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My journal about my conversion to Judaism. |
I started writing my conversion story in June 2023, even though it started before then. It will not be in chronological order as I remember things from the past that brought me to this point in my life. My decision to convert was not an easy one. I grew up Pentecostal. I watched my grandma speak in tongues. My aunt played keyboard in the church band. I used to attend church (a member of a Baptist church for many years) 3 to 4 times a week. I did not start my journey of healing after my divorce and expect to end up here. However, my desire and work to grow closer to G-d has left me no doubt or question about where I am now. I have no hesitation in my conversion to Judaism. This is my story of leaving Christianity and becoming a part of a people that I will be able to, one day, proudly say that I am also. A Jew. |
Hello, my name is Jeanette, and I am addicted to learning. One day, just one day, we are not supposed to study Torah. Do you know how many times within that day I forgot and had to stop learning? Not once. Not twice. Multiple times. I understand the reasoning behind not learning on Xmas. I understand that learning Torah and Torah values illuminates the world and that is not a good day to illuminate. Do you know how many pagan festivals Xmas is derived from? However, putting that understanding into practice is not easy. I started reading the book next to my bed when I woke up. I listened to a Chabad video on YouTube when it came across my notifications. I turned on an Ark Online video. I had to catch myself repeatedly. I did try hard to not think about studying. What did I do most of the day Xmas Eve so I didn't study? Shop, of course! It turns out that learning is a lot less expensive, even when paying teachers to teach. I'm going to have to come up with a new strategy next year so my bank account doesn't cry. The big question that everyone asks, "Did you eat Chinese food on Xmas?" Yes, I did. It was very good leftovers from Xmas Eve. I got lucky and got an order in. The one kosher Chinese restaurant starts taking orders two weeks in advance for Xmas day! Although it was very delicious (and enjoyed with a wonderful friend) it would be easier (and less painful for my bank account) if I just make it at home myself. I haven't attempted to make my own crab rangoons yet, but I could have them perfected by this time next year. I volunteered a couple of hours at Chanukah Wonderland. There was a giant bounce house that was a dreidel. It was the coolest thing ever! It looked like this: https://www.jewfadz.com/dreidel-bouncehouse.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqdh8nf3CBrFtBxtqk... I imagined myself as a kid loving every second of it. Even with all of the cool crafts and exciting events (making olive oil out of real olives!), I would have spent a lot of time in that thing. I made latkes for when my daughter A1 comes to visit. I think I want to try a different oil to see if they taste differently. They were good, but I don't think they are perfect yet. Picture attached below. Today was the start of Chanukah, and for the first time, I lit real candles. I was not allowed to have real candles at my old apartment. There is something magical about the light of real candles and real flames. I didn't remember that I couldn't work during the time that the menorah was lit, and I cooked the latkes during that time. ![]() ![]() Happy Chanukah! ![]() |