My Conversion Story Journal

September 7, 2025

There are some moments that remind us of how blessed we are. I admit that I have been having many of those lately. No, my kitchen is still not back to normal, but it will be soon, and my community is the entire reason why. I knew I would need new dishes and pans, but I needed to replace my two small ovens as well. Actually, the only thing I was able to keep was a few baking pans and two cast iron skillets. Everything else had to be replaced. As someone who bakes (a lot) and has gotten used to making everything from scratch, it was a lot to replace. I have pictures from the party attached. My community is amazing, and I know that I am blessed.

Since my conversion, I have had so many firsts as a Jew: first Shabbat, first day back to work, first upsherin, first bat mitzvah, first Havdalah, first Friday night kiddush, first dinners at people's houses, first holiday, first fast (same as first holiday), first time being called by my new name, first time kissing a mezuzah in my doorway, and so much more. This past Shabbat was my first Shabbat at home as a Jew. I lit candles in my own home for the first time as a Jew. I cooked Shabbat dinner for the first time as Jew. I hosted Shabbat dinner for the first time as a Jew. It was my first time saying kiddush an hamotzi on Shabbat in my own home as a Jew.

Mazuzahs were donated by community members who made Aliyah. The main Rabbi came over and helped me put them up with a blessing. My friend came to Shabbat dinner, and for the first time, she kissed the mezuzah on the way out the door.

There are two words to describe me right now: happy and whole.