The amazing story of our church that en masse decided to convert to Judaism.
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Torah_in_Our_Church.asp
The Torah in Our Church
by Yosef Juarez
The amazing story of our church that en masse decided to convert to Judaism.
I was born in Honduras, 23 years ago, the oldest of four children. I lived in a neighborhood with all my cousins, on a street named after my mother's ancestors. We attended a church that is non-denominational, but with a strong evangelical bent.
When I was three years old, I fell from the second story of my house and dropped head-first onto the concrete, fracturing my skull. I was rushed to the hospital and wasn't moving at all, just gazing off into the distance. The situation was very grave. But then something strange happened. The next day, it was as if nothing had happened. The doctor ordered new x-rays, and there was no sign of any damage -- no fracture, not even a scratch.
Due to this, our family grew as religious Christians, and throughout my life I was focused on the service of God.
When I was eight years old, we moved to America, which offered better financial opportunities. We settled in a suburb of Houston and looked around for a good church to attend, but nothing seemed as good as what we had back in Honduras.
Our old church was based in Honduras, but has branches in U.S. cities that have a sizable Central American and Hispanic population. So together with one other family, we requested that the church send us a minister. They sent us a man named Hector Flores, who at the time was still training to be a minister. And that's how our Houston church started -- in one room in a house.
Minister Flores was fascinated with the Holy Temple, and its predecessor the Tabernacle (Mishkan). He had access to books and resources, and he started teaching Torah ideas that were unique in a Christian setting. We would spend months and months delving into aspects of the Torah.
The church membership grew steadily, as we were very outreach-oriented. The city was divided up into districts and groups, and we would literally go out into the streets and preach to people. During high school, I studied in my church's discipleship program, where they train young people in leadership skills and how to preach. We'd bring people into the church and provide them with family counseling and programs for all ages. It functioned very much like a family. And we would train the new members to reach out and bring more people to church.
Of course, people who came to our church for the first time would wonder why we were discussing Jewish topics, and not preaching so much about the typical teachings of Jesus. But Minister Flores continued on his unique path, and the church eventually split into two congregations. We got our own building and bought land to expand.
Hebrew Songs
One of the unique customs of our church was something Minister Flores called "festivals of consecration." These were patterned after the festivals in the Torah, where people would bring large donations to fund the church activities. From there it was constant small steps toward Torah: the obligation to tithe, where we'd give 10 percent of our income to church activities. After a while our festivals got assigned Jewish names, like Purim and Shavuot, corresponding to the Jewish holiday they fell close to.
This was definitely not consistent with mainstream Christianity. And the closer we got to Torah, the more some congregants became uncomfortable and started to drop out. It was a filtering process.
Unbeknownst to us, behind the scenes, Minister Flores was going through an intense personal transition. After much research, he discovered many inconsistencies and contradictions in the New Testament, making the tenets of Christianity untenable.
Minister Flores started secretly going to a rabbi, to pester him with questions. Then he'd come back and teach us, slowly getting us closer and closer to Judaism.
Soon after, Minister Flores made the decision to convert to Judaism. But he struggled to find a way to tell us, as he didn't want to tear down Christianity without being able to offer us an alternative. So he kept teaching Torah, but in a way that was as subtle as possible. He gradually peeled away the things that were wrong and got us closer to Torah. Our church started replacing Jesus' name with Jewish, Hebrew names of God, and the songs became Hebrew songs. We began to incorporate real Jewish traditions into our festivals, and we even got a Torah scroll for the church.
At that point we resembled more of a Jews for Jesus group, in the sense that we were Christians with a lot of Jewish traditions. The difference, of course, was that we were moving in the direction toward authentic Judaism, not the other way around.
During this process, our biggest resource for information was Aish.com, and its Spanish sister site. At one point the church printed out reams of Aish.com articles on all the holidays, and gave a binder of these articles to each family.
Some of the church members became resistant to all these changes, and a number of people dropped out. There were occasional confrontations where people would question the minister, "How far are you going with all this?" And he would simply answer, "As far as the Torah takes us."
Revelation
About six months after Minister Flores made the private decision to convert, my mother had been at a Jewish bookstore and bought the book, "The Real Messiah" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. This book lays out all the evidence for why Jews don't believe in Jesus, in a very scholarly and convincing way. We found that a lot of Christian teachings were based on mistranslations or taking biblical verses out of context.
So my mother suspected there was more to this "Torah teaching" than the minister had been letting on.
Every Sunday after services, the entire congregation would go together to the park. One Sunday, my mother confronted the minister: "You know more than you're telling us, don't you." He would never lie or deny such a direct question, so he saw this was the right time to reveal his plan to convert. That Sunday, we all stayed at the park for hours and hours, discussing and explaining, until long after dark.
At that point, about 100 people wanted to keep studying with the possibility of conversion. But many others took the choice of becoming Bnei Noach, following the seven pillars of human civilization that the Torah presents for non-Jews to observe. Minister Flores explained that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven, and this was an appealing alternative for many church members.
My mother, however, wanted to stick with the group who was interested in conversion. So we kept on learning, and eventually our group decided to attend Shabbat services. So one Saturday morning our entire congregation showed up at the United Orthodox Synagogues. It was a bit of a shock to the community, because such a huge influx upset the social balance. But the leader of the synagogue, Rabbi Joseph Radinsky, was like an angel to us; his kindness and sincerity is clear to anyone who knows him.
When they saw things were serious, the Houston community sent a Spanish-speaking rabbi, Jose Gomez, to help each family clarify the right path. (He himself had converted 10 years earlier in Houston along with his entire family -- parents, siblings, aunts and uncles.) As expected, all of this caused a real stir in the Christian community in Houston.
First in the Family
Minister Flores was amongst the first to convert, and since then many of our church members have converted, while others are in the process. My own conversion was finalized a year ago, and my mother and siblings are still in the process. I chose the name "Yosef" because in the Bible, Joseph was the first of his family to go down to Egypt. He established himself and was able to help bring the rest of his family along. My mother says that in our path to conversion, I have been sent ahead as our family's "Yosef."
After my conversion, I came to Israel and was really amazed. I saw a variety of Jews, and a whole different side of Judaism. There was something special about everything. I even found myself taking pictures of grass and rocks! I felt truly Jewish for the first time.
I started doing research into my roots, because I knew that this awakening to Judaism comes from a very deep place. I found out that on a voyage to the New World in 1502, Christopher Columbus reached the Bay Islands on the coast of Honduras, which became part of the Spanish empire. Jews undoubtedly came to Honduras at this time, on the heels of the Spanish Inquisition when many Jews "converted to Christianity" but secretly remained Jewish. I'm anxious to find out more about my ancestors, but it's very hard to track.
So where am I today? I am studying at the Aish HaTorah yeshiva in the Old City of Jerusalem and I love it. I'm so enthusiastic about everything that I learn, and cannot wait to share it with all my friends and family back home. At this point, my plans for the future are pretty open. I want to continue to study Torah, finish my undergraduate degree, and see what opportunities develop.
But one thing I know for sure: I am committed to reaching out to my fellow Jews. If I was fortunate enough to discover this gold mine of spiritual wealth and fulfillment, then those who were born Jewish surely must be given that opportunity. And who knows -- just as Aish.com spurred my Jewish growth, maybe this article will be the spark that someone else has been waiting for.
: 137
(137) arie furman, 4/7/2008
dont forget where you coming from
hi joseph it is great that you found your path and that you are helping others find it since you are from honduras i have a great friend there he is in the same path you found i know they are many more waiting to reach that gold please dont forget them may the lord help you build your temple there
(136) Ana, 3/7/2008
My Path
Hi Yosef, my converted name is Ana Bat Abraham, I am also from Honduras, and I converted due for love for a Jewish man, my husband, but after some time of having converted I started feeling more and more attached to the teachings of the Torah and the People. The only issue that I have is that we don't have a true Rabbi in Honduras, so it's pretty hard to keep up with what I really want for me and my family. I try, but most of the time I know it's not enough. Your story is really inspiring, and I hope that when I send it to my children they will be as inspired as I am. I really want them to be true Jews, that they understand that Judaism is not a religion, but a way of living traditions which were dictated by G-d himself. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Good luck in your search of the Torah, truly, Ana.
(135) Shoshana Chana, 2/6/2008
Response to Inconsistencies Inquiry
An anonymous commentor asked what inconsistencies exist within the Christian Bible. A fantastic site to delve into this matter is www.jewsforjudaism.com which contains numerous pieces on the many mistranslations and out-of-context words or phrases that have led to misunderstandings in the past.
(134) Susan Abramowitz, 30/4/2008
Getting to Know you!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful path to Judaism. Your miracle recovery as a toddler, reveals the special destiny of Jewish Leadership that Hashem has in store for you. Maybe you should have chosen "Moshe" for your name.
Your continued love for Jewish learning is also a feather in Rabbi Radinsky's hat. Wishing for you Great things and that you accomplish all that you desire.
(133) Emily Conn, 5/3/2008
Thank you for sending me your article Yosef, your path reminded me of my own path and search for fullfilment.
(132) Ofra Ben-David, 21/1/2008
G-D bless you Yosef, keep up with the good work, I believe you are one of
G-d special people.
(131) Patti Jenkins, 8/1/2008
Your account of your life is the most uplifting reading
As I said before your account was the most uplifting reading experience I have had in a long time.Keep up the good work and be that hebrew hero this world is starving for. Only Torah can give you the answer and only theliving G-d is in control I know him well and study talmud also.These are the only two ways to reach this radical place we call earth and asecond helping blessing on your Rabbi as well.
(130) Melinda, 5/1/2008
On a path
Yosef,
Thank you for sharing. I'm currently in the middle of my own path, unsure of which path to take, to Judaism or pursue Bnei Noach. My father was a Baptist pastor all my life yet in high school I became introduced to understanding the scriptures in a Jewish light. From there I've been on quite a ride desiring truth. I'm currently studying Hebrew in an Ulpan outside of Jerusalem seeking direction. Blessing to you.
(129) Guilherme Benchimol, 1/1/2008
Exciting story
I'm stay happy and exciting with this story. It's amazing read so incredible case of conversion.
(128) Yaffa, 30/12/2007
Beautiful Story
Wow, I was indeed moved to tears by this story. What an absolutely incredible and inspiring transition that occured. A true example of a nais min h'shamayim.
(127) sheeba josef, 30/12/2007
I also felt it was like my story ------but lucky you people found a rabbi and could convert------- god show me a way
(126) Mary Ann, 30/12/2007
I, too, would like to convert
I started learning about Judaism when I began learning about Kabbalah. It all just makes so much sense...I don't know how to go about it, but I yearn to learn more
(125) Monica, 30/12/2007
Very moving
I was truly moved when I read this article and I welcome Yosef, his family, Minister Flores and his congregation into our Jewish family.
(124) Israel Rivera, 30/12/2007
I'm glad I'm not the only one!
I found myself in the interest of studying Judaism and the Torah.I found so much truth and understanding of the real true G-D (HaShem).I want to give thanks to those who found truth and to keep up so others will know the only One real G-d and the truth of His chosen People. May Hashem bless you.
(123) Grace, 30/12/2007
Hazak Ve'amatz
Truly the ways of Hashem & Mashiach in our days are near are being known in the world
(122) Anonymous, 30/12/2007
inconsistencies - which?
Unbeknownst to us, behind the scenes, Minister Flores was going through an intense personal transition. After much research, he discovered many inconsistencies and contradictions in the New Testament, making the tenets of Christianity untenable.
I would be interested in what they were.
(121) Anonymous, 30/12/2007
Kol Ha Kovod!
Yosef,
An inspiring article. And G-d bless the rabbis who responded to your needs.
Kol Tuv
(120) leah, 30/12/2007
incredible!
Unbelievable! Wow, Yosef! Do you also realize how auspicious it is that you are coming to this place when we are so close to Moshiach?! When I hear of conversions now a days, I hear the "hurry" in the voices of those who wish to convert. This is such an awesome real life(not just a story) that I wnated to respond. truly amazing! Keep growing Yosef!
(119) Julius Watler, 30/12/2007
Read twice-as Jew who has helped Gentiles all my life, glade to see help for His people. Inspiring!
All my life I live in or work in Christian
environment, saying true to Him as I can. such examples as Joseph help. Todah meod.
(118) Eli Ben David, 30/12/2007
This is truly an amazing story
I live in Israel and i wonder why it didn't make headlines in my country. This would normally burst into news headlines like any other sensational event and oh god... we don't lack sensations... believe you me.
Way to go, Yossi.
(117) Yitro, 30/12/2007
Great story ...
.... similar in some ways to my own conversion to Judaism some years ago, based on my own need to find my own path to a "state of grace" and understanding of HaShem .... Salud! Yosef.
