My Story as a Convert to Judaism

Eliana Aviva Duthie, Development Coordinator at a Jewish non-profit in New York, didn't always connect to the idea of Religion.
Hear her story of faith and determination, from a church in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, all the way to a synagogue in Germany.
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[@esterherschkovich6499]

I too am a convert...my soul had to return...it was not easy but best thing I ever did.

[@janishart5128]

Same here - 20+ years ago, and I feel like I know almost nothing, every time I hear a Rabbi speak! May Hashem continue to bless you in all that you do!! .

[@esterherschkovich6499]

@@janishart5128 💟🔯💐Blessings to you...

[@cle5676]

I, too am a convert.. converted thru conservative movement 21 years ago. Orthodox conversion was about 15...best decision I made! BH..

[@Julie-ik8xe]

Baruch Hashem! so happy for you.

[@Yep809]

@@janishart5128 hi Janis did you convert to Orthodox Judaism? If so 20 years is a long time how has that journey being? I would love to convert but I just don’t see I could do it as I’m married and have teenagers.

[@SuTaihei]

I've struggled with religion for many many years. I never found one that fit me, that made me feel like I belonged. I've been studying more on Judaism and so much of it is pulling me in. There is a local synagogue and I plan on attending to learn more. The line she said at the end "nobody is perfect, but God still wants you". That hit me like a ton of bricks. I heard someone say that if you're pulled to Judaism, you've been a jew your entire life. You just didn't know it. ❤

[@bintarosector9]

I dont really understand why, i have the same feeling like her. Im a gentile and was born and raise christian. But, then I am so magnetized by the jews. I always cry everytime I watch Rabbis lectures, it makes my heart happy and my spiritual aspect is satisfied.

[@phyllisbarr4766]

sounds like you have a jewish soul yearning to be free

[@xenatron9056]

Rav Dror at Emunah Project.... he is a beautiful soul, so kind and helpful.

[@ayrsine]

I feel this too

[@treasuretrove441]

Seek conversion

[@mandym9249]

I want to convert but haven’t started the process yet. Thanks for your encouragement today. I might just make this a reality instead of an idea…🎉

[@JamesMaximum]

I recommend that you start slowly to ease yourself into Judaism. Endorse yourself in Noahidism, and incorporate things like Kosher dietary. Converting would be a LOT easier with this background.

[@DavideBonetti]

I was raised in a catholic environment within a small town community in the Alps and always felt very disconnected to it, almost forced towards it and it never felt right nor natural. About a year ago I started to feel a strong pull and sense of curiosity towards judaism. At first I was closed down, it felt forbidden almost to read and learn about it but a couple of months ago I started to welcome this feeling into my soul and ever since feel guided. Now I am seeking conversion. Thank you so much for the video and your story!

[@vladisslay]

i’m starting my conversion process on tuesday!! i’m so happy and so at peace with my return to God. everything is making sense to me and i’m reading books and papers from rabbis and other jewish scholars and i just didn’t ever think i could love life again.

[@myJLI]

That's so exciting! Best of luck!

[@maj27]

Been a Christian all my life till i listened to Rabbi Singer. Now im attending Shabbat services. Love Hashem

[@cohenlabe1]

Welcome

[@Lagolop]

Tovia is pretty amazing. I'm actually Ashkenazi but was raised rather traditional ie some would say secular. We celebrated the festivals and my mouth right Shabbes candles but that was about it for religion. I learned a lot from Tovia but of course I am coming at this from a different angle than that of a Christian.

[@carlo_cali]

Being called up to the Torah was one of the most honorable things I've ever experienced. I was overwhelmed utterly, even feeling unworthy. Hearing this story about Shul in Germany is intriguing. I lived near a Modern Orthodox Shul and the Rabbi did ask me to Email him before coming on a Friday evening for Shabbat as Saturday would be longer. I went and was very welcomed and I had already been reading and studying Talmud.

[@SharonsRose13]

My mom's side is Sephardic Moroccan & Sephardic Hungarian Jewish (didn't know until I met my great grandmother when I was 22yrs old.) My dad's side is Cherokee, Irish and French with forced catholic on it. We were secular. Never went to church, never cracked a Bible. Got kicked out of Sunday school at 6 yrs old for questioning. Fast forward to 26-year-olds. I bought a Tanahk, read the Torah straight through. Found a conservative Jewish beit keneset. Converted conservative and went on to orthodox Jewish at the same time. Found out just 7 yrs ago I am Sephardic Moroccan Jewish. Dna has morrocan and Spanish. Found Sephardic zionist registry of great uncle during ww2.

