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OUTREACH
STORIES
The Burdens and Blessings of Becoming Jewish
Michaela
Shalom all, my name is Michaela. When I was asked to write about what brought
me to Judaism and the Jewish people my first thought was: "what a complex
question. Where should I begin?" What causes a person to want to change
their entire life?
First I'll begin with how my life has changed. My behavior, what I eat, how to
eat, when and how to pray, how I dress, taking observances very seriously especially Shabbat (my
personal favorite), living by two calendars, the company I keep, joining Hadassah
a women's Zionist organization, involvement in synagogue life, taking Jewish
study classes, building a whole new library of literature filled with commentary
and reference books, and paying a tutor to teach me how to read, write, and speak
conversational Hebrew.
Doing all these things has changed how I think. I am committed to a lifetime
of Torah study! I look forward to going home after a day at work and burying
myself in my Hebrew homework or studying Judaism. And I never forget that whenever
I'm studying Judaism I'm also praying.
I was raised in a purely secular environment. When I was born I was baptized
as a Catholic. That's where my family religion started and that's where it ended.
However, I've always had an unshakable belief in God and strangely enough, in
only one God. I don't know why I never adopted my parent's belief in Jesus. I
can only remember it not feeling right for me. It just felt awkward. SO I always
spoke with God directly.
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I remember being in a discussion with some peers many years ago about religion
and I revealed that I never mentioned Jesus in my prayers – that I just
prayed directly to God. And someone said to me "What do you think you're
special that you can just pray directly to God without going through Jesus?" That
was it. I never spoke of it again to anyone. Consequently, when praying to a
cross or statue, I felt stupid. So I wouldn't. Growing up with this belief was
problematic. I didn't understand why I felt this way and I didn't question it
either. So for me, my journey began long before I knew it.
I finally arrived home two years ago at the age of 26. About 5 years ago I became
increasingly aware of contemporary values. What I was seeing and what I was hearing
in day to day life around me was beginning to sicken me. Already being a disciplined
person I decided that I wanted more structure in my life. I wanted a way of life
that was more meaningful and elevated everyday living to something special. After
1 year and 3 months of study, observance, working with a Rabbi, and serious introspection,
I embraced Judaism.
I've inherited much, much more than just a religion. For me being a Jew is an
enormous responsibility. It's both a burden and a blessing, painful and joyous.
I'd like to say that everyone I knew was supportive of my decision, but that
hasn't been the case. I've been ridiculed and or treated differently by former
friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and unfortunately, by an immediate family
member. I was aware that this might happen but wasn't going to let that affect
my decision. I've been very directed through this whole process. I can not be
swayed or discouraged by anyone.
Every Thursday of every week I get an excited feeling of anticipation because
I know that the Sabbath Queen is on her way! Keeping Shabbat
is the hallmark of my week. So the next time someone asks me why Judaism? I'm
going to say because I want to live a life that elevates the mundane and what
most people take for granted to something special and holy.
L'Chaim!
Michaela
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