(116) Alexia, 30/12/2007
This sounds similar to my path
I was in awe as I read your story. It was so similar to mine except I was Minister Flores. At first I started studying the Tabernacle, from a Christian perspective of course. Then I got deeper into the "Old Testament" and the discrepancies in Christianity became too much for me but I did not know where to turn. I did not know even one Jewish person! But I kept studying. Finally I did a google search and the first entry was a Chabad house. So I went and met a wonderful Rabbi and Rebbetzin. I plan to convert as soon as I can move closer to a shul and become fully observant. This is the right path. And in regards to having a Jewish soul, I have always felt that connection but never understood it. Now I have learned that there was a small Orthodox Jewish population in Jamaica and the last name of one of the founders of the synagogue shares my grandmother's last name. It is decades of history that I would need to uncover but I hope to complete it one day.
(115) Scott Berman, 16/12/2007
great work
I am so impressed with this article Yoseph. Great job, and so incredible. I never knew all this about you. It is an honor to know you. Miss you guys so much.
Hope to get back there and see you soon.
Scott
(114) Gail, 13/12/2007
What a wonderful story!
(113) Melanie, 13/12/2007
I am also thinking about conversion!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I read this article with very much interest, because I feel a very strong belonging to Judaism and the jewish people but I didn't find any jewish ancestors yet. You're right, it's very hard to track! I think sometimes about conversion but I really don't know yet what is the right path for me. I always pray that HaShem may show me what is the truth and what I should do. I also would be very grateful if you readers could remember me in your prayers. Thank you and may HaShem bless you!
(112) Gary Katz, 5/12/2007
anti-semites, take note
I wonder how many Jew-haters unknowingly (and ironically) carry Jewish blood in their veins.
(111) Anonymous, 4/12/2007
B''H
Many thanks to Mr. Flores. His love for the Jewish People and the Torah is an excellent act of love and of authentical human and ethical values.
(110) Anonymous, 2/12/2007
A great inspiration for us
Like the life story of Yosef, I believed I am also descended from Spanish conquistadores who came to our country the Philippines, Jews who are forcibly converted to Christianity. Since there is no synagogue in our city, I tried to understand Judaism through the internet, especially Aish.Com. My soul is longing to return to the right path to Hashem.
(109) Beverly Kurtin, 1/12/2007
Biinvenido!
It is said that all Jews were at the mountain when Moses received the commandments. I believe that is why so many people are waking up and seeing how Tenach and the Christian Testament don't jibe with each other.
How any person who can read the Torah can believe that HaShem had somehow changed his mind about prohibiting human sacrifice is beyond belief!
I get to communicate with some Bnai Noach who are content to remain where they are and there is nothing wrong with that at all. But I'm always glad to see that I've gained more brothers and sisters.
I said it before and I'll say it once again, bienvenvido!
(108) Shabtai, 1/12/2007
Congratulations and all the best for your`s and our future
(107) judah, 30/11/2007
I agree with some of the previous posters and find this article offensive. The minister was wrong in being dishonest with his congregation about what he was trying to do. Judaism is not about using deceit and manipulation in order to win converts. This is one of the central things that we complain about regarding missionary Christians. I am sure that the minister meant well, but this is not what we are about.
(106) Anonymous, 30/11/2007
Baruch haba, Yosef!
Welcome; we are fortunate that you've
joined the Jewish People. May you have
much success in all your endeavors.
(105) Julius Stanley Watler--Yeichiel Shlipshon ben Pheishal HaLevi, 30/11/2007
An interesting spiritual experience
[I was in the middle of my commit when it was "accedently" submitted. Please add this to my other half of my commits.]
A couple of years ago, an inspiriation ocurred, or I remembered something a Rabbi once said; Judaim, and the Jewish people/nation are bringing HaShem's way to humanity, Christians, are being brought to the Torah. This article, and others like it
are good examples of this process of His way in His world being fulfilled.
[Now you have the "rest of the Story"]
B'H
(104) Grace, 30/11/2007
Refreshing !
Since I can remember I have always loved Israel and the Jewish people.
I learned that my grandmothers (both: paternal and maternal) had Jewish last names. The background history goes back to Spain almost 300 years. I am trying to learn more about the Torah.
It is a true revelation to read your amazing journey.
May G…bless you, Keep me in your prayers.
Grace
(103) Julius Stanley Watler--Yeichiel Shlipshon ben Phishel Avaham HaLevi, 30/11/2007
A wonderful example of true faith.
I have wondered for years why we have such a shimmus (trouble) explaining the truths to evengelist, who grab us and ty to converts us to what HaShem calls in His Torah "foriegn" faith. It is clear to anyone who reads His word that one who either deserts Him, or works to bring one away from Him is cursed.
(102) Jennifer Rudner, 30/11/2007
WELL DONE
Welcome to the family. I am a South African Jewess with my roots from Poland and Eastern Europe. It always amazes me how one who is not required to, can take on such a disciplined religion. Born Jews take the honour and privilege of being Jewish for granted and you have openly embraced this religion which comes with discrimination too. You are very special. May you and your family and other Orthodox convertees be blessed.
(101) laurie, 29/11/2007
someone else sounds like me
yes a spark! i have been going to temple services for about 8 months. we have a cantor not a rabbi. everybody is friendly and i think they are warming up to me. then my conversion was brought to my attention... i do want to convert, i'm happy & satified w/the reform temple i'm attending. then a rabbi came to visit me & he said "being a jew is hard & something you're born into, just follow the 7 nohide laws" i looked in gen. for clarity & i'm more confused. i've read that you get turned down 3 times before... maybe i just hit #1 & i'm on the right path? i'd love to hear more covert stories. thanks. L-
(100) Aray, 29/11/2007
Wow, great story.
I have been wanting to meet jews who speak spanish! I have not converted but would like to eventually. I am interested in Aish sister site in spanish??? Good story. I would like to hear more stories about conversions.
Aray
(99) Adina, 29/11/2007
Very moving...
I wish Yosef and the others Good Luck and spiritual contentment - such courage and devotion - I admire it so much - stay strong - we need you !
(98) julia, 29/11/2007
I was anxious reading your story because it was mine in a way
You are amazing Yosef, as is your mother and family in general. As I read your story I was not surprised by how many times you mentioned that some people grew uncomfortable and did not want to continue with the group. I can imagine that the few confrontations you mentioned at the time must have been rather uncomfortable, but hearing that it was never treated like the end of the world and in fact yourselves and the ministers continued to do what you felt was best is fantastic and wonderful. I am so proud and amazed and would sometime like to come visit your congregation in Houston. I converted and can not explain how wonderful it has made my life as well. It is very frightening to tell someone who is devoutly christian that you converted from christianity to judaism. They may not physically spit on you, but their words are enough to tell you they will never see you as a person again. I hope you did not have to interact with people quite like that. It makes me feel less alone to know that my phenomenal journey has been experienced by others too. I wish you all the warmth and lasting joy G*d, Torah and life have to offer, mazel tov!
(97) Marla A. Anker, 29/11/2007
WOWEE......
Yosef-This story is outstanding!You exemplify the saying that "When the student is ready, the teacher appears" Many Blessings in your ongoing discovery of Torah and Judaism. It takes a strong amount of courage to live one's life honestly in the face of "no-agreement". May you and yours always know the unconditional presence of HaShem's greatness and love in your life! Mazel Tov!
(96) Rachel, 29/11/2007
Mazel Tov!
Yosef, thanks for the courage to tell our story. My husband and I were were among the ones from the congregation who converted and it has been a beautiful spiritual journey. Minister Flores did not manipulate us in choosing Judaism over xtianity. Nor were we deceived in any way. I was a xtian for 30 years, believe me it took more than a pastor to move me in the direction of Judaism. Hashem lead us to this path. Even though we arrived at the synagogue together as a group (not because Minister Flores wanted it that way but because the congregation that was left demanded it), the spiritual path to Judaism was individually taken. The proof is in the fact that non of us converted at the same time and there are others who continue the journey towards conversion and others who realized it wasn't for them. The learning process as well as the desire to commit were different for each individual. The desire to follow Torah, doing mitzvahs, keeping kosher, laws of family purity, davening daily, etc. is not something that one can be manipulated or coerced into doing, it comes from within. My husband and I converted over 3 years ago and are happy in a Chabad-Lubavitch community and await the day when we can join you in Israel. May Hashem bless you and give you peace, strength and courage.
(95) yonasan, 29/11/2007
baruch hashem
wow, what a story.
merry yud tes kislev misnaggidim!
love to all, see you soon in the holy land in a rebuilt yerushalyim!
(94) Eliyahu Rosner, 29/11/2007
im sorry i dont agree
unfortunately to me pastor flores doesnt seem like a person i could really trust.i agree with susan and anonimous,judaism at least now shouldnt
look for converts that is not the jewish way. pastor flores should have resigned when he discovered judaism. as i read your story i feel theres much more to it, we welcome sincere converts and we dont doubt that you are jewish but i dont agree with minister flores ways. to me he is a deceiver. im sorry
(93) Nestor Komer, 28/11/2007
Dilemmas
Reading the story of Yosef and his minister I was thrown back to a time, now more than 32 years ago when I myself was a minister of a Mennonite congregation who was discovering that I could not continue to be a Christian in the light of what I was gradually finding out about Torah.
I went through a spiritual nightmare. I never shared my quest with my congregants and when my position became too compromised because of my own shifting spiritual allegiances, I simply resigned the ministry and went my own way, converted to Judaism, went to yeshiva and with a lot of siatha diShmaya (heavenly assistance) became "just a Jew".
Perhaps I was an egoist but I was not prepared to fight battles like pastor Flores has done. I admire his courage.
(92) Yitzchak, 28/11/2007
What an Inspiration YOU are!
This story is unbelievable! Except for one thing... I know you and know what an amazing man and Jew you are.. Thank you for having the courage to share your very thought provoking and inspiring story with all of us. I am blessed for having you as my friend and may G-d bless you with Torah knowledge so vast and beyond your biggest expectations.
(91) jorge aaron romano, 27/11/2007
Hazak u Baruch!!
Yosef you inspired me to do more teshuva today.That extra effort I'll make in my learning is for your zechut and for Aish's of course.Hazak u baruch!!
(90) Anonymous, 27/11/2007
Thanks
Wow, incredible story. Thanks for sharing!
(89) Aura Slovin, 27/11/2007
It takes a certain type of courage.....
It takes a special type of courage to do what you did, revealing your heart warming and special life story and 'baring your soul' to the hundreds of thousands of people who will be reading this. Welcome Home Yosef. As a descendant of Sephardic jews (My Mom speaks fluent Ladino) I welcome you home after a very long journey. May you be Matzliach in your heartfelt desire to lead other Jewish sons and daughters on their path home!
May you, your family and your Rabbi be blessed with long happy healthy fruitful and productive lives - Ad Meah V'Esrim - Kol Tuv
(88) Roxanne (goy), 27/11/2007
Nothing wrong with the pastor
I also thought about the comments left, and I also see nothing wrong in what the pastor did.
I guess those who accuse him of being dishonest do not realize the sheer depths of spiritual extortion there is in the xtian religion! There is none of this in Judaism, and those who left or chose simply to stay observant Bnei Noach were NEVER told to "convert or go to hell"! They were free to ask questions and answered in a non-confrontational way. Thank G-d that I also seemed to have been "xtian-proofed" from the start.
I guess once the pastor started teaching the Torah the way it was meant to be told instead of the sorry imitation of it in xtianity they could not fathom the truth of it.
The "old testament" has NOTHING to do with Torah, people!
(87) sharon, 27/11/2007
What if the situation were reversed?
I can't help but wonder how all the people who think this is a wonderful story would feel if the situation were reversed and a rabbi led his congregation to Xianity.
(86) Ron Cohen, 27/11/2007
Congratulations
As the community president of a primarily anusim community seeking their return/conversion to Judaism I wish to congratulate and encourage all who search for their proper truth within Judaism and to thank Aish for being a consistant source of information and knowledge for the membership of our community.
Ron Cohen
President
Centro Cultural Hebreo de Mexicali
aka Mexicali Jewish Community
(85) Robert, 27/11/2007
How many more
I wonder how many more amazing stories like this are out there?
(84) Rachel, 27/11/2007
Re Renee's comments on Cuban Jews for J
If Renee is correct, her story is shocking BUT I don't see how it has anything to do with Yosef's story, nor with other converts from outside Israel. I am a convert -- not a perfect one, even after 22 years -- but I daven daily, keep kosher, family purity, shabbat, etc. My children, respectively, have/are attending day school; my son just celebrated his bar mitzvah with the entire community. I am so grateful for the Torah's command that we are to love the ger (which has generally been the reaction I have received, although sometimes after an initially cool reception); I hope Renee will rethink her cruel assumptions that you can't really tell who is sincere and who is manipulating the system.
(83) Nechama, 27/11/2007
Mazel Tov and thanks for the inspiration
I want to congratulate Yosef on his conversion. What an inspiring story. I had never before heard of a group of people converting to Judaism en mass like Yosef's congregation did. I know several gerim (converts). I find myself continually renewed by their excitement about Judaism and Torah. Some would say that living a Torah-observant lifestyle presents its limitations, especially in contemporary times. Society and the media tell us to do whatever feels good to us at that moment. Also depending on where you live in the United States and throughout the world, living a religious existence and possessing a religious mindset are unpopular undertakings. All of these things take us away from our real purpose on this earth. That people are still converting to Judaism and voluntarily choosing to take on all of Hashem's commandments is a beautiful thing and is a true testament to their faith.