[@fuchsmom]

Sarah Bina Esther. I met you in Isreal You are a wonderful person and a true asset to our beautiful religion

[@yared_diego]

Sister I am sephardic and Arabian jew

[@birdlynn417]

How wonderful for you! I want to get a blood test, but which test did you take that you could recommend?

[@Lagolop]

Interesting. I had no idea there were any Sephardim in Hungary; just Ashkenazi (which I am).

[@treasuretrove441]

Amazing story welcome home!

[@debstanyer812]

Thankyou for what you shared. Very timely as ive been attending a Liberal Jewish Temple after 30 years in Christianity and like you could not get the answers to all the questions I had, so I began my search for truth. Unfortunately for me my husband will not have a bar or what I have found and it has caused terrible division in our marriage. Im trapped between wanted to convert and my failing marriage so converting for me is impossible unless I divorce. The Liberal Temple does accept me married or not and I think many people attend them because they leave the door open for us no matter what our situation is. For now Im termed a Noahide but my heart is to be Jewish....please keep me in your prayers for HaShem to make a way for me.

[@menachemzarkh6272]

What if you have shown your husband haw much more big hearted, happier and wiser your journey in Judaism made you maybe he'd want it to?

[@Yep809]

Hi Deb I have almost the same challenge as you and I ask the same. I would love to convert to Orthodox Judaism but like you I’m married and have 3 teenagers so as you can see not an easy road. Wishing you the best stay strong. Thank G-d we now have technology where we can listen to lectures and learn about Judaism and hear other people stories.

[@Justadisciple502]

This woman is Jewish. She has Jewish soul, I think, even before she was born.

[@marcroth3059]

Exactly. Jews by choice were born with a Jewish soul. Eventually the soul entices the body to come home.

[@user-fx3hf3by9uMila]

Normally a converted person receives an additional soul after the process of conversion

[@user-fx3hf3by9uMila]

We live in a very special time. It is a period of self searching for individuality. That’s why many spiritual people who seek for the truth decide to convert to Judaism

[@mbutler2905]

I live in Telzstone and I'm now bawling in tears! That is so beautiful!

[@kellyfuhrman7568]

This woman is incredibly courageous!

[@dsaujddajindiafnifrnigwue]

I've been interested in Judaism for about a year now, especially after discovering some distant Jewish heritage. Recently, I attended my first Shabbat service at a Conservative synagogue and the Rabbi was very friendly and he led me through the service as I had exchanged emails with him prior. I hope to meet with him a few weeks to start discussing my conversion process and hopefully, eventually be considered 100% a Jew (at least by the Conservative community for now as I hope to eventually go Orthodox).

[@tottymommy8197]

Every story of a convert , worm up my heart . I love the converts as HaShem told us in his Torah . ואהבתם את הגר כי גר היית בארץ מצרים

[@Mike_NY]

Incredible Story. Im also looking to convert to Judaism, it’s been calling me for over 8 years now & I can’t wait ✡️

[@johnnyrodriguez708]

Beautiful story May HaShem bless you and your household 🕊

[@andybee9764]

Wow. A beautiful story. And your delivery just brings such humanity to it. The Jewish people are fortunate indeed that you chose to be apart of us.

[@svietka202]

absolutely fascinating. yo honestly is the embodiment of what a true jewish soul is. welcome home sister, we r so glad u r part of us.

[@ElleMonzon]

Thank you for sharing your story! I’m also giyoret, but was raised reform and have a Jewish father.

[@stephenfisher3721]

Interesting. Did you convert to be Orthodox? If so, you should make your own KZbin video to tell your story. (Reform recognizes patrilineal descent when raised as a Jew).

[@adams2385]

A beautiful Story with a happy ending. thank you for sharing your story . Welcome to the Tribe!!!!!

[@Sara88890]

Baruch HaShem! I love hearing convert stories. She said she is from Camp Lejeune; it has been in the news a lot lately for having contaminated drinking water in the past that made people who lived there sick I hope she and her family (and everyone of course) have not been affected.

[@kellyfuhrman7568]

I’d like to convert to Judaism. Hakadosh Baruch Hu.❤ You Hashem!!

[@AJ21969]

Hashem Is Sooo Wonderful! Keep Seeking Him. There Is Know Greater Journey!!! He Loves Us Soooo Much!!!!

