I have been asked...

[simchat_torah]

Well, everything is done.... Kipat Dam (drawing of the blood), the Mikveh, the standing before the Beit Din.... all of it. I'm officially Jewish in the eyes of Israel.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, May 27th is a celebration service at our synagogue for those who have converted this year. I have been asked by the Rabbi to read something to the congregation. He asked that I keep it to one page. I thought you guys might be interested in hearing it.

Keep in mind, it is very simple and intended for the audience of a synagogue. I know I barely graze upon various topics, but it is to be short and is to specifically address why I made the decision to convert.

Anywho... without further adue:


It all started back in High School. After discovering my Jewish ancestory, I began asking questions. If Christianity was originally a sect of Judaism, why didn’t we honor the Sabbath? Or keep Kosher? Many such questions flooded my mind. My curiosity was sparked and I began reading the Tanakh with excitement. My pastor’s answers were simple, “Christians do not observe such things anymore.” I eventually resolved to letting go of these questions for the time being. However, these tastes of Judaism would rest in the back of my mind over the next few years.

In college I met my best friend Ryan. He was just as passionate about history as I was. At one point I shared with him some curious thoughts I had back in High School. We wondered where in Christian history did the split occur from a Jewish sect and become its own religion. This sparked an intense study between the two of us that went on for years. Late nights drinking coffee, sifting through ancient historical manuscripts, and fervently studying scriptures. We began researching the origins of various Christian practices and doctrines, attempting to discover where the two roads diverged. Much of what we found was not pretty. It soon became evident that a lot of what I held dear as a Christian was of pagan origins and even of Anti-Semetic rhetoric. I was greatly saddened by this. Layer after layer of history proved that Christianity had less to do with HaShem and Judaism, and had more to do with very disturbing roots. At first, my friend and I thought we could preserve our religion by shedding away some of what we had found. This is when my wife and I began following what we thought was the perfect blending, Messianic Judaism.

We soon realized that the very foundation of Judaism conflicted with Christianity: Adonai Echad. The very cornerstone of both religions was at conflict. I had to decide, was G-d a trinity or was He “Echad”? I wanted something pure, something that had not been manipulated through deceitful means as Christianity’s background so often revealed itself. I was beginning to believe without a doubt HaShem IS Echad and the trinity was nothing more than a borrowed Egyptian and Babylonian myth. I also found that various beliefs surrounding Jesus were added on through the centuries. In reality, he was a teacher of the Law (the Torah), calling Israel to Teshuvah (repentance). All of this gave way to my ultimate decision to follow Judaism.

This began the next chapter in my journey. I began passionately studying Judaism. The more I looked into its tenets, the more I felt at peace with its teachings. At that point, thought I knew Judaism… that is, until I stepped into the doors of a synagogue for the first time five years ago. As we sang and read through the Siddur much of what I had studied was being breathed to life. Here, the Torah was being declared as “truth” and “peace”. The Sabbath was welcomed as a bride, and we sang the Sh’ma. We then drank the kiddish and broke the Challah. My heart was overwhelmed to see a community embracing this ancient beauty. As they marched the Torah around the congregation I shed a small tear. However, there was more… much more. Judaism wasn’t just about an old book, or wearing a funny little hat, or strings dangling from a shawl. Though such things have beautiful origins, we found something alive. As I became more involved in our local synagogue I saw the enormous focus that Judaism placed on serving the community and on social works. This ancient tradition was not only brought to life in song and liturgy, but in a daily lifestyle of Tzedakkah. Finally, there was never such a unique people group as the Jews. In my life I never really quite found a place in which I fit in. But here, in this small Jewish community, I felt at home.


Recently, a family has opened their homes and hearts to my wife and I. The Newmans have invited us to partake in the festivals and holy days with them. Through joining in their observances my wife and I have seen a Jewish family interacting with each other. We have been inspired to someday raise our children in this rich heritage.

My wife and I knew one thing… this ancient religion that still breathed life in the souls of people today, was right for us. We have embraced the people, the synagogue, the mitzvot, and lifestyle with not only open but longing arms. We have friends who are also going through this same transition in their lives. As well, we also have families who are quite confused by our decision. To these people, I recite a verse in the Tenach which stands out in my mind, and one that we feel our life is now modeled after - Psalms 119 verse 165:
"Those who love the Torah find great peace, and nothing can make them stumble."
I merely thought you'd like to hear that since no one can actually make it to the service ;)

shalom,
Yafet

[MyLittleWonders]

Yafet, that was beautiful! I wish I were able to attend the service, but the drive is a little too far. ;) Mazel Tov again and may HaShem continue to reveal His beauty to you!