(82) Rabbi Aryeh Moshen, 27/11/2007
Sent to my group
I sent the link to my Gerus group which has > 1100 members
(81) Leo Besser, 27/11/2007
Help is on the way
I have helped many people to find their foot path to a rewarding Jewish life. What I like about Judaism is that it is not a pretentious religion. It is open to one and all who seek the peace and contentment that it has to offer. A good life is the reward for living a good life. It is truly a mitzvah for a whole group of people to find that the Jewish way of life and giving is the right way. Does this mean that I believe that the whold world should be Jewish? No indeed. It means that it is right for me and if it becomes right for you then all the better.
(80) Lone Star Eye Care, 27/11/2007
Keep it up!!!
The whole gang wishes you well, we are happy for you. Caroline says hi! :)
(79) mauro emanuel landau, 27/11/2007
Yosef: now I understand why everytime I see you around the yeshiva you give me waves of truth. Hatslacha en tu camino, a ti y a toda tu familia. Nos estamos hablando.
(78) yitzchak gonzalez, 27/11/2007
keep praying for Rabbi Radinskys family
Yosef its me Yitzchak Gonzalez just wanted to let you know that Rivka the kids and i wish you mazal, yasher koach on an article well written, you and i well know what we had to go trough but Hashem has been gracious to us! Rivkas flour tortillas are waiting!
(77) raye, 27/11/2007
Marranos?
A long time ago, a doctor by the name of Rodriguez told me that all people with surnames ending in -ez were originally of Jewish descent. I suppose this might apply to -es endings as well.
(76) shoshana esther, 27/11/2007
wouah!!
i was and still am really amazed by this story. as if Hashem had chosen your soul to bring all of you guys back home through your accident, and that your soul before coming down here actually accepted to be the shlicha. indeed exactly like Yossef Hatsadik... i live in the old city for a few days more, probably saw you... all the best
(75) Mercy, 26/11/2007
Congrats!!!!
Hope to see you soon!!!!
(74) Anonymous, 26/11/2007
Hatlocho Raba
Dear Yosef:
Your story is beautiful,take your time going down the beautiful path you've chosen, don't skip steps. I beleive that you trully will lead many others in the right path.
(73) Richard, 26/11/2007
to Susan
Everyone who took exception to the teachings was free to leave -- and did. They confronted him when they wanted to. It was an open issue.
(72) Oceanoah, 26/11/2007
Yosef :) You are chosen by Hashem :)
Your people in that church had been very pure and I honor the courage of a people who find out the Truth and go for it,what a beautiful path you have taken,congradualtions, and man ! you look cute with your Kipah on :)
(71) Yosef, NYC, 26/11/2007
Not Deceiving minister = ethical approach
My dear Susan, welcome to our tent and may you be a happy, strong and Kosher Jew. We love you.
I just would like to suggest that you read Yosef's story more carefully, closely examining details- just like we approach our priceless Talmud.
You will see there is no Deception by that minister and his approach is highly ethical as he honestly was moving in that direction, BUT did NOT arrived to the congregation with predetermined goals.
May you be blessed on your way to the Truth.
(70) Madrich Michael "Yechezkel", 26/11/2007
I was moved - and I know the story!
O: Thanks for sharing your inspiring story with the world. I don't know how well you remember it, but I often tell the story of our walk together down the steps of the Old City towards the Kotel, which you were about to witness for the first time. I stopped you before it was in sight and told you to be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience - seeing the Kotel for the first time. We were both trembling a bit and began moving forward at a much more deliberate pace, arm-in-arm. As the Kotel came into view I think we both started to tremble a bit, and as it came into full view, neither of us could hold back our tears. You then just stood in awe for a few minutes, as if your eyes were deceiving you. Here was the place we had been praying towards from so many miles away, and now it was right in front of us. I'm glad I got to share that experience with you. I miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon.
(69) Mijal, 26/11/2007
WOWWWWWWWW.
WOW... thats the only word i have for this article!! Its really incredible how ashem led you to our house.. You are one of us right now.. I encourage you to keep in the path you choose and never let anyone or anything put you down.
In spanish now: La verdad que es increible el camino que tomastes, bienvenido! ejej.. ahora encontraras la alegria verdadera en cada paso que tomes. Sigue asi, y no dejes que nada ni nadie destruya esa bella decision que tomastes. Felicidades
(68) Bnei Noach, 26/11/2007
Minister not necessarily deceptive
It's difficult to know from this second-hand account. (We don't get the minister's side of the story.) But as a Ben Noach that started out as a Christian, I can say that my transition to belief in Torah and Judaism was not that clear cut. It took several years of reading and learning before I came to a conclusion. And taking that first mental step of questioning your existing beliefs can be very difficult.
I think we should give the minister the benefit of the doubt that he taught his congregation as he was learning and gaining new understanding. The Torah is part of the Christian bible after all. (Nothing wrong with them delving into it a little more!) And Yosef relates that some congregants left along the way. It doesn't sound like anyone was "tricked" into becoming a Jew.
(67) Aharon, 26/11/2007
Welcome home, brother! Remember..
The Torah is perfect - not every Jew is. Never get discouraged and may you and your family be zoche to keep the beautiful inspiration and heavenly assistance that has taken you so far.
(66) Yosef Yehuda, 26/11/2007
Congratulations
Although, I agree with Susan that this is not the jewish way, if this is the path you want to take study and work toward being a jew in mentality and action. Your case is not the first, nor the last. I am a guer and before converting with the VHQ, I intermingle with other groups who planned to convert. The decision is never easy as some of us had to disconnect from our non-jewish family members. I believe that total immersion in a jewish community is a must as well as practice of the hebrew language. J.C. (the Christian god) must be eradicated completedly. Then comes the understanding of the jewish mentality and understanding of difference in minhagim.
Good Luck
Yosef
(65) Susan Petre, 26/11/2007
Thoughts on the pros and cons
I have read all opinions about this article, both pro and con, and have come to the following conclusion: there is nothing wrong with what Minister Flores did, and here are my reasons for believing this. Along the way, people either dropped out or decided on a different path, to become Bnei Noach. There was no coercion and no untruths taught. Let's give credit for the intelligence of people. Members who ultimately converted did so out of genuine conviction and because we have a truly great religion that makes sense. Also, I believe (and this is just a gut level feeling) that the majority of people who converted had Jewish ancestry, and that it was their Jewish neshamas that led them back to what was genuinely right for them. Last, and this is really just my opinion, I am truly grateful to have people with genuine conviction join our ranks. We lost so many in the Holocaust, and we lose so many through intermarriage.
(64) Bennyp, 26/11/2007
Congratulations. When does the book come out?
Congratulations on your heartfelt and well-told article. I'm overjoyed to see the positive effect your life is having on others at the Yeshiva and abroad.
I'm sure all you readers want to know. When does the book come out?
(63) Susan, 26/11/2007
Deceiving minister = Unethical approach
I converted to Judaism out of my own free will, I love being a Jew. But I can't love this particular story. I'm sorry, I find this very disturbing and emberassing. It's unethical and very wrong for a person to deceive his church into believing he is a Christian pastor, while in reality he is in the process of converting to Judaism, trying to lead his church in the same direction. That's just manipulating; pretty much like if a rabbi was studying with Jews for Jesus, while slowly deceiving his congregation into walking down the same path. This is so wrong. It's not the Jewish way.
(62) Mark, 26/11/2007
do not agree !!
I do not agree with Ovadyah's assertion that: 'it's easy to be a Jew' if it were so easy than we would have a united Orthodox community, which, is obviously far from the truth. To be a comitted Torah Jew, especially in this day and age with so many distractions takes a level of courage and determination. To commit oneself to a 'new' path and to become a convert, takes a level of commitment which is almost superhuman. So to Yosef and those like hime Kol Hakavod. As it written "It is a tree of life for those who cleave to it"
(61) alice, 26/11/2007
Beautiful
Beautiful Story! of course there is here a language of love and understanding! do keep on!
(60) rhoda, 26/11/2007
being Jewish gives great comfort
G-d is great in his wisdom. He shows us paths to go and gives us choices. It is not hard to be a Jew, it is just hard to put up with the predjusdices the world throws at us.
Why people hate Jews is hard to comprehend because Jesus, Mary and Joseph, plus all of the disciples are Jews. There is nothing in the bible that says that they ever converted.
I have searched this carefully and can find no indication of this.
What I love of my religion is that it never aks for converts. To become Jewish, you must say "i WANT TO BE A JEW"
G-d bless you. Mozeltov.
(59) A ger tzedek, 26/11/2007
Yosef,
Welcome home but remember it's easy to be a Jew. This is the most fantastic religion in the world. If one finds something hard in Judaisim it means one is pushing against an open door - try a slightly different Torah based approach and you could quickly find what was hard becomes easy! Also make sure that you tell people in your community that if they have any difficulties they should consider going to an orthodox psychologist. I think often people who have had difficulties with Judasim really in truth had difficulties with unresolved childhood or personal issues. The resolution of such issues can make life truly wonderful and reveal Judasim to be just great! Be happy and make other Jews happy!
(58) OVADYAH, 26/11/2007
I also found out that my family has Jewish roots.I am studying with Rabbi Kassorla in Atlanta.He has been a great help to me. I have much to learn. Mazal Tov
(57) shlomo abraham, 25/11/2007
Yosef,
Welcome home but remember its tough tobe a jew
(56) Mark Lewkowicz (aka your old roomate), 25/11/2007
You are the Man.
Dear Yosef,
Keep up the good work man. It's great too see how much you've grown since I left. I hope to see you soon. A big Mazel Tov and Hatzlacha in everything you do.
(55) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
Amazing process of discovery
It is of the utmost importance to realize that the Moschiach has not come yet. Simply look at the world and looks at its disarray, when the Moschiach comes, there will be no disarray and it will be better than anyone but HaShem imagines. There will be Rainbows in the Sky, Angels Flying from Heaven, and all Neshamahs redeemed. Of course with different reward, but all will be satisfied. So what does this mean? In the christian tradition there is a day of judgement where people are sent to damnation, but look at the Jewish tradition, we believe in FULL REDEMPTION. That's right. FULL REDEMPTION. After all would G-d want anything less?
(54) Sharona, 25/11/2007
Excellent
Great story. That must be very hard for people to make such a life changing decision like that. They are truely amazing. :)
Also, I think it's good that some of them chose just to be Bnei Noach. Being Jewish is a big responsibility because of our obligation to keep the many mitzvos and believe completely in the Torah that Hashem gave us. And so if someone feels that they may Not be able to do that, then being a Bnei Noach is a good spiritual alternative for them
(53) Ben, 25/11/2007
Very Amaziing and Inspiring
I wanted to point out besides Arye Kaplan's counter missionary book counter missionary books can be found at www.jewsforjudaism.com and bensolomon.info
(52) Chana, 25/11/2007
Inspiring
Thanks for the inspiring story; I was especially touched by the last line where Yosef shows he has already risen to the level of using his journey to help ignite the spark in others.
(51) Pearl Berkowitz, 25/11/2007
Welcome (back?) as a new member of the Jewish People
What an unusual and inspirational story of how your group eventually being considered "officially" part of the Jewish People. A Yosher Koach to all the members of the congregation who eventually converted! I admire them very much and hope that they be well in all ways (physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially. Now we are truly Jewish cousins!
(50) Winiarz family, 25/11/2007
Beautiful Story! Welcome, welcome!
Your story is truly inspiring!! We wish you continued success in your journey up the ladder of true Judaism.
(49) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
I can't agree, sorry
I think that it was very unethical for your pastor to lead the congregation towards Judaism. He was in a position of trust as their pastor. He should have resigned when he realized he wanted to convert. His job and mission was to lead them in a Christian lifestyle, not a Jewish one.
It's not a case of our faith is better, I'm glad the writer found what's in his heart, but it's not a "win" for us. It reminds of my Mormon co-worker telling me how happy she was that a Jewish man had converted to Mormonism, I guess she thought that I would rejoice with her. I was just sad. And I'm sad that his church lost their members, and that they're now isolated from their families. I love Judaism because that's who I am, but I think other religions are beautiful and valid also.
(48) dalia, 25/11/2007
Wonderful, just a fantastic read, your article brought tears to my eyes.
Mazel tov, Josef to you & the entire 'group'
We need more like you!
(47) andrea, 25/11/2007
Baruch Ha Ba!
Yosef,
Baruch Ha Ba!
(46) Marian Hauge, 25/11/2007
Masel Tov Yosef
You and your family and fellow congregants are an inspiration. And indeed, Welcome Home....
(45) Noe Espinoza, 25/11/2007
Hola Hermano!
Yosef, I am going through a similar transition myself. I'm glad to see you have your families support. Quisiera halbar con tigo. totaldrecords@yahoo.com
(44) Mel, 25/11/2007
Mazal Tov Yosef
Well, I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one, one day I visit a synagogue in Veracruz Mexico, because my grand ma took me there and she told me we were Jews unfortunatly she died short time after that but I kept attending until we move to Mexico City where I met Rabbi Shmuel Lerer and we talk for a long time, them we move to Texas where I finally embrace judaism until now, there is a lot of Hispanics that have found their roots, and I feel so Happy for that!!
