in the Mikvah.
Three months ago I was able to stand on this bimah with
Jeff and bless the Torah, as a Jewish woman, before Amanda chanted from the scroll
at her Bat Mitzvah.
Rather than feeling like the final destination on my journey to Judaism, I see
this as a step in a process that will last my whole life as I continue to learn
and grow. What started as a desire to embrace Judaism for the benefit of family,
ended up being a path for me to find God in my life, as it should be. I do not
feel like I have lost any part of my past identity, because I have gained so
much along the road to my religion. I look forward to continuing my journey and
consider myself very blessed to have my life, my family and to be Jewish.
Again, Shabbat Shalom!
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