From Disillusioned Catholic to Passionate Jew - Daniel Ventresca - Jews for Judaism

Daniel Ventresca was always a religious person, even as a young child. The problem was that he grew up in the wrong religion. Raised as a Roman Catholic by his Italian immigrant parents, he tried very hard to be the best religious person he could be. He tried to understand the somewhat difficult concepts in Catholicism specifically and Christianity generally but kept running into dead ends. Things just didn't seem to make sense. It just wasn't adding up.
Later, in his teen years, he became a born-again Christian but still encountered the same theological stumbling blocks. He eventually abandoned Christianity but not his belief in and love for G-d.
As a young adult, he began learning about Judaism. This, he felt, was a much better fit. Judaism provided all the answers for which he had been searching all his life. He eventually converted... 3 times - once Conservative and twice Orthodox. Find out how and why as you listen to Daniel tell of his journey from disillusioned Catholic to passionate Jew.
● GLOSSARY OF TERMS: A translation of Hebrew and Yiddish expressions used by Daniel Ventresca in his lecture “From Disillusioned Catholic to Passionate Jew”
[02:47] Har Sinai = Mount Sinai
[03:21] Beis Din = Rabbinical Court
[09:45] Tanakh = Hebrew Scriptures (Hebrew bible)
[10:05] Yeshivah = Jewish educational institution for men
[10:10] Mishnah and Gemara: Mishnah is the original written version of the Oral Law. The Gemara is a commentary on the Mishnah. The Mishnah and the Gemara together form the Talmud.
[10:12] Haftarah = a series of selections from the books of Nevi'im ("Prophets") of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) that are publicly read in synagogue as part of Jewish religious practice. There usually is a conceptual connection between the them of the Torah reading and that of the Haftarah.
[14:58] Sephardi = Sephardic Jews are from the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, including Portugal, Spain, the Middle East and Northern Africa.
[16:16] Shul = synagogue
[17:49] Olav HaSholom = "peace be upon him"; said of someone who is deceased.
[22:12] Ketuba = Jewish marriage contract.
[22:25] Geirus = Jewish conversion
[22:53] Giyur Lechumra = This is done when the assumption is that perhaps the person is already a Jew, but since some doubts have arisen, a Jewish court (Beis Din) will decide if giyur lechumra has to be done to remove any doubts about the person's Jewishness.
[24:12] Davening = praying
[24:33] Mikvah = Jewish ritual bath. Immersion in a mikvah is required as part of the conversion process.
[25:31] Breslover Chasid = a Hasidic follower of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov
● JEWS FOR JUDAISM is an outreach organization whose primary goal is to win back to Judaism those Jews who have been influenced by the following six threats to Jewish survival that are devastating the global Jewish community.
1. Hebrew-Christian missionaries convert thousands of Jews worldwide every year
2. Destructive cults cause many Jews to abandon family, friends and careers
3. Eastern religions, Buddhism and Hinduism are spiritual choices for many Jews
4. Apathy and ignorance leave many Jews unaware, unaffiliated and assimilated
5. Intermarriage is exploding with a 75% rate in some North American cities
6. Anti-Israel BDS on campus inhibits Jewish students from standing up for Israel and Judaism
To assist non-Jews who have left other religions, JEWS FOR JUDAISM also provides educational programs to help them embrace the Torah’s Seven Noachide Laws for Gentiles.
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[@rakheldandy5339]

I made a formal conversion to Orthodox Judaism almost 50 years to the day that I had a “born-again” experience. My listening to such programs on ‘Jews for Judaism’ and ‘Jewish Outreach’. It is never too late to be “Born-Again” again to a beautiful Torah Life full of HaShem’s Light and Love. Thankyou for your much needed videos!

[@austinhadley6086]

I cried after the first bit. I felt this in the very essence of my being. I grew up Baptist, I dabbled in pagan idolatry and then settled on atheism. It took some serious spiritual awakening and I've begun my journey

[@Tonithenightowl]

My journey was quite a bit like your's from Catholicism to Born Again Christian and still unanswered questions. So I went to the Jews and I was not disappointed. I didn't know religion could make sense. I didn't understand why "I" had these questions while other Christians I knew ... didn't. Then came the internet and I knew I wasn't alone. I listened, I learned and I didn't say WHAT??? I said Ahhh. No one had to convince me. No one tried to scare me. No one said I had to convert or perish. As Rabbi Scobac said there isn't a crack between Judaism and Christianity, there is a chasm. I've climbed out of that chasm and I thank Hashem and his chosen for it. I will also be checking out Daniel's channel. Inspiring testimonial. :o)

[@sarah-beruriahbooi9529]

I relate to this story , I also believe I am one of those souls beeing in a gentile body , I started about a year to convert to Judaism .

