Tag Archives: converts

Shake This And You’ll Go To Heaven

An Orthodox friend explains to me why he doesn’t trust converts or baalei teshuva (returnees to Judaism): "Someone shows up to Canfield Elementary School with a lulav and says, shake this and you’ll go to Heaven. Suddenly the kid comes … Continue reading

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Looking For An Orthodox Shul Friendly To Converts?

I get this email: “I was looking at your site and saw that you are a convert to Judaism. I am looking to convert to Judaism. Can you recommend a friendly Orthodox Shul for me to try and get into … Continue reading

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Conversion Controversy Discussion

Rabbi Yitzhock Adlerstein writes: Conversion-controversy junkies will have an opportunity to participate in a live, interactive webcast on the topic this coming Tuesday evening, through some really cool technology. Those whose comments have been edited can get their revenge The … Continue reading

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‘Can Anyone Grow Up To Be (Shul) President?’

I get off my sickbed Shabbos afternoon and go to this lecture. Last year, a Young Israel shul hired a graduate of the most left-wing Orthodox yeshiva (Chovevei Torah) — as its assistant rabbi. A few months later in response, … Continue reading

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Trembling With Excitement To Join The Jewish People

"I need to know your motivations," he said. "Orthodox Jews are a tiny peculiar people. Why do you want to become one?" "Motivations?" I exclaimed. "Motivations? You need to know my motivations? You can never know my motivations because I … Continue reading

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