[insaneinthebrain]

So, now that you can, when are you moving to Israel? ;)

[simchat_torah]

When everyone is done shooting each other over there.

sooo..... basically not anytime this century.

[Talmidah]

That's something I'm very seriously considering right now.

[insaneinthebrain]

That's something I'm very seriously considering right now.
Shooting each other? :P

[Talmidah]

Shooting each other? :P

:help:


LOL...no, silly guy, not shooting each other (although sometimes...). Moving to Israel.

[Shamash Of Yeshua]

Shalom simchat_torah,

I've been feeling a pull, a strong pull for quite a while now to look more and more into Judaism for answers. I have a desire to trek down the path myself. I have worries though that I rather not discuss in front of many people.

Here is a video that really touches me:

Challenge (http://www.chabadpiercecounty.com/go.asp?page=LaunchVideo&aid=132936)

Shalom,

Tag

[Mikhail]

Well, everything is done.... Kipat Dam (drawing of the blood), the Mikveh, the standing before the Beit Din.... all of it. I'm officially Jewish in the eyes of Israel.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, May 27th is a celebration service at our synagogue for those who have converted this year. I have been asked by the Rabbi to read something to the congregation. He asked that I keep it to one page. I thought you guys might be interested in hearing it.

Keep in mind, it is very simple and intended for the audience of a synagogue. I know I barely graze upon various topics, but it is to be short and is to specifically address why I made the decision to convert.

Anywho... without further adue:




I merely thought you'd like to hear that since no one can actually make it to the service ;)

shalom,
Yafet

THat was great to read, I would come but it is a long wet drive from Melbourne, Australia ;)

May Adonai YHVH continue to bless you and lead you into all truth (Torah).
Shalom,
Mikhail

[Bruce101]

I always find Rebbe Schneerson to be an inspiration.
I enjoyed the visit to the Chabad House and found it to be my most enjoyable of the synagogue visits.
There are many that claim that he was Messiah, however, he himself makes it clear that he was waiting on Messiah.
One day he will meet Yeshua.
I know that the Rebbe has died.
Bruce

[Sephania]

This whole thread sends shivers.................

May Adonai Emet prevail!

[Ahavah]

This whole thread sends shivers.................

May Adonai Emet prevail!Why is that Zayit?http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_40.gif

[Shamash Of Yeshua]

This whole thread sends shivers.................

May Adonai Emet prevail!

Do you mean like Ruach is moving which causes shivers in you? :) I feel that way right now after starting the video again.

Shalom,

Tag

[Sephania]

No, I meant seeing that so much wrong teaching can lead someone to do a 180, when only the bones should be spit out ( as Henaynei says ;) )

[Shamash Of Yeshua]

No, I meant seeing that so much wrong teaching can lead someone to do a 180, when only the bones should be spit out ( as Henaynei says ;) )

Wrong teaching? 180? only the bones should be spit out?

Just say plainly what you mean. Really, I don't understand what is meant.

Tag

[simchat_torah]

Yeah, I'm pretty lost by what she's getting at too.

Oh, and Shamash, feel free to pm me.

[Ahavah]

opps..sorry.

[simchat_torah]

I guess I never did report what happened after I delivered this message. The crowd was probably a record for a Friday night service. Everything went smoothly and a number of older ladies encouraged me to become a Rabbi someday, lol.
I'm too greedy and rather like professions that can garner a nice lifestyle for my family to become a Rabbi.

Besides, I'm not up to snuff on my Hebrew, and I dread going back to school.

Anyway, my family did not come (as expected) but my wife and I since grew a rather fond relationship with many in the congregation. We joined the choir, and I went on to serve on the Executive Board for the local Jewish Federation.

With the recent move to San Francisco, I was surprised at how quickly I found a new home congregation. Unfortunately, with my wife trailing behind me by several months (she's still living in Illinois until the end of June), I've found my involvement to be... lazy. heh, I hope my taskmaster gets here soon :D

-Yafet

[simchat_torah]

3 Years goes by quick.

[HaReb]

ST - I'm interested in your comment that you have converted. Conversion means giving up everything of 'a' to take on everything of 'B'.