If some one from that little Synagogue in Veracruz Ver. Mexico Kehila Beth Shmuel read this just Know that since I was 13 you are in my heart because you opened my eyes, now I'm 38 and my family (wife, kids, parents, brothers)are in this journey thru Judaism.
Thank you
(43) Elonna, 25/11/2007
Beautiful!
I have tears streaming down my face from this uplifting story. What a lucky man to have his family and church convert en masse with him! That's a dream come true. I was born into a xtian family, and from day one I was xtian-proof. I'm an alien in my family. I would love a Jewish family. I'm so happy for Josef and his family!
(42) Miriam-Tova, 25/11/2007
An Amazing Story
What a story! Welcome home, Yosef.
(41) Loraine Stayer, 25/11/2007
This has happened before
I read a book about an entire town in Italy that converted to Judaism about the time of the second world war. They then moved to Israel, where they were required to reconvert.
(40) Ana, 25/11/2007
Blessings
Dear Yosef:
My family came to Panama in the 1918's and from Orthodox, they have assimilated into no faith. From my Grandmother, I am the only one that has embraced my Jewih roots. I married a Jew who didn't know he was Jewish rather became a catholic due to persecution and to escape from Europe. I became a daily visitor of Aish.com and reading from the Rabi I was called to practice. Many blessings have come to us along with criticism from others. Last year, as I lighted the Menorah but I was missing some candles I prayed for a miracle. As I open a drawer next to me, I found enough candles for the last day of Hanukah. Last year,On the last day of Hanukah three little girls needed a home for the Holidays. Little did we know that they were to be adopted. I share my story with you because of your path will be rewarded for you fortitude. Blessings to you.
(39) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
you honor us
as a convert myself, i always envy the ones who have found that connection to hashem and torah. i strive for it and it always eludes me. growing up my mothers family religion hopped and when i was 9 we were 7th day adventist and i kept thinking that the idea of j was absurd. i was 12 when we made the jump to judiasm (i never even knew that jews existed until then) but it felt right. converted when i was 15 but that closeness and feeling of pure love has always been just outside of my reach. i keep trying though. welcome
(38) Leora, 25/11/2007
Amazing! Welcome back, Yosef.
(37) Shlomo Goldhaber, 25/11/2007
Yosef
Welcome Home
Shlomo Goldhaber
habergol@netvision.net.il
(36) susan, 25/11/2007
similar story to converted Jews in Uganda
There is a large and growing group of Jews in Mbale Uganda called Abayudaya who have asimilar story. I had the privilege of meeting with them and they welcome visits from fellow Jews; they have been functioning as a community for over 100 years and have a Rabbi and a temple and a growing community. They even have web site. acommmunity for
(35) Ari Stotleman, 25/11/2007
Welcome!
Don't let Ann Coulter know you've "unperfected" yourself! Welcome. A decision made from the head and heart are always the most fulfilling and trustworthy.
(34) Braja, 25/11/2007
Very moving story
Joseph,thanks for your beautifully related story. May God bless you and your decission on taking our religion as yours,I·m sure you·ll alawys be a
good person,a good Believer and a better Jew every day.
I·m so glad you found your way!!!
Blessings with all my love from
Uruguay,South America
(33) Liora, 25/11/2007
We are proud to have a Jew like you
Yosef - What a wonderful story. Its so refreshing and inspiring and makes me even more proud and happy, having been born a jew, that a person like you who cares and believes so sincerely would choose to join (or potentially, considering your heritage, rejoin)us - when so many jews treat their faith and heritage as though it were worthless.
(32) eliana, 25/11/2007
Thank you Yosef for showing what it means to seek the truth and grasp it>! Yasher koyach!!
(31) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
Finding oneself within.
Thank you for this most inspiring story! I do not doubt that somewhere in the very distant past of Jews forced to convert or die, your family, or others like it, would find their roots. Yours is an inspiring life! I wish you mazel.
(30) rachel, 25/11/2007
Beautiful story- definitely inspired me!!
(29) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
One of the best stories I've read in a very long time. It was inspirational
(28) Goldie Klei, 25/11/2007
I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this amazing article and its implications. It brought me to tears.
(27) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
COLUMBUS WAS PROBABLY JEWISH -- SEE BRITANNICA
JUST AN ASIDE.
PROBABLY 90% OF JEWS DON'T KNOW THIS.
ALSO REVISED STANDARD VERSION OF THE BIBLE (PROTESTANT?) HAS GIVEN UP THE "VIRGIN" TRANSLATION IN ISAIAH. IT IS NOW "BEHOLD A MAIDEN IS TO GIVE BIRTH".
(26) Betty Levy, 25/11/2007
Great story
What a wonderful story, I am a Jew from Mexico and there was a little town in the hills of Mexico City where a lot of people converted and joined our synagogue. What a lovely sight to see.
(25) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
what a wonderful story...
you are an inspiration....I too am a clergy convert...and this is simply amazing and in a way my story too...mazel tov!!!
(24) Cohen-Paraira, 25/11/2007
Welcome BACK.
You do not realy beleeve that you just overnight tuned jewish from beeing christian. At least one of every 3 white south Americans are form anusiem ancestery, force fully converted in Spain or the colonies.
Now that the beginning of the ingathering have stated, as we have our own land, Hakdosh Baroegh Hoe is also calling those who lived as christians for a few hundred years, to come back, now. My family converted back already in the 15 hundreds we where blessed with beatifull Portogeese kehiloth in Amsterdam and elsewhere, now your are called to rejoin our ranks. "Boas Andrada an la nacao de israel."
(23) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
good!
good for you.
(22) andy, 25/11/2007
positive
keep it up!
(21) Matt, 25/11/2007
Concerned
Minister Flores came to some dubious conclusions about the "Greek Bible." The notion that the New Testament contains the name 'Zeus' is absurd, as is the idea that by knowing Spanish one qualified someone to find discover such things in a Greek text. I definitely agree that people should follow the truth whereever it leads, but part of doing so is having good evidence.
(20) shells, 25/11/2007
congratulation Yosef :0) on an EXCELLENT! article
gosh... I know I keep doing this... but as a Mum and because we are all one family I want to tell YOU... I am so proud of you!!!! loved your article and everything you've said makes sense to me. so much so that I'm gonna recommend to all my frieds and family that they read it to. Bless you Yosef and thank YOU for everything you are and everything you stand for. shalom Shells x
(19) Rosen, 25/11/2007
the Torah is sound
Indeed, the Torah is the most authentic religious and holy scripture.
Christianity is not so unique since it is derived from Pagan and Greek myths, as well as some teachings from Judaism. Christian theologians who have anticipated the "2nd coming of Christ" were always wrong in their anticipations every time, so there is no chance they can be right again.
I have even came across some non-Jews who acknowledge that the Jews are the chosen people and that the Torah makes sense.
In particular, any wonder why Catholics happen to be turning away from their Churches? It's most likely due to the spiritual extortion involved, where "if you don't believe in Christ, you will burn in Hell". Then comes the hypocrisy with priests embezzling money and molesting small children, among other things. And, to say that "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven" is really not much more than a bumper sticker.
One can seek forgiveness thru the Al Cheyt, usually given on Yom Kippur, and non-Jews can always follow the 7 universal laws of the Noahide.
Thus, the Torah is very sound, because it is the direct word from G-d, as opposed to a certain book that tells people what to do as it says.
One does mitzvot because it is G-d's will, not just what the bible says.
As for converting to Judaism, it is one option to return to G-d, while others can easily follow the 7 Noachide laws.
What the early Rabbis predicted about the world to come would be for the better, and they have been right prior to the Messianic age with advancements in technology and surveillence.
There is a lot of inspiration and awe in Hebrew and the Torah for both Jews and non-Jews. And, it's important to remember the verse in Zacariah, where the non-Jews from the different corners of the world will grab the shirt of the Jew and/or Rabbi and say, "we will go with you for we have heard G-d is with you." Being smart about this can go hand-in-hand with what the beauty and wisdom that Judaism teaches.
(18) chana, 25/11/2007
what an amazing story!!
thank you for sharing your story. what a pleasure to have you as a MOT.
(17) Renata, 25/11/2007
Congradulations!
Yosef, I was really touched reading your story. Congratulations on your conversion. I am a Jew by birth but did a lot of research about other religions, especially Christianity. Christians claim to beleive in the old and new testament but what many people don't realize is that the two contradict each other and it is impossible to truely believe in the old testament and in Jesus at the same time. I think that many people never delve into these matters and simply believe what they are told to believe. They are simply unaware! Kuddos to your minister for thinking outside the box! I know that all of you will be a credit to your new religion!
(16) Georganne, 25/11/2007
Incredibly moving story
And we think that we Jews struggle with our faith. More people should read stories like this.
(15) Renee, 25/11/2007
Muslims have many of the same customs as Jews
Muslims soak their meat in salt water, lemon or vinegar solution. Muslims bury their dead within 24 hours. Muslims observe a separation between married couples during menstruation. Muslims do not eat pork and also celebrate Friday with a big meal in the evening.
Spain was under Muslim rule for hundreds of years and it is not surprising that the Spanish language contains many many Semitic words and customs. Jews and Muslims have much more in common religiously than they have different.
Additionally just by simple math, due to the assimilation of Spain's Jewry a large number of Hispanic Christians will carry genetic markers that demonstrate that they have Jewish ancestry.
Only being born of a Jewish mother or conversion k'halacha (and right now the only conversions that are being accepted in Israel are those done under the supervision of the Israeli Rabbinute) makes a person a Jew.
Other than that, we are all one big human family and Jews share common genetic markers with all Palestinian Arabs, Iranians, Anatolian Turks as well as many Hispanics, Italians, Indians, Ethiopians, Afghanis and others.
This does give a great deal of credibility to the midrash that Avraham sent the children of his non Jewish wives to the Far corners of the world.
But Judaism is a religion and not a race. The only way to be a Jew is by accepting Torah and mitzvos and conversion k'halacha by an authorized Beit Din. Aish Rabbis would do well to heed the daas Torah of Bedatz.
(14) Jeff Neckonoff, 25/11/2007
Awesome Story
As someone who soends quite a lot of his free time fighting the mssionary menace, I must say this is a great story that will breing strength to many people still trapped in that false belief system.
My journey story is here:
www.bethgoyim.com
(13) Mordechai Bland, 25/11/2007
What ever happened to Minster Flores? He sounds like a remarkable individual. Reminiscent in a way of Abraham Avinu, who left his family, birthplace, everything to follow Hashem. It takes a lot of ruach to risk everything, especially when you go from leader and teacher to beginning level student.
(12) Renee, 25/11/2007
And now they are missionaries converting Jews
About 20 years ago, a whole Cuban community converted to Judaism in South FL. They had researched their "roots" and decided that they were anusim returning to Judaism. They converted with an Orthodox Beis Din and seemed very sincere.
That same group of people has been running a network of 75 missionary Jews for Jesus churches that are all over the country. They have trained thousands of Christian missionaries who have been missionizing Jews for a generation now along with more Hispanic "anusim".
Missionaries trained by this group are working every Orthodox shul in South Fl. and are teaching in our yeshivas. They are working in kashrus and doing taharas with Hevra Kaddisha, baptizing the bodies of Jewish people. As quickly as the Rabbis uncover one, two more have already replaced him.
At this point some of these missionaries are "born" Jews because they are the children and grandchildren of the original group that converted from the late 70's and early 80's. They have married within the community and now bear some of the surnames of the most respected Jewish families.
Because the yeshivas generally give preference to Gentiles who are converting over born Jewish children, these missionaries have excellent Jewish educations and some have gotten jobs as pulpit Rabbis or teachers in Orthodox shuls and schools. Jews for Judaism has made a nearly full time job of finding these people and alerting the local Rebbeim but there is little that anyone can do.
I think that all US kiruv groups would do well to heed the daas Torah from Bedatz Jerusalem and stop proselytizing to Gentiles whether they are cohabiting with Jewish men,are the biological offspring of Jewish men or simply seem "sincere".
Rabbis in this country clearly are not able to tell who is a sincere convert and who is a Christian missionary converting to Judaism to better missionize to Jews in the US or Israel.
US Rabbis should learn from their previous mistakes and send all potential converts to Israel and should accept the obvious fact that American Jews are much more socialized to Christianity than we realize and that we are no longer able to tell the difference between sincere Christians who want to missionize to Jews and those who are really converting l'shem Shamayim, k'halacha.
If you wonder just how socialized Americans ARE to Christianity, just look at the Hanukkah "shopping" season. My Mizrachi family knows of no such thing. Purim is the holiday for gift giving. Pesah and Rosh Hashana are the holidays for clothing and jewelry gifts. Only in Christiandom do Jews go out and play Santa in December.
(11) sheeba, 25/11/2007
I also felt it was like my story ------but lucky you people found a rabbi and could convert------- god show me a way
(10) Chana Rochl, 25/11/2007
Hispanic Jews Coming Home!