[@iknitbecuzmurderisfrownedupon]

Similar experience with catholic religion growing up. religious on sunday, rest of week "who's god"? from age 5 i was drawn to Jewish people and Judaism. I would ask my mother about why we go to church sunday instead of "saturday" and why we eat pork . Her response was "shut up and do what you're told, we are catholic". Decades later i was attending a "primitive christian church" which observed the old testament laws, holy days, etc, and believed in Jesus. They look "Jewish" to outsiders. I attended three years when I was kicked out of that church for asking help with my then spouse being abusive, being told I was causing people to be "uncomfortable" and "he could not be abusive because he had been baptized (yes, he was, five minutes after I was. I guess baptism does not keep one from lying, only from being abusive). :) At that moment I decided if Judaism was good enough for Jesus, it was good enough for me. I began studying Judaism. Shortly into that study, I had a DNA test done. I learned at about age 52, my mother (who had been adopted) came from a line of Ashkenazi Jews. I love the depth and breadth and wisdom in the Jewish faith and life. I can always find real answers there. As opposed to the christian "just have faith". G-d works in mysterious ways.

[@rm2070]

You’re such a likable person and obviously very intelligent. Good luck in all that you’re heart desires

[@bloojerseyy]

I’ve been feeling the pull to convert since before I even knew that was a thing you could do. I’m hoping to in the next few years. Interestingly I had a similar experience as a child in church with “too many questions” and my mom was told I had no faith.

[@crystalclear6660]

I like her end message. And I enjoy hearing people’s conversion stories. I have thought about this several times during my life. But have not had my adult life experiences lead this way exactly. I guess I thought if this was meant to be that I’d meet someone who’d kind of focus me in that direction. For now though it is the only main stream religion that I feel connected to and interested in.

[@hypnotherapist4058]

I totally understand the intense drive towards conversation.

[@jokezofwisdom5163]

Good for her Baruch Hashem 🙏. I think I am meant to be Noahide in this lifetime.

[@shawnwatson1419]

Same. I was raised Christian and my father was a preacher growing up. I started researching in my mid teens on the religions of the world, languages, ancient civilizations etc for 20+ years. I was even a pagan of sorts and a high priest for many years. I've been a B'nei Noach for a few years now. I always believed in a creator though. Baruch Hashem!

[@wadesmoke9726]

I am considering it myself. I have been tormented by the Christian version of God all my life. My blood type is AB- and I am not sure how that came about in my genealogy

[@BenjiTheLilGuy]

I feel like her. I relate to the deep Pull, and the deep empathy.

[@avieshapiro4607]

What a beautiful story! Welcome home!

[@EzraB123]

We are lucky to have you sister!

[@beverlyg5194]

I converted also.

[@celestegranillo7239]

What a beautiful person and story

[@myJLI]

Yes! 💯

[@stephenfisher3721]

Satmar is not small in number. Satmar is one of the largest Hasidic dynasties in the world, with some 26,000 households (Wikipedia).

[@Sara88890]

That's true, they even have a village in the USA; Kiryas Joel in New York State.

[@user-sk4ds1rg1z]

This was a great video. Very relatable and informative.

[@stay_at_home_astronaut]

CLNC?!?!? I was a Marine, there in the 1980's. So many people who were there are thinking about converting! There must be something in the water...

[@anyway4703]

I have the same feeling, and I know that the fact, that's I'm genetically 17% Ashkenazi Jewish doesn't mean that my ancestors were religious I still feel Judaism so strongly and am surrounded by Jewish friends. What I was wondering is at which point of her conversion Eliana Aviva had to/wanted to learn to read, write and speak Hebrew and if it came naturally to her?

[@moonbasket]

Thank you so much for this video and this interview. I really enjoy the videos and knowledge you all share. I was wondering if you could please devote some time to editing the closed captioning to be more correct. The autogenerated captions are okay, but they really struggle with Hebrew words.

[@mhm92267]

Very nice story. Just a small correction, if I may. Chalav Yisrael is not a minhag. It is Halacha that is incumbent on all Jews. The concept of Chalav Yisrael is that a G-d Fearing Jew watches the milking process to insure that no other animal's milk is added to the cows milk. There is, however, a leniency ruled by HaRav Moshe Feinstein, z"l that when necessary one can rely upon the US FDA's strict regulation that only cows milk can be used. Although many rely on his leniency, there were many leading Rabbis that apposed his ruling. One of them being the Lubavitcher Rebbe, z"l. Lubavitch, as well as most other Chassidim, do not rely on the Leniency called Chalav Stam (or in Israel called Chalav Nachrei).