We know what your 'b' is...what was your 'a' about which you have given up everything?

[Talmidah]

How funny this thread is resurrected. I was trying to organize my "My Pictures" folder last night and came across the pics of you & Ana outside the mikvah!

[ChavaK]

How funny this thread is resurrected. I was trying to organize my "My Pictures" folder last night and came across the pics of you & Ana outside the mikvah!

What is sad, though, is now days this thread would get deleted
if it was just started....

Anyway, this is the first I have read your story.
Mazel tov, a little late!

[MichaelTheeArchAngel]

We wondered where in Christian history did the split occur from a Jewish sect and become its own religion. Answer: When the Pagan Christians won the war against the Judaeo Christians.

[Talmidah]

What is sad, though, is now days this thread would get deleted
if it was just started....

Anyway, this is the first I have read your story.
Mazel tov, a little late! Ack you're right. Maybe it shouldn't have been brought back up. :sigh:

[Kris10leigh]

Congratulations! I know little about converting to Judaism, but my limited knowledge is that it is a lot of work and a lot of study. You should feel proud!

[simchat_torah]

Answer: When the Pagan Christians won the war against the Judaeo ChristiansNot that I want to debate in this thread, and nor was I asking anyone here on this forum that question... but you're wrong:
Prior to the Bar Kochba revolt, the Netzarim (messianic sect) was comprised primarily of Jews. However, when the Netzarim refused to aid in the Bar Kochba revolt (because messianic excitement was placed on BarKochba himself) the rest of the Jews took a very negative view of the Netarim. They blamed the Netzarim as one of the major reasons so many lives were lost. In the minds of the Jews, had the Netzarim joined in the revolt there would have been greater successes.

From then on, it was mostly Samaritans and Gentiles that joined the sect of the Netzarim. The rift caused by their refusal to join Bar Kochba was so large that forever more this particular Messianic Sect would no longer be identified as "Jewish". It gained ground and morphed into what we see as Christianity today.

[simchat_torah]

Congratulations! I know little about converting to Judaism, but my limited knowledge is that it is a lot of work and a lot of study. You should feel proud!Thank you. I don't feel proud as much as I feel at home.

[simchat_torah]

ST - I'm interested in your comment that you have converted. Conversion means giving up everything of 'a' to take on everything of 'B'.

We know what your 'b' is...what was your 'a' about which you have given up everything?
Can you explain a bit more?

[simchat_torah]

I was trying to organize my "My Pictures" folder last night and came across the pics of you & Ana outside the mikvah!
Hey Tal,

I was looking for those pictures last night to post on this thread, and realized that they were on my old work email... which is now gone when I moved out here for the new job.

Could you either post them or email them to me? I'd reaaaaallly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Yafet

[MichaelTheeArchAngel]

Not that I want to debate in this thread, and nor was I asking anyone here on this forum that question... but you're wrong:
Prior to the Bar Kochba revolt, the Netzarim (messianic sect) was comprised primarily of Jews. However, when the Netzarim refused to aid in the Bar Kochba revolt (because messianic excitement was placed on BarKochba himself) the rest of the Jews took a very negative view of the Netarim. They blamed the Netzarim as one of the major reasons so many lives were lost. In the minds of the Jews, had the Netzarim joined in the revolt there would have been greater successes.

From then on, it was mostly Samaritans and Gentiles that joined the sect of the Netzarim. The rift caused by their refusal to join Bar Kochba was so large that forever more this particular Messianic Sect would no longer be identified as "Jewish". It gained ground and morphed into what we see as Christianity today. The Netzarim did not join because they were warned not to by God through Yahshua.

[visionary]

The Netzarim did not join because they were warned not to by God through Yahshua.D** if you do and D** if you don't... Guess since God's wrath is tougher they made the better choice..

[HaReb]

ST I thought that was a very straight forward question!

You say you have converted to Judaism - from what? To convert is to give up everything from what you were to take on what you have now become. We know and rejoice that you have become a Jew but what on earth were you BEFORE you converted? Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, New Age, JW, Mormon, Unitarian, Zoroastrian, Sikh etc etc, etc, etc?