Since I was a little girl, I loved Judaism, knowing that we should live and worship as Jews!! Mum agreed, never hesitant to allow my Jewish learning from her Jewish friends, of which she had many.
On my path to Torah Judaism, I dallied with Messianic Judaism, and a messianic outreach started by an Israeli convert to Christianity. I was always touched by the Hispanic Evangelical groups with whom we'd "share the Jewish festivals". With our costumey clothes and Israeli folk dances, music and foods, we were really just entertainment for most churches and study groups. But, many were Hispanics who, for some reason beyond my grasp, dearly loved the Torah and Jewish traditions.
They asked serious questions, about the connection between Torah Judaism and "Judeo-Christian" faith amplifying my own questioning. After years of study I came to the miserable conclusion that Judeo-Christianity was an oxymoron.
3 decades, I finally converted with my daughter, two sons and husband, the son on a So Baptist minister...not an easy change for him.
Only weeks after our Orthodox conversion, my uncle called with a "tidbit of interest to the Family Jew": Our family's historian had discovered our roots in Spain in 1493 where we'd been invited to join The Church or FRY. Like so many Jews, our family headed for the Pyrenees, and eventually to Quebec!
Is it a coincidence I felt an aching for my roots, as do so many others of Hispanic heritage? I don't think so. I KNOW we're being called home as our collective consciousness rises...
And, Aish.com has been an enormous comfort and help to me, my family and friends as we traveled the rocky trail from the wastelands of Christianity to the Blessing of our Torah Home!
Thanks and blessings to my Brother Yosef, his brave family and Aish.com for being there to wave the banner for us all to follow Home!
(9) rachel kapen, 25/11/2007
Yosef's Journey to Judaism
What an inspiring story. We Jews who were born Jews take it for granted so it is good to be reminded of how fortunate we are. Thank you, Yosef, for reminding us. YOu chose a wonderful name, my father's, who came to Eretz Israel in the early 1920's to help rebuild the country of our ancestors. I wish you all the success in the world.
(8) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
I am curious as to how many became Bnai Noach, in addition to the 100 becoming Jewish.
I have to say, my mom was raised Christian, but had a strong pull towards Judaism at an early age. She also learned some odd things from the aunt (her mother's oldest sister), who raised her. She learned to check eggs for blood spots in a glass cup and to soak cleaned chicken in salt water. Her roots trace to an area of England where some of the Spanish armada was shipwrecked. One wonders if a Spanish woman of converso origin was not among them.
(7) ruthi, 25/11/2007
Thank you for your beautiful story. Hatzlacha Rabah in all your ways!
(6) Laura, 25/11/2007
At Long Last
This is happening all over! I am so happy that ya'll have decided to step up and acknowledge this phenomenon. God is calling his people to Torah and even some of us red neck West Texans are hearing the call. Torah is truth. Torah is HaShem in written form. Torah is for all who will hear and obey.
(5) Jordan, 25/11/2007
hi
Hi Yosef,
I met you in yeshiva, didn't realise your story - I guess everyone in Aish for instance has a unique reason for being there. I'll probably see you soon PG when I'm back, I'm in England at the moment studying at university. I'll introduce myself if you don't know who I am!
Jordan
(4) galia berry, 25/11/2007
beautiful but not surprising
There is a community of sincere converts from a small town in Mexico that also converted en masse, now living in Israel. That community turned out to be quite diverse, with some living in Mea Shearim, others living in the shtachim, etc.
My son-in-law was a rabbi in San Antonio. He was approached several times by anusim - people whose ancestors were Jewish at the time of the Inquisition - and who were interested in reconnecting to Judaism. The Jewish spark does not die out completely, even if it takes many, many years and generations later to re-ignite.
(3) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
yishar koach
Thank you for this amazing story.may Hashem always show you and your family the right derech to walk down and may you lizkot to teach torah to many people that come your way.
(2) Sharon, 25/11/2007
Another goody
This is a beautiful story, and whether Yosef discovers Jewish roots in his family history or not, he is 100% Jewish and he and his community will be an asset to the Jewish people. I welcome them all with open arms. And those who chose to remain B'nei Noach are also blessed.
(1) Sara Rigler, 25/11/2007
Gevalt!!
What an amazing story! And what courage Minister Flores had/has! If only all of us were willing to follow Truth to wherever it takes us--no matter what the cost!
This article can also be read at: http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Torah_in_Our_Church.asp
This article can also be read at: http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Torah_in_Our_Church.asp
The Torah in Our Church
by Yosef Juarez
The amazing story of our church that en masse decided to convert to Judaism.
I was born in Honduras, 23 years ago, the oldest of four children. I lived in a neighborhood with all my cousins, on a street named after my mother's ancestors. We attended a church that is non-denominational, but with a strong evangelical bent.
When I was three years old, I fell from the second story of my house and dropped head-first onto the concrete, fracturing my skull. I was rushed to the hospital and wasn't moving at all, just gazing off into the distance. The situation was very grave. But then something strange happened. The next day, it was as if nothing had happened. The doctor ordered new x-rays, and there was no sign of any damage -- no fracture, not even a scratch.
Due to this, our family grew as religious Christians, and throughout my life I was focused on the service of God.
When I was eight years old, we moved to America, which offered better financial opportunities. We settled in a suburb of Houston and looked around for a good church to attend, but nothing seemed as good as what we had back in Honduras.
Our old church was based in Honduras, but has branches in U.S. cities that have a sizable Central American and Hispanic population. So together with one other family, we requested that the church send us a minister. They sent us a man named Hector Flores, who at the time was still training to be a minister. And that's how our Houston church started -- in one room in a house.
Minister Flores was fascinated with the Holy Temple, and its predecessor the Tabernacle (Mishkan). He had access to books and resources, and he started teaching Torah ideas that were unique in a Christian setting. We would spend months and months delving into aspects of the Torah.
The church membership grew steadily, as we were very outreach-oriented. The city was divided up into districts and groups, and we would literally go out into the streets and preach to people. During high school, I studied in my church's discipleship program, where they train young people in leadership skills and how to preach. We'd bring people into the church and provide them with family counseling and programs for all ages. It functioned very much like a family. And we would train the new members to reach out and bring more people to church.
Of course, people who came to our church for the first time would wonder why we were discussing Jewish topics, and not preaching so much about the typical teachings of Jesus. But Minister Flores continued on his unique path, and the church eventually split into two congregations. We got our own building and bought land to expand.
Hebrew Songs
One of the unique customs of our church was something Minister Flores called "festivals of consecration." These were patterned after the festivals in the Torah, where people would bring large donations to fund the church activities. From there it was constant small steps toward Torah: the obligation to tithe, where we'd give 10 percent of our income to church activities. After a while our festivals got assigned Jewish names, like Purim and Shavuot, corresponding to the Jewish holiday they fell close to.
This was definitely not consistent with mainstream Christianity. And the closer we got to Torah, the more some congregants became uncomfortable and started to drop out. It was a filtering process.
Unbeknownst to us, behind the scenes, Minister Flores was going through an intense personal transition. After much research, he discovered many inconsistencies and contradictions in the New Testament, making the tenets of Christianity untenable.
Minister Flores started secretly going to a rabbi, to pester him with questions. Then he'd come back and teach us, slowly getting us closer and closer to Judaism.
Soon after, Minister Flores made the decision to convert to Judaism. But he struggled to find a way to tell us, as he didn't want to tear down Christianity without being able to offer us an alternative. So he kept teaching Torah, but in a way that was as subtle as possible. He gradually peeled away the things that were wrong and got us closer to Torah. Our church started replacing Jesus' name with Jewish, Hebrew names of God, and the songs became Hebrew songs. We began to incorporate real Jewish traditions into our festivals, and we even got a Torah scroll for the church.
At that point we resembled more of a Jews for Jesus group, in the sense that we were Christians with a lot of Jewish traditions. The difference, of course, was that we were moving in the direction toward authentic Judaism, not the other way around.
During this process, our biggest resource for information was Aish.com, and its Spanish sister site. At one point the church printed out reams of Aish.com articles on all the holidays, and gave a binder of these articles to each family.
Some of the church members became resistant to all these changes, and a number of people dropped out. There were occasional confrontations where people would question the minister, "How far are you going with all this?" And he would simply answer, "As far as the Torah takes us."
Revelation
About six months after Minister Flores made the private decision to convert, my mother had been at a Jewish bookstore and bought the book, "The Real Messiah" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. This book lays out all the evidence for why Jews don't believe in Jesus, in a very scholarly and convincing way. We found that a lot of Christian teachings were based on mistranslations or taking biblical verses out of context.
So my mother suspected there was more to this "Torah teaching" than the minister had been letting on.
Every Sunday after services, the entire congregation would go together to the park. One Sunday, my mother confronted the minister: "You know more than you're telling us, don't you." He would never lie or deny such a direct question, so he saw this was the right time to reveal his plan to convert. That Sunday, we all stayed at the park for hours and hours, discussing and explaining, until long after dark.
At that point, about 100 people wanted to keep studying with the possibility of conversion. But many others took the choice of becoming Bnei Noach, following the seven pillars of human civilization that the Torah presents for non-Jews to observe. Minister Flores explained that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven, and this was an appealing alternative for many church members.
My mother, however, wanted to stick with the group who was interested in conversion. So we kept on learning, and eventually our group decided to attend Shabbat services. So one Saturday morning our entire congregation showed up at the United Orthodox Synagogues. It was a bit of a shock to the community, because such a huge influx upset the social balance. But the leader of the synagogue, Rabbi Joseph Radinsky, was like an angel to us; his kindness and sincerity is clear to anyone who knows him.
When they saw things were serious, the Houston community sent a Spanish-speaking rabbi, Jose Gomez, to help each family clarify the right path. (He himself had converted 10 years earlier in Houston along with his entire family -- parents, siblings, aunts and uncles.) As expected, all of this caused a real stir in the Christian community in Houston.
First in the Family
Minister Flores was amongst the first to convert, and since then many of our church members have converted, while others are in the process. My own conversion was finalized a year ago, and my mother and siblings are still in the process. I chose the name "Yosef" because in the Bible, Joseph was the first of his family to go down to Egypt. He established himself and was able to help bring the rest of his family along. My mother says that in our path to conversion, I have been sent ahead as our family's "Yosef."
After my conversion, I came to Israel and was really amazed. I saw a variety of Jews, and a whole different side of Judaism. There was something special about everything. I even found myself taking pictures of grass and rocks! I felt truly Jewish for the first time.
I started doing research into my roots, because I knew that this awakening to Judaism comes from a very deep place. I found out that on a voyage to the New World in 1502, Christopher Columbus reached the Bay Islands on the coast of Honduras, which became part of the Spanish empire. Jews undoubtedly came to Honduras at this time, on the heels of the Spanish Inquisition when many Jews "converted to Christianity" but secretly remained Jewish. I'm anxious to find out more about my ancestors, but it's very hard to track.
So where am I today? I am studying at the Aish HaTorah yeshiva in the Old City of Jerusalem and I love it. I'm so enthusiastic about everything that I learn, and cannot wait to share it with all my friends and family back home. At this point, my plans for the future are pretty open. I want to continue to study Torah, finish my undergraduate degree, and see what opportunities develop.
But one thing I know for sure: I am committed to reaching out to my fellow Jews. If I was fortunate enough to discover this gold mine of spiritual wealth and fulfillment, then those who were born Jewish surely must be given that opportunity. And who knows -- just as Aish.com spurred my Jewish growth, maybe this article will be the spark that someone else has been waiting for.
: 137
(137) arie furman, 4/7/2008
dont forget where you coming from
hi joseph it is great that you found your path and that you are helping others find it since you are from honduras i have a great friend there he is in the same path you found i know they are many more waiting to reach that gold please dont forget them may the lord help you build your temple there
(136) Ana, 3/7/2008
My Path
Hi Yosef, my converted name is Ana Bat Abraham, I am also from Honduras, and I converted due for love for a Jewish man, my husband, but after some time of having converted I started feeling more and more attached to the teachings of the Torah and the People. The only issue that I have is that we don't have a true Rabbi in Honduras, so it's pretty hard to keep up with what I really want for me and my family. I try, but most of the time I know it's not enough. Your story is really inspiring, and I hope that when I send it to my children they will be as inspired as I am. I really want them to be true Jews, that they understand that Judaism is not a religion, but a way of living traditions which were dictated by G-d himself. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Good luck in your search of the Torah, truly, Ana.
(135) Shoshana Chana, 2/6/2008
Response to Inconsistencies Inquiry
An anonymous commentor asked what inconsistencies exist within the Christian Bible. A fantastic site to delve into this matter is www.jewsforjudaism.com which contains numerous pieces on the many mistranslations and out-of-context words or phrases that have led to misunderstandings in the past.
(134) Susan Abramowitz, 30/4/2008
Getting to Know you!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful path to Judaism. Your miracle recovery as a toddler, reveals the special destiny of Jewish Leadership that Hashem has in store for you. Maybe you should have chosen "Moshe" for your name.
