I Went from Muslim to Jewish For Love
A Muslim woman gave up her past to provide her family with a future.
Even though I had found my religion, at first it was hard to fit in. Ron and I moved to Los Angeles, where there are a lot of Iranian Jews—but they were born that way, and don’t usually approve of converts. I went to an Iranian-Jewish website and asked a rabbi if I would be accepted. Because I don’t keep kosher and was a reformed Jew, he said I wasn’t welcome there.
It was a slap in the face. At first, I was angry and disappointed, but I realized I didn’t convert for acceptance—or to join some sort of club. I had converted for my own, and my family’s, spiritual development. The most important thing was feeling like I was Jewish.
And we found a synagogue that makes me feel that way: It has female rabbis and emphasizes community and continuing education. That was essential to me. Studying the Torah is a lifelong work, and I’m up for it, now that I have a sense of place for me—and my family.
Discussion
I find your reasons for conversion interesting, as my Judaism studies have shown me even more inequality between the sexes than Islam.
I happen to agree very much to Roni that you lived a true charming story, I also feel that you there is always that very beautiful part of your Neshamah which is very deep in you & in the entire past it always tried to come out of you in the open until the great day has actually come, regarding the reform issue which Roni has mentioned in his comment I understand where he is comming from but I also see from where u r comming , I truly believe that this is something which should be discussed more in detail & personal, If you would like to discuss it with me [I do have quiet a bit of past experience in this particular area which I would not like to reveal over here] you can feel free to email me & maybe I will be the one who will have the merit to enhance such a beautiful Neshamah:)
Charming story. :)
You probably heard this... But just in case, you should know that only reform Jews would accept your children as Jewish. This may not matter to you, but who knows what your children will want with their lives. I recommend converting via orthodoxy just to cover your bases. The orthodox rabbis won't make it easy for you, but hey. Being Jewish isn't easy. In any case, you'll be surprised how progressive orthodox Judaism really is when you give it a chance and keep an open mind yourself.