[Talmidah]

Hey Tal,

I was looking for those pictures last night to post on this thread, and realized that they were on my old work email... which is now gone when I moved out here for the new job.

Could you either post them or email them to me? I'd reaaaaallly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Yafet Definitely. They're on my computer at home so if I don't get a chance tonight, tomorrow for sure.

[simchat_torah]

The Netzarim did not join because they were warned not to by God through Yahshua.You must have some secret text we don't have access to. For history tells us they didn't join the Bar Kochba revolt for one reason: There were some who followed Bar Kochba and believed him to be the Messiah. In order to have no association with a false Messiah, the Netzarim chose not to follow suit and pick up weapons.

[simchat_torah]

ST I thought that was a very straight forward question!

You say you have converted to Judaism - from what? To convert is to give up everything from what you were to take on what you have now become. We know and rejoice that you have become a Jew but what on earth were you BEFORE you converted? Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, New Age, JW, Mormon, Unitarian, Zoroastrian, Sikh etc etc, etc, etc?Ah, I see. Well, as the paper points out, I was born into Christianity and then followed suit into Messianic Judaism (because I had a kinship with Judaism coming from Jewish grandparents). I thought you were asking something that wasn't already stated in the paper ;)

Sorry.

[Henaynei]

Mazel Tov Yafet, Mazel Tov!:thumbsup:

[simchat_torah]

Thank you Henny.

[Henaynei]

:) you have my sincere and abiding prayers that HaShem will anoint your Derek with Emunah v'Kavannah which will be a Light to your footsies ;) :pink:

[MichaelTheeArchAngel]

You must have some secret text we don't have access to. For history tells us they didn't join the Bar Kochba revolt for one reason: There were some who followed Bar Kochba and believed him to be the Messiah. In order to have no association with a false Messiah, the Netzarim chose not to follow suit and pick up weapons. Matthew 24

1Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2"Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

15"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,'[b] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. 18Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 19How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25See, I have told you ahead of time.

26"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.

[MichaelTheeArchAngel]

Acts 13:6
They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus

[simchat_torah]

Funny, I don't see Bar Kochba mentioned there.

[insaneinthebrain]

Matthew 24

1Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2"Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

15"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,'[b] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. 18Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 19How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25See, I have told you ahead of time.

26"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.

You are confusing the Bar Kochba Revolt with the First Jewish Revolt; they aren't the same thing. As a matter of fact, the Netzarim were on board with Bar Kochba right up until Rabbi Akiba declared him Messiah.

[HaReb]

OK, so why won't page 5 work? When I click on it I get page 4!

[HaReb]

Ah, it must have been showing, just waiting for me to make use of it! I thought we only saw pages that had post on them, not those waiting to be posted to!

[Tishri1]

That is true ChavaK, this thread because it is a testimony of some one leaving Messiah for Rabbinic Judiasm, it is a RV ...Can I just say that it was threads like these that were problematic back then(this one should have been moved) and because of it eventually MJ had to close its doors to Jews who were not Messianic , recently it did open its doors again but with clear guidelines not to proselytize and this thread is a great example....Now before you guys go saying thats not proselytizing ,let me just say it does promote the idea of a life with out Messiah Yeshua and explains how one man made this move...to us that is promotion of Rabbinic Judaism as opposed to Messianic Judaism, and therefore is Anti MJ in nature....I am moving it to UT

please PM Me anyone who has questions do not post anything about staff actions in the forum


Mod Hat OffWhat is sad, though, is now days this thread would get deleted
if it was just started....

Anyway, this is the first I have read your story.
Mazel tov, a little late!

[Tishri1]

This thread was moved from the MJ forum to here not incuring any action from staff other than the move.... it is simply an older thread that was bumped up to date and now doesnt comply with changes in the MJ FSGs please enjoy responding to it here folks:groupray:

MOS HAT OFF
Tishri1
CF Admin

[Bananna]

Congratulations,
That was beautiful.

May God provide ever increasing light and life and peace.

Bananna

[simchat_torah]

Thank you Bananna.

[Talmidah]

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m80/Talmidah/CF/mikveh4.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m80/Talmidah/CF/Mikveh2.jpg

[Tishri1]

yeh pics ok so who is who?:hug:

[Bananna]

cool pictures