Your continued love for Jewish learning is also a feather in Rabbi Radinsky's hat. Wishing for you Great things and that you accomplish all that you desire.
(133) Emily Conn, 5/3/2008
Thank you for sending me your article Yosef, your path reminded me of my own path and search for fullfilment.
(132) Ofra Ben-David, 21/1/2008
G-D bless you Yosef, keep up with the good work, I believe you are one of
G-d special people.
(131) Patti Jenkins, 8/1/2008
Your account of your life is the most uplifting reading
As I said before your account was the most uplifting reading experience I have had in a long time.Keep up the good work and be that hebrew hero this world is starving for. Only Torah can give you the answer and only theliving G-d is in control I know him well and study talmud also.These are the only two ways to reach this radical place we call earth and asecond helping blessing on your Rabbi as well.
(130) Melinda, 5/1/2008
On a path
Yosef,
Thank you for sharing. I'm currently in the middle of my own path, unsure of which path to take, to Judaism or pursue Bnei Noach. My father was a Baptist pastor all my life yet in high school I became introduced to understanding the scriptures in a Jewish light. From there I've been on quite a ride desiring truth. I'm currently studying Hebrew in an Ulpan outside of Jerusalem seeking direction. Blessing to you.
(129) Guilherme Benchimol, 1/1/2008
Exciting story
I'm stay happy and exciting with this story. It's amazing read so incredible case of conversion.
(128) Yaffa, 30/12/2007
Beautiful Story
Wow, I was indeed moved to tears by this story. What an absolutely incredible and inspiring transition that occured. A true example of a nais min h'shamayim.
(127) sheeba josef, 30/12/2007
I also felt it was like my story ------but lucky you people found a rabbi and could convert------- god show me a way
(126) Mary Ann, 30/12/2007
I, too, would like to convert
I started learning about Judaism when I began learning about Kabbalah. It all just makes so much sense...I don't know how to go about it, but I yearn to learn more
(125) Monica, 30/12/2007
Very moving
I was truly moved when I read this article and I welcome Yosef, his family, Minister Flores and his congregation into our Jewish family.
(124) Israel Rivera, 30/12/2007
I'm glad I'm not the only one!
I found myself in the interest of studying Judaism and the Torah.I found so much truth and understanding of the real true G-D (HaShem).I want to give thanks to those who found truth and to keep up so others will know the only One real G-d and the truth of His chosen People. May Hashem bless you.
(123) Grace, 30/12/2007
Hazak Ve'amatz
Truly the ways of Hashem & Mashiach in our days are near are being known in the world
(122) Anonymous, 30/12/2007
inconsistencies - which?
Unbeknownst to us, behind the scenes, Minister Flores was going through an intense personal transition. After much research, he discovered many inconsistencies and contradictions in the New Testament, making the tenets of Christianity untenable.
I would be interested in what they were.
(121) Anonymous, 30/12/2007
Kol Ha Kovod!
Yosef,
An inspiring article. And G-d bless the rabbis who responded to your needs.
Kol Tuv
(120) leah, 30/12/2007
incredible!
Unbelievable! Wow, Yosef! Do you also realize how auspicious it is that you are coming to this place when we are so close to Moshiach?! When I hear of conversions now a days, I hear the "hurry" in the voices of those who wish to convert. This is such an awesome real life(not just a story) that I wnated to respond. truly amazing! Keep growing Yosef!
(119) Julius Watler, 30/12/2007
Read twice-as Jew who has helped Gentiles all my life, glade to see help for His people. Inspiring!
All my life I live in or work in Christian
environment, saying true to Him as I can. such examples as Joseph help. Todah meod.
(118) Eli Ben David, 30/12/2007
This is truly an amazing story
I live in Israel and i wonder why it didn't make headlines in my country. This would normally burst into news headlines like any other sensational event and oh god... we don't lack sensations... believe you me.
Way to go, Yossi.
(117) Yitro, 30/12/2007
Great story ...
.... similar in some ways to my own conversion to Judaism some years ago, based on my own need to find my own path to a "state of grace" and understanding of HaShem .... Salud! Yosef.
(116) Alexia, 30/12/2007
This sounds similar to my path
I was in awe as I read your story. It was so similar to mine except I was Minister Flores. At first I started studying the Tabernacle, from a Christian perspective of course. Then I got deeper into the "Old Testament" and the discrepancies in Christianity became too much for me but I did not know where to turn. I did not know even one Jewish person! But I kept studying. Finally I did a google search and the first entry was a Chabad house. So I went and met a wonderful Rabbi and Rebbetzin. I plan to convert as soon as I can move closer to a shul and become fully observant. This is the right path. And in regards to having a Jewish soul, I have always felt that connection but never understood it. Now I have learned that there was a small Orthodox Jewish population in Jamaica and the last name of one of the founders of the synagogue shares my grandmother's last name. It is decades of history that I would need to uncover but I hope to complete it one day.
(115) Scott Berman, 16/12/2007
great work
I am so impressed with this article Yoseph. Great job, and so incredible. I never knew all this about you. It is an honor to know you. Miss you guys so much.
Hope to get back there and see you soon.
Scott
(114) Gail, 13/12/2007
What a wonderful story!
(113) Melanie, 13/12/2007
I am also thinking about conversion!
Thank you for sharing your experience! I read this article with very much interest, because I feel a very strong belonging to Judaism and the jewish people but I didn't find any jewish ancestors yet. You're right, it's very hard to track! I think sometimes about conversion but I really don't know yet what is the right path for me. I always pray that HaShem may show me what is the truth and what I should do. I also would be very grateful if you readers could remember me in your prayers. Thank you and may HaShem bless you!
(112) Gary Katz, 5/12/2007
anti-semites, take note
I wonder how many Jew-haters unknowingly (and ironically) carry Jewish blood in their veins.
(111) Anonymous, 4/12/2007
B''H
Many thanks to Mr. Flores. His love for the Jewish People and the Torah is an excellent act of love and of authentical human and ethical values.
(110) Anonymous, 2/12/2007
A great inspiration for us
Like the life story of Yosef, I believed I am also descended from Spanish conquistadores who came to our country the Philippines, Jews who are forcibly converted to Christianity. Since there is no synagogue in our city, I tried to understand Judaism through the internet, especially Aish.Com. My soul is longing to return to the right path to Hashem.
(109) Beverly Kurtin, 1/12/2007
Biinvenido!
It is said that all Jews were at the mountain when Moses received the commandments. I believe that is why so many people are waking up and seeing how Tenach and the Christian Testament don't jibe with each other.
How any person who can read the Torah can believe that HaShem had somehow changed his mind about prohibiting human sacrifice is beyond belief!
I get to communicate with some Bnai Noach who are content to remain where they are and there is nothing wrong with that at all. But I'm always glad to see that I've gained more brothers and sisters.
I said it before and I'll say it once again, bienvenvido!
(108) Shabtai, 1/12/2007
Congratulations and all the best for your`s and our future
(107) judah, 30/11/2007
I agree with some of the previous posters and find this article offensive. The minister was wrong in being dishonest with his congregation about what he was trying to do. Judaism is not about using deceit and manipulation in order to win converts. This is one of the central things that we complain about regarding missionary Christians. I am sure that the minister meant well, but this is not what we are about.
(106) Anonymous, 30/11/2007
Baruch haba, Yosef!
Welcome; we are fortunate that you've
joined the Jewish People. May you have
much success in all your endeavors.
(105) Julius Stanley Watler--Yeichiel Shlipshon ben Pheishal HaLevi, 30/11/2007
An interesting spiritual experience
[I was in the middle of my commit when it was "accedently" submitted. Please add this to my other half of my commits.]
A couple of years ago, an inspiriation ocurred, or I remembered something a Rabbi once said; Judaim, and the Jewish people/nation are bringing HaShem's way to humanity, Christians, are being brought to the Torah. This article, and others like it
are good examples of this process of His way in His world being fulfilled.
[Now you have the "rest of the Story"]
B'H
(104) Grace, 30/11/2007
Refreshing !
Since I can remember I have always loved Israel and the Jewish people.
I learned that my grandmothers (both: paternal and maternal) had Jewish last names. The background history goes back to Spain almost 300 years. I am trying to learn more about the Torah.
It is a true revelation to read your amazing journey.
May G…bless you, Keep me in your prayers.
Grace
(103) Julius Stanley Watler--Yeichiel Shlipshon ben Phishel Avaham HaLevi, 30/11/2007
A wonderful example of true faith.
I have wondered for years why we have such a shimmus (trouble) explaining the truths to evengelist, who grab us and ty to converts us to what HaShem calls in His Torah "foriegn" faith. It is clear to anyone who reads His word that one who either deserts Him, or works to bring one away from Him is cursed.
(102) Jennifer Rudner, 30/11/2007
WELL DONE
Welcome to the family. I am a South African Jewess with my roots from Poland and Eastern Europe. It always amazes me how one who is not required to, can take on such a disciplined religion. Born Jews take the honour and privilege of being Jewish for granted and you have openly embraced this religion which comes with discrimination too. You are very special. May you and your family and other Orthodox convertees be blessed.
(101) laurie, 29/11/2007
someone else sounds like me
yes a spark! i have been going to temple services for about 8 months. we have a cantor not a rabbi. everybody is friendly and i think they are warming up to me. then my conversion was brought to my attention... i do want to convert, i'm happy & satified w/the reform temple i'm attending. then a rabbi came to visit me & he said "being a jew is hard & something you're born into, just follow the 7 nohide laws" i looked in gen. for clarity & i'm more confused. i've read that you get turned down 3 times before... maybe i just hit #1 & i'm on the right path? i'd love to hear more covert stories. thanks. L-
(100) Aray, 29/11/2007
Wow, great story.
I have been wanting to meet jews who speak spanish! I have not converted but would like to eventually. I am interested in Aish sister site in spanish??? Good story. I would like to hear more stories about conversions.
Aray
(99) Adina, 29/11/2007
Very moving...
I wish Yosef and the others Good Luck and spiritual contentment - such courage and devotion - I admire it so much - stay strong - we need you !
(98) julia, 29/11/2007
I was anxious reading your story because it was mine in a way
You are amazing Yosef, as is your mother and family in general. As I read your story I was not surprised by how many times you mentioned that some people grew uncomfortable and did not want to continue with the group. I can imagine that the few confrontations you mentioned at the time must have been rather uncomfortable, but hearing that it was never treated like the end of the world and in fact yourselves and the ministers continued to do what you felt was best is fantastic and wonderful. I am so proud and amazed and would sometime like to come visit your congregation in Houston. I converted and can not explain how wonderful it has made my life as well. It is very frightening to tell someone who is devoutly christian that you converted from christianity to judaism. They may not physically spit on you, but their words are enough to tell you they will never see you as a person again. I hope you did not have to interact with people quite like that. It makes me feel less alone to know that my phenomenal journey has been experienced by others too. I wish you all the warmth and lasting joy G*d, Torah and life have to offer, mazel tov!
(97) Marla A. Anker, 29/11/2007
WOWEE......
Yosef-This story is outstanding!You exemplify the saying that "When the student is ready, the teacher appears" Many Blessings in your ongoing discovery of Torah and Judaism. It takes a strong amount of courage to live one's life honestly in the face of "no-agreement". May you and yours always know the unconditional presence of HaShem's greatness and love in your life! Mazel Tov!
(96) Rachel, 29/11/2007
Mazel Tov!
Yosef, thanks for the courage to tell our story. My husband and I were were among the ones from the congregation who converted and it has been a beautiful spiritual journey. Minister Flores did not manipulate us in choosing Judaism over xtianity. Nor were we deceived in any way. I was a xtian for 30 years, believe me it took more than a pastor to move me in the direction of Judaism. Hashem lead us to this path. Even though we arrived at the synagogue together as a group (not because Minister Flores wanted it that way but because the congregation that was left demanded it), the spiritual path to Judaism was individually taken. The proof is in the fact that non of us converted at the same time and there are others who continue the journey towards conversion and others who realized it wasn't for them. The learning process as well as the desire to commit were different for each individual. The desire to follow Torah, doing mitzvahs, keeping kosher, laws of family purity, davening daily, etc. is not something that one can be manipulated or coerced into doing, it comes from within. My husband and I converted over 3 years ago and are happy in a Chabad-Lubavitch community and await the day when we can join you in Israel. May Hashem bless you and give you peace, strength and courage.
(95) yonasan, 29/11/2007
baruch hashem
wow, what a story.
merry yud tes kislev misnaggidim!
love to all, see you soon in the holy land in a rebuilt yerushalyim!
(94) Eliyahu Rosner, 29/11/2007
im sorry i dont agree
unfortunately to me pastor flores doesnt seem like a person i could really trust.i agree with susan and anonimous,judaism at least now shouldnt
look for converts that is not the jewish way. pastor flores should have resigned when he discovered judaism. as i read your story i feel theres much more to it, we welcome sincere converts and we dont doubt that you are jewish but i dont agree with minister flores ways. to me he is a deceiver. im sorry
(93) Nestor Komer, 28/11/2007
Dilemmas
Reading the story of Yosef and his minister I was thrown back to a time, now more than 32 years ago when I myself was a minister of a Mennonite congregation who was discovering that I could not continue to be a Christian in the light of what I was gradually finding out about Torah.
