Today, we stand at a significant juncture in our communal history. We gather to celebrate an extraordinary event, a rare opportunity we seldom experience – the first conversion in our community’s forty-year existence. This week, two individuals, after a long, winding journey filled with obstacles and uncertainties, have chosen to join our Jewish faith.
Their journey has been rife with hurdles and frustrations, but their single-minded determination and deep love for Judaism have carried them through. Now, they stand as inspiring testaments to the strength of their conviction. Their transition from being seekers of faith to cherished members of our community is a joyous event for all of us.
These individuals have already experienced a sense of belonging with us for the past five years, even before they formally converted. Today, we extend our hands, not to strangers at our door, but to friends whom we admire, respect, and love.
Reflecting on this moment, I recall the initial surprise and disbelief I experienced when I was first approached about their desire to convert. In our tradition, we have heard tales of the ‘Gerim’ – those who convert to Judaism – from ages past. They were not mere shadows in history but luminous figures who joined our faith in vast numbers during the last days of the Second Temple, before the rise of Christianity. The famous historian Josephus writes of their fervour in his book Contra Apionem. Their commitment to observing the Shabbat, abstaining from forbidden foods, and embracing our path of brotherhood and kindness was profound.
We have admired many of our great Rabbis, like Shemaiah, Avtalion, Rabbi Meir, and Rabbi Akiva, who all hailed from families of converts. But when first faced with a modern-day conversion, I was at a loss for words. I remembered the ancient practice of discouraging conversions, reminding potential converts of the challenges and sacrifices faced by Jews throughout history. Nevertheless, these individuals remained resolute, their dedication unshaken.
Rabbi Chelbo states in Babylonian Talmud that proselytes are as hard for Israel to endure as a sore. This statement is disturbing and contradicts other Talmudic statements. However, according to one positive interpretation, it imparts valuable insights. It is not a rebuke to the converts but to us. They challenge us to elevate our practice, to match their commitment, and to reflect upon the humility and intensity of their dedication. In the process, we are reminded of our mandate to love the proselyte, for we were once strangers in the land of Egypt.
My hope is that we, as a community, will take to heart the words of the Amidah, “Blessed are You, God, who loves righteousness and justice”. Let’s be absolutely scrupulous in honouring the commandment to love the convert.
In conclusion, it is our duty and privilege to welcome our new members warmly. They, like Abraham, have discovered the richness of our faith, not by birthright, but by choice. May their commitment inspire us to deepen our practice and strengthen our community. Today, as we witness this exceptional event, let’s remember the eternal blessing of our faith, and may we always be able to say, “Blessed are You, Lord, who has chosen us from all the peoples and given us His Torah.”