[@jshir17]

I journeyed from conservative Protestantism to Judaism in my young adulthood too. It is inspiring to see that I am not alone

[@sandragomez7905]

Catholicism to being born again and now a convert to Judaism.

[@nunyabizness54]

Boy, can I relate!! Sounds like my journey, except I tried to be Baptist. Didn't work but I did try for a long time. I have doubted just about everything in life, except that G-d is real. Never doubted that at all!

[@jacobpinto5175]

This sounds like me. I used to be Catholic, and now I am going to convert to Judaism.

[@wharfrat7773]

I was raised Catholic by Polish immigrant parents... recently purchased my first Torah...have been reading and watching Jews for Jewdaism..

[@stickinthemud23]

"I wanted to be the person who wasn't there for me."

[@yahuhananbenyamineliyahu7706]

Super beautiful, Ashreicha, may HaShem bless you

[@Jewishimmah]

Thanks, May HaShem keep giving you long life!

[@MsNooneinparticular]

Not a fan of organized religion but if I had to pick one, I'd probably go with Judaism. I like the "fairness" & justice aspect and the whole arguing the Talmud thing. It's one religion that encourages you to use your brain rather than turn it off. I don't know if that goes equally for women but hopefully so.

[@evereststevens7034]

I'm a very devout Orthodox Christian, but it's really cool what you guys are doing. I really love learning about traditional Jewish culture and theology. Even though I disagree with some of what you say, it's so great to learn to approach the Tanach by looking at it from a Jewish perspective. I find your insights both thoughtful and inspiring. I find myself wanting to serve God more fully, and I've even starting learning Hebrew so I can read and understand the original texts. I've really learned a lot about Judiasm from these videos (and through chabad.org) Keep up the amazing work so that I can keep learning, and growing to understand and appreciate Jewish thought and culture.

[@jeanneamato8278]

Bless you. I’m with you. ✡️

[@rube1904]

I loved this video. So much of it is the same as I have felt.

[@phoenixmacallan763]

That's exactly the kind of person we need. Someone who actually wants to teach people about God and not turn them away. May HaShem bless you!

[@ziondanielkashani3843]

You are all amazing!

[@videoviewerviewer4107]

Nice to see and hear

[@elishevabarenbaum5319]

Very moving story. Please keep up the good work. שד. יברך אותך בבריאות איתנה שתוכל להמשיך את עבודת הקודש שלך עד 120.

[@margarita8416]

powerful story - thank you for sharing it & all the hard work you are doing now.

[@darrelpennington3489]

I was born into a Babtist family and believe as a Protestant , to a point. I have always felt there should be “ more “ . I have been in need of speaking to a Rabbi. I live in an area that Has no Judaism . Any Suggestions ? At All ? Thanks

[@crystaljonas8246]

This is an excellent inspiration thank you

[@williamkacensky1069]

Nicely presented.

[@Everykneeshallbow66]

Great lecture B'H from the gerim world.

[@levi7187]

On a very similar path...

[@rachelgarber1423]

Interestingly, the Italian Jewish community is one of the oldest in the world.

[@luisgcasiquet]

Great video!! Very nice story… I am feeling the same way…. I accepted the G-d of Israel, for the moment I am a BneiNoah

[@sandramcarthur1866]

Have as a Jew who didn't know she was a Jew until she was 50 been looking for this kind of help for a long time is there a way to get it online,... like a course? I work swing shift, went through homelessness, all seem to not feel my urgency for the last 5-6 YEARS

[@JewsforJudaismCanada]

Rabbi Michael Skobac is available to advise you with a confidential discussion. Contact him at [e-mail] or 416-789-0020 ext #1

[@joez5644]

This man is perfect to witness to Christians. He has been there and made it out. Like a former drug addict has been there done that, and therefore ‘legit’ to counsel drug addicts, so this fine gentleman’s lived experiences makes his testimony a legit example to guide Christians to the truth. 🕎

[@louismilano1069]

Great video!

[@chodeshadar18]

I have the honor of being the first to comment!

[@sharonhurst2448]

I am the same way exactly I don’t care about all these other religions though I’ve been Penecostal drivers witness Mormon everything and all I want to do is follow the god of Moses of his role of Jake up of his people something is really off and I’ve always down there to try to be one true religion happen to be so many differences I forgot a lot of stuff out but it would be wonderful you could help me get started thank you so much Please help me

[@bookmouse2719]

Fantastic story! Thank you for sharing.

[@thefifthanggo]

To whomever took the time and wrote all those explanation on description box : thank you, Sir/ Madam.