I went through a spiritual nightmare. I never shared my quest with my congregants and when my position became too compromised because of my own shifting spiritual allegiances, I simply resigned the ministry and went my own way, converted to Judaism, went to yeshiva and with a lot of siatha diShmaya (heavenly assistance) became "just a Jew".
Perhaps I was an egoist but I was not prepared to fight battles like pastor Flores has done. I admire his courage.
(92) Yitzchak, 28/11/2007
What an Inspiration YOU are!
This story is unbelievable! Except for one thing... I know you and know what an amazing man and Jew you are.. Thank you for having the courage to share your very thought provoking and inspiring story with all of us. I am blessed for having you as my friend and may G-d bless you with Torah knowledge so vast and beyond your biggest expectations.
(91) jorge aaron romano, 27/11/2007
Hazak u Baruch!!
Yosef you inspired me to do more teshuva today.That extra effort I'll make in my learning is for your zechut and for Aish's of course.Hazak u baruch!!
(90) Anonymous, 27/11/2007
Thanks
Wow, incredible story. Thanks for sharing!
(89) Aura Slovin, 27/11/2007
It takes a certain type of courage.....
It takes a special type of courage to do what you did, revealing your heart warming and special life story and 'baring your soul' to the hundreds of thousands of people who will be reading this. Welcome Home Yosef. As a descendant of Sephardic jews (My Mom speaks fluent Ladino) I welcome you home after a very long journey. May you be Matzliach in your heartfelt desire to lead other Jewish sons and daughters on their path home!
May you, your family and your Rabbi be blessed with long happy healthy fruitful and productive lives - Ad Meah V'Esrim - Kol Tuv
(88) Roxanne (goy), 27/11/2007
Nothing wrong with the pastor
I also thought about the comments left, and I also see nothing wrong in what the pastor did.
I guess those who accuse him of being dishonest do not realize the sheer depths of spiritual extortion there is in the xtian religion! There is none of this in Judaism, and those who left or chose simply to stay observant Bnei Noach were NEVER told to "convert or go to hell"! They were free to ask questions and answered in a non-confrontational way. Thank G-d that I also seemed to have been "xtian-proofed" from the start.
I guess once the pastor started teaching the Torah the way it was meant to be told instead of the sorry imitation of it in xtianity they could not fathom the truth of it.
The "old testament" has NOTHING to do with Torah, people!
(87) sharon, 27/11/2007
What if the situation were reversed?
I can't help but wonder how all the people who think this is a wonderful story would feel if the situation were reversed and a rabbi led his congregation to Xianity.
(86) Ron Cohen, 27/11/2007
Congratulations
As the community president of a primarily anusim community seeking their return/conversion to Judaism I wish to congratulate and encourage all who search for their proper truth within Judaism and to thank Aish for being a consistant source of information and knowledge for the membership of our community.
Ron Cohen
President
Centro Cultural Hebreo de Mexicali
aka Mexicali Jewish Community
(85) Robert, 27/11/2007
How many more
I wonder how many more amazing stories like this are out there?
(84) Rachel, 27/11/2007
Re Renee's comments on Cuban Jews for J
If Renee is correct, her story is shocking BUT I don't see how it has anything to do with Yosef's story, nor with other converts from outside Israel. I am a convert -- not a perfect one, even after 22 years -- but I daven daily, keep kosher, family purity, shabbat, etc. My children, respectively, have/are attending day school; my son just celebrated his bar mitzvah with the entire community. I am so grateful for the Torah's command that we are to love the ger (which has generally been the reaction I have received, although sometimes after an initially cool reception); I hope Renee will rethink her cruel assumptions that you can't really tell who is sincere and who is manipulating the system.
(83) Nechama, 27/11/2007
Mazel Tov and thanks for the inspiration
I want to congratulate Yosef on his conversion. What an inspiring story. I had never before heard of a group of people converting to Judaism en mass like Yosef's congregation did. I know several gerim (converts). I find myself continually renewed by their excitement about Judaism and Torah. Some would say that living a Torah-observant lifestyle presents its limitations, especially in contemporary times. Society and the media tell us to do whatever feels good to us at that moment. Also depending on where you live in the United States and throughout the world, living a religious existence and possessing a religious mindset are unpopular undertakings. All of these things take us away from our real purpose on this earth. That people are still converting to Judaism and voluntarily choosing to take on all of Hashem's commandments is a beautiful thing and is a true testament to their faith.
(82) Rabbi Aryeh Moshen, 27/11/2007
Sent to my group
I sent the link to my Gerus group which has > 1100 members
(81) Leo Besser, 27/11/2007
Help is on the way
I have helped many people to find their foot path to a rewarding Jewish life. What I like about Judaism is that it is not a pretentious religion. It is open to one and all who seek the peace and contentment that it has to offer. A good life is the reward for living a good life. It is truly a mitzvah for a whole group of people to find that the Jewish way of life and giving is the right way. Does this mean that I believe that the whold world should be Jewish? No indeed. It means that it is right for me and if it becomes right for you then all the better.
(80) Lone Star Eye Care, 27/11/2007
Keep it up!!!
The whole gang wishes you well, we are happy for you. Caroline says hi! :)
(79) mauro emanuel landau, 27/11/2007
Yosef: now I understand why everytime I see you around the yeshiva you give me waves of truth. Hatslacha en tu camino, a ti y a toda tu familia. Nos estamos hablando.
(78) yitzchak gonzalez, 27/11/2007
keep praying for Rabbi Radinskys family
Yosef its me Yitzchak Gonzalez just wanted to let you know that Rivka the kids and i wish you mazal, yasher koach on an article well written, you and i well know what we had to go trough but Hashem has been gracious to us! Rivkas flour tortillas are waiting!
(77) raye, 27/11/2007
Marranos?
A long time ago, a doctor by the name of Rodriguez told me that all people with surnames ending in -ez were originally of Jewish descent. I suppose this might apply to -es endings as well.
(76) shoshana esther, 27/11/2007
wouah!!
i was and still am really amazed by this story. as if Hashem had chosen your soul to bring all of you guys back home through your accident, and that your soul before coming down here actually accepted to be the shlicha. indeed exactly like Yossef Hatsadik... i live in the old city for a few days more, probably saw you... all the best
(75) Mercy, 26/11/2007
Congrats!!!!
Hope to see you soon!!!!
(74) Anonymous, 26/11/2007
Hatlocho Raba
Dear Yosef:
Your story is beautiful,take your time going down the beautiful path you've chosen, don't skip steps. I beleive that you trully will lead many others in the right path.
(73) Richard, 26/11/2007
to Susan
Everyone who took exception to the teachings was free to leave -- and did. They confronted him when they wanted to. It was an open issue.
(72) Oceanoah, 26/11/2007
Yosef :) You are chosen by Hashem :)
Your people in that church had been very pure and I honor the courage of a people who find out the Truth and go for it,what a beautiful path you have taken,congradualtions, and man ! you look cute with your Kipah on :)
(71) Yosef, NYC, 26/11/2007
Not Deceiving minister = ethical approach
My dear Susan, welcome to our tent and may you be a happy, strong and Kosher Jew. We love you.
I just would like to suggest that you read Yosef's story more carefully, closely examining details- just like we approach our priceless Talmud.
You will see there is no Deception by that minister and his approach is highly ethical as he honestly was moving in that direction, BUT did NOT arrived to the congregation with predetermined goals.
May you be blessed on your way to the Truth.
(70) Madrich Michael "Yechezkel", 26/11/2007
I was moved - and I know the story!
O: Thanks for sharing your inspiring story with the world. I don't know how well you remember it, but I often tell the story of our walk together down the steps of the Old City towards the Kotel, which you were about to witness for the first time. I stopped you before it was in sight and told you to be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience - seeing the Kotel for the first time. We were both trembling a bit and began moving forward at a much more deliberate pace, arm-in-arm. As the Kotel came into view I think we both started to tremble a bit, and as it came into full view, neither of us could hold back our tears. You then just stood in awe for a few minutes, as if your eyes were deceiving you. Here was the place we had been praying towards from so many miles away, and now it was right in front of us. I'm glad I got to share that experience with you. I miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon.
(69) Mijal, 26/11/2007
WOWWWWWWWW.
WOW... thats the only word i have for this article!! Its really incredible how ashem led you to our house.. You are one of us right now.. I encourage you to keep in the path you choose and never let anyone or anything put you down.
In spanish now: La verdad que es increible el camino que tomastes, bienvenido! ejej.. ahora encontraras la alegria verdadera en cada paso que tomes. Sigue asi, y no dejes que nada ni nadie destruya esa bella decision que tomastes. Felicidades
(68) Bnei Noach, 26/11/2007
Minister not necessarily deceptive
It's difficult to know from this second-hand account. (We don't get the minister's side of the story.) But as a Ben Noach that started out as a Christian, I can say that my transition to belief in Torah and Judaism was not that clear cut. It took several years of reading and learning before I came to a conclusion. And taking that first mental step of questioning your existing beliefs can be very difficult.
I think we should give the minister the benefit of the doubt that he taught his congregation as he was learning and gaining new understanding. The Torah is part of the Christian bible after all. (Nothing wrong with them delving into it a little more!) And Yosef relates that some congregants left along the way. It doesn't sound like anyone was "tricked" into becoming a Jew.
(67) Aharon, 26/11/2007
Welcome home, brother! Remember..
The Torah is perfect - not every Jew is. Never get discouraged and may you and your family be zoche to keep the beautiful inspiration and heavenly assistance that has taken you so far.
(66) Yosef Yehuda, 26/11/2007
Congratulations
Although, I agree with Susan that this is not the jewish way, if this is the path you want to take study and work toward being a jew in mentality and action. Your case is not the first, nor the last. I am a guer and before converting with the VHQ, I intermingle with other groups who planned to convert. The decision is never easy as some of us had to disconnect from our non-jewish family members. I believe that total immersion in a jewish community is a must as well as practice of the hebrew language. J.C. (the Christian god) must be eradicated completedly. Then comes the understanding of the jewish mentality and understanding of difference in minhagim.
Good Luck
Yosef
(65) Susan Petre, 26/11/2007
Thoughts on the pros and cons
I have read all opinions about this article, both pro and con, and have come to the following conclusion: there is nothing wrong with what Minister Flores did, and here are my reasons for believing this. Along the way, people either dropped out or decided on a different path, to become Bnei Noach. There was no coercion and no untruths taught. Let's give credit for the intelligence of people. Members who ultimately converted did so out of genuine conviction and because we have a truly great religion that makes sense. Also, I believe (and this is just a gut level feeling) that the majority of people who converted had Jewish ancestry, and that it was their Jewish neshamas that led them back to what was genuinely right for them. Last, and this is really just my opinion, I am truly grateful to have people with genuine conviction join our ranks. We lost so many in the Holocaust, and we lose so many through intermarriage.
(64) Bennyp, 26/11/2007
Congratulations. When does the book come out?
Congratulations on your heartfelt and well-told article. I'm overjoyed to see the positive effect your life is having on others at the Yeshiva and abroad.
I'm sure all you readers want to know. When does the book come out?
(63) Susan, 26/11/2007
Deceiving minister = Unethical approach
I converted to Judaism out of my own free will, I love being a Jew. But I can't love this particular story. I'm sorry, I find this very disturbing and emberassing. It's unethical and very wrong for a person to deceive his church into believing he is a Christian pastor, while in reality he is in the process of converting to Judaism, trying to lead his church in the same direction. That's just manipulating; pretty much like if a rabbi was studying with Jews for Jesus, while slowly deceiving his congregation into walking down the same path. This is so wrong. It's not the Jewish way.
(62) Mark, 26/11/2007
do not agree !!
I do not agree with Ovadyah's assertion that: 'it's easy to be a Jew' if it were so easy than we would have a united Orthodox community, which, is obviously far from the truth. To be a comitted Torah Jew, especially in this day and age with so many distractions takes a level of courage and determination. To commit oneself to a 'new' path and to become a convert, takes a level of commitment which is almost superhuman. So to Yosef and those like hime Kol Hakavod. As it written "It is a tree of life for those who cleave to it"
(61) alice, 26/11/2007
Beautiful
Beautiful Story! of course there is here a language of love and understanding! do keep on!
(60) rhoda, 26/11/2007
being Jewish gives great comfort
G-d is great in his wisdom. He shows us paths to go and gives us choices. It is not hard to be a Jew, it is just hard to put up with the predjusdices the world throws at us.
Why people hate Jews is hard to comprehend because Jesus, Mary and Joseph, plus all of the disciples are Jews. There is nothing in the bible that says that they ever converted.
I have searched this carefully and can find no indication of this.
What I love of my religion is that it never aks for converts. To become Jewish, you must say "i WANT TO BE A JEW"
G-d bless you. Mozeltov.