[@stephenfisher3721]

When I was growing up in small towns in Midwest USA during the late 1950's and '60's, my Orthodox rabbis and teachers never mentioned Cholov Yisroel. They used the same milk from the grocery store. Only during Pesach was there concern and even then, they allowed Cholov Stam as long as we bought it before Pesach.

[@nsg6225]

@@stephenfisher3721 in the uk we only used cholov yisroel.

[@stephenfisher3721]

I am surprised by her description of her Conservative conversion as it sounded so Reform. I would have expected the requirement or at least exposure to Kashrut and shabbat.Why did she think she could eat shrimp? Why did she not experience Shabbat until exposed to the Orthodox!

[@user-dy4zv3rb7n]

I think Conservative today isn't what iy used to be. C schools are closing

[@robertrodriguez7653]

I agree! I just completed my conservative conversion and I observe Shabbat and keep kosher! My rabbi made sure I was observing this before I went to the beit din

[@Bojachi_VODs]

Yeah the conservative movement had totally fallen away from what it once was. It’s a joke

[@shawnwatson1419]

I agree. Woman rabbi and i automatically thought Reform. In fact she says "conservative reform" which for me is puzzling. I'm pretty sure it is one or the other lol.

[@pinkelephant4591]

I pray that Hashem with give me a path to convert

[@AJ21969]

Amazing! She went on Passover

[@augtuhoucsulbusd6892]

Wonderful story. And I'm guessing that the synagogue in Cologne Germany was NOT Chabad (which is always welcoming).

[@SMD2308]

Thank you for sharing your journey 🙏

[@Raanan613]

That was GREAT! If you can, let us know what happened to David.

[@mariacaballero72]

This was beautiful!

[@almothabiryanjah6707]

I will convert religion of my ancestors

[@folday6169]

Thank you for such a lovely story!

[@edzaslow]

A compelling story.

[@apc8372]

I am happy to see this.

[@chriscollins7995]

Beautiful, Adrienne through Chris

[@briandeal8927]

My family is from Jacksonville, NC as well!

[@benedictomirador2113]

I like to convert to Judaism

[@jacobbengera7035]

Welcome home 🇮🇱we love you from 🇮🇱

[@menachemzarkh6272]

What a awesome story!

[@ta15479]

Amazing

[@julianmontoya428]

I have always wanted to live by the commandments ...judiasm seems like truth, while christians need to realize if the new testament is true, the the laws from God are also true! The way God cleanse his people, is his truth. ...

[@garyweiss7111]

Glad to hear that you found the truth.

[@joelbat]

Great story

[@rewschreijewschreier]

It's highly likely you were in spirit before all along. but walked this path, to help walk Others to the path ;) :D great job!

[@israelorun]

Lovely story.

[@chip877]

Beautiful

[@dkbrain3434]

Chabad Wilmington!

[@ccziv]

And Myrtle Beach!

[@brucerisen9825]

Bravo

[@danielabraham2772]

❤️❤️❤️

[@elaneradim6117]

תודה לך. מעניין מאוד

[@davidabulafia7145]

I very nice and beautiful story

[@myJLI]

🤩

[@paulaleonard7564]

Beautiful journey

[@kellygeorge8678]

nice

[@AJ21969]

Baruch Haba Beshem Adonia

[@tottymommy8197]

ברוך בואך בצל כנפי השכינה .

[@zaiten7653]

26:26 “conservative reform liberal synagogue”, how blasé of her! It’s true though, they stand in opposition to Chabad on many issues

[@alizahalon]

I don't think that she is being blasé. She is just telling us what happened and what her view of them was at the time.

[@zaiten7653]

@@alizahalon they reject orthodoxy, but the sentiment is mutual, don’t you think? Conservative and reform liberal Jews share the same values, which is oxymoronic.

[@streetscienceofficial8675]

SHALOM ALEHIM from Indonesia Christian Elohim bless you abundantly Jewish peoples 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🕎🔯🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@Money_Chest]

My wife is a Jewish, I am an ex Christian turn atheist.

[@TSIRHCSEVAS]

אני נוצרי אבל אוהב את העם היהודי ולא שופט אותה. אולם ישוע המשיח הוא כל חיי