(59) A ger tzedek, 26/11/2007
Yosef,
Welcome home but remember it's easy to be a Jew. This is the most fantastic religion in the world. If one finds something hard in Judaisim it means one is pushing against an open door - try a slightly different Torah based approach and you could quickly find what was hard becomes easy! Also make sure that you tell people in your community that if they have any difficulties they should consider going to an orthodox psychologist. I think often people who have had difficulties with Judasim really in truth had difficulties with unresolved childhood or personal issues. The resolution of such issues can make life truly wonderful and reveal Judasim to be just great! Be happy and make other Jews happy!
(58) OVADYAH, 26/11/2007
I also found out that my family has Jewish roots.I am studying with Rabbi Kassorla in Atlanta.He has been a great help to me. I have much to learn. Mazal Tov
(57) shlomo abraham, 25/11/2007
Yosef,
Welcome home but remember its tough tobe a jew
(56) Mark Lewkowicz (aka your old roomate), 25/11/2007
You are the Man.
Dear Yosef,
Keep up the good work man. It's great too see how much you've grown since I left. I hope to see you soon. A big Mazel Tov and Hatzlacha in everything you do.
(55) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
Amazing process of discovery
It is of the utmost importance to realize that the Moschiach has not come yet. Simply look at the world and looks at its disarray, when the Moschiach comes, there will be no disarray and it will be better than anyone but HaShem imagines. There will be Rainbows in the Sky, Angels Flying from Heaven, and all Neshamahs redeemed. Of course with different reward, but all will be satisfied. So what does this mean? In the christian tradition there is a day of judgement where people are sent to damnation, but look at the Jewish tradition, we believe in FULL REDEMPTION. That's right. FULL REDEMPTION. After all would G-d want anything less?
(54) Sharona, 25/11/2007
Excellent
Great story. That must be very hard for people to make such a life changing decision like that. They are truely amazing. :)
Also, I think it's good that some of them chose just to be Bnei Noach. Being Jewish is a big responsibility because of our obligation to keep the many mitzvos and believe completely in the Torah that Hashem gave us. And so if someone feels that they may Not be able to do that, then being a Bnei Noach is a good spiritual alternative for them
(53) Ben, 25/11/2007
Very Amaziing and Inspiring
I wanted to point out besides Arye Kaplan's counter missionary book counter missionary books can be found at www.jewsforjudaism.com and bensolomon.info
(52) Chana, 25/11/2007
Inspiring
Thanks for the inspiring story; I was especially touched by the last line where Yosef shows he has already risen to the level of using his journey to help ignite the spark in others.
(51) Pearl Berkowitz, 25/11/2007
Welcome (back?) as a new member of the Jewish People
What an unusual and inspirational story of how your group eventually being considered "officially" part of the Jewish People. A Yosher Koach to all the members of the congregation who eventually converted! I admire them very much and hope that they be well in all ways (physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially. Now we are truly Jewish cousins!
(50) Winiarz family, 25/11/2007
Beautiful Story! Welcome, welcome!
Your story is truly inspiring!! We wish you continued success in your journey up the ladder of true Judaism.
(49) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
I can't agree, sorry
I think that it was very unethical for your pastor to lead the congregation towards Judaism. He was in a position of trust as their pastor. He should have resigned when he realized he wanted to convert. His job and mission was to lead them in a Christian lifestyle, not a Jewish one.
It's not a case of our faith is better, I'm glad the writer found what's in his heart, but it's not a "win" for us. It reminds of my Mormon co-worker telling me how happy she was that a Jewish man had converted to Mormonism, I guess she thought that I would rejoice with her. I was just sad. And I'm sad that his church lost their members, and that they're now isolated from their families. I love Judaism because that's who I am, but I think other religions are beautiful and valid also.
(48) dalia, 25/11/2007
Wonderful, just a fantastic read, your article brought tears to my eyes.
Mazel tov, Josef to you & the entire 'group'
We need more like you!
(47) andrea, 25/11/2007
Baruch Ha Ba!
Yosef,
Baruch Ha Ba!
(46) Marian Hauge, 25/11/2007
Masel Tov Yosef
You and your family and fellow congregants are an inspiration. And indeed, Welcome Home....
(45) Noe Espinoza, 25/11/2007
Hola Hermano!
Yosef, I am going through a similar transition myself. I'm glad to see you have your families support. Quisiera halbar con tigo. totaldrecords@yahoo.com
(44) Mel, 25/11/2007
Mazal Tov Yosef
Well, I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one, one day I visit a synagogue in Veracruz Mexico, because my grand ma took me there and she told me we were Jews unfortunatly she died short time after that but I kept attending until we move to Mexico City where I met Rabbi Shmuel Lerer and we talk for a long time, them we move to Texas where I finally embrace judaism until now, there is a lot of Hispanics that have found their roots, and I feel so Happy for that!!
If some one from that little Synagogue in Veracruz Ver. Mexico Kehila Beth Shmuel read this just Know that since I was 13 you are in my heart because you opened my eyes, now I'm 38 and my family (wife, kids, parents, brothers)are in this journey thru Judaism.
Thank you
(43) Elonna, 25/11/2007
Beautiful!
I have tears streaming down my face from this uplifting story. What a lucky man to have his family and church convert en masse with him! That's a dream come true. I was born into a xtian family, and from day one I was xtian-proof. I'm an alien in my family. I would love a Jewish family. I'm so happy for Josef and his family!
(42) Miriam-Tova, 25/11/2007
An Amazing Story
What a story! Welcome home, Yosef.
(41) Loraine Stayer, 25/11/2007
This has happened before
I read a book about an entire town in Italy that converted to Judaism about the time of the second world war. They then moved to Israel, where they were required to reconvert.
(40) Ana, 25/11/2007
Blessings
Dear Yosef:
My family came to Panama in the 1918's and from Orthodox, they have assimilated into no faith. From my Grandmother, I am the only one that has embraced my Jewih roots. I married a Jew who didn't know he was Jewish rather became a catholic due to persecution and to escape from Europe. I became a daily visitor of Aish.com and reading from the Rabi I was called to practice. Many blessings have come to us along with criticism from others. Last year, as I lighted the Menorah but I was missing some candles I prayed for a miracle. As I open a drawer next to me, I found enough candles for the last day of Hanukah. Last year,On the last day of Hanukah three little girls needed a home for the Holidays. Little did we know that they were to be adopted. I share my story with you because of your path will be rewarded for you fortitude. Blessings to you.
(39) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
you honor us
as a convert myself, i always envy the ones who have found that connection to hashem and torah. i strive for it and it always eludes me. growing up my mothers family religion hopped and when i was 9 we were 7th day adventist and i kept thinking that the idea of j was absurd. i was 12 when we made the jump to judiasm (i never even knew that jews existed until then) but it felt right. converted when i was 15 but that closeness and feeling of pure love has always been just outside of my reach. i keep trying though. welcome
(38) Leora, 25/11/2007
Amazing! Welcome back, Yosef.
(37) Shlomo Goldhaber, 25/11/2007
Yosef
Welcome Home
Shlomo Goldhaber
habergol@netvision.net.il
(36) susan, 25/11/2007
similar story to converted Jews in Uganda
There is a large and growing group of Jews in Mbale Uganda called Abayudaya who have asimilar story. I had the privilege of meeting with them and they welcome visits from fellow Jews; they have been functioning as a community for over 100 years and have a Rabbi and a temple and a growing community. They even have web site. acommmunity for
(35) Ari Stotleman, 25/11/2007
Welcome!
Don't let Ann Coulter know you've "unperfected" yourself! Welcome. A decision made from the head and heart are always the most fulfilling and trustworthy.
(34) Braja, 25/11/2007
Very moving story
Joseph,thanks for your beautifully related story. May God bless you and your decission on taking our religion as yours,I·m sure you·ll alawys be a
good person,a good Believer and a better Jew every day.
I·m so glad you found your way!!!
Blessings with all my love from
Uruguay,South America
(33) Liora, 25/11/2007
We are proud to have a Jew like you
Yosef - What a wonderful story. Its so refreshing and inspiring and makes me even more proud and happy, having been born a jew, that a person like you who cares and believes so sincerely would choose to join (or potentially, considering your heritage, rejoin)us - when so many jews treat their faith and heritage as though it were worthless.
(32) eliana, 25/11/2007
Thank you Yosef for showing what it means to seek the truth and grasp it>! Yasher koyach!!
(31) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
Finding oneself within.
Thank you for this most inspiring story! I do not doubt that somewhere in the very distant past of Jews forced to convert or die, your family, or others like it, would find their roots. Yours is an inspiring life! I wish you mazel.
(30) rachel, 25/11/2007
Beautiful story- definitely inspired me!!
(29) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
One of the best stories I've read in a very long time. It was inspirational
(28) Goldie Klei, 25/11/2007
I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this amazing article and its implications. It brought me to tears.
(27) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
COLUMBUS WAS PROBABLY JEWISH -- SEE BRITANNICA
JUST AN ASIDE.
PROBABLY 90% OF JEWS DON'T KNOW THIS.
ALSO REVISED STANDARD VERSION OF THE BIBLE (PROTESTANT?) HAS GIVEN UP THE "VIRGIN" TRANSLATION IN ISAIAH. IT IS NOW "BEHOLD A MAIDEN IS TO GIVE BIRTH".
(26) Betty Levy, 25/11/2007
Great story
What a wonderful story, I am a Jew from Mexico and there was a little town in the hills of Mexico City where a lot of people converted and joined our synagogue. What a lovely sight to see.
(25) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
what a wonderful story...
you are an inspiration....I too am a clergy convert...and this is simply amazing and in a way my story too...mazel tov!!!
(24) Cohen-Paraira, 25/11/2007
Welcome BACK.
You do not realy beleeve that you just overnight tuned jewish from beeing christian. At least one of every 3 white south Americans are form anusiem ancestery, force fully converted in Spain or the colonies.
Now that the beginning of the ingathering have stated, as we have our own land, Hakdosh Baroegh Hoe is also calling those who lived as christians for a few hundred years, to come back, now. My family converted back already in the 15 hundreds we where blessed with beatifull Portogeese kehiloth in Amsterdam and elsewhere, now your are called to rejoin our ranks. "Boas Andrada an la nacao de israel."
(23) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
good!
good for you.
(22) andy, 25/11/2007
positive
keep it up!
(21) Matt, 25/11/2007
Concerned
Minister Flores came to some dubious conclusions about the "Greek Bible." The notion that the New Testament contains the name 'Zeus' is absurd, as is the idea that by knowing Spanish one qualified someone to find discover such things in a Greek text. I definitely agree that people should follow the truth whereever it leads, but part of doing so is having good evidence.
(20) shells, 25/11/2007
congratulation Yosef :0) on an EXCELLENT! article
gosh... I know I keep doing this... but as a Mum and because we are all one family I want to tell YOU... I am so proud of you!!!! loved your article and everything you've said makes sense to me. so much so that I'm gonna recommend to all my frieds and family that they read it to. Bless you Yosef and thank YOU for everything you are and everything you stand for. shalom Shells x
(19) Rosen, 25/11/2007
the Torah is sound
Indeed, the Torah is the most authentic religious and holy scripture.
Christianity is not so unique since it is derived from Pagan and Greek myths, as well as some teachings from Judaism. Christian theologians who have anticipated the "2nd coming of Christ" were always wrong in their anticipations every time, so there is no chance they can be right again.
I have even came across some non-Jews who acknowledge that the Jews are the chosen people and that the Torah makes sense.
In particular, any wonder why Catholics happen to be turning away from their Churches? It's most likely due to the spiritual extortion involved, where "if you don't believe in Christ, you will burn in Hell". Then comes the hypocrisy with priests embezzling money and molesting small children, among other things. And, to say that "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven" is really not much more than a bumper sticker.
One can seek forgiveness thru the Al Cheyt, usually given on Yom Kippur, and non-Jews can always follow the 7 universal laws of the Noahide.
Thus, the Torah is very sound, because it is the direct word from G-d, as opposed to a certain book that tells people what to do as it says.
One does mitzvot because it is G-d's will, not just what the bible says.
As for converting to Judaism, it is one option to return to G-d, while others can easily follow the 7 Noachide laws.
What the early Rabbis predicted about the world to come would be for the better, and they have been right prior to the Messianic age with advancements in technology and surveillence.
There is a lot of inspiration and awe in Hebrew and the Torah for both Jews and non-Jews. And, it's important to remember the verse in Zacariah, where the non-Jews from the different corners of the world will grab the shirt of the Jew and/or Rabbi and say, "we will go with you for we have heard G-d is with you." Being smart about this can go hand-in-hand with what the beauty and wisdom that Judaism teaches.
(18) chana, 25/11/2007
what an amazing story!!
thank you for sharing your story. what a pleasure to have you as a MOT.
(17) Renata, 25/11/2007
Congradulations!
Yosef, I was really touched reading your story. Congratulations on your conversion. I am a Jew by birth but did a lot of research about other religions, especially Christianity. Christians claim to beleive in the old and new testament but what many people don't realize is that the two contradict each other and it is impossible to truely believe in the old testament and in Jesus at the same time. I think that many people never delve into these matters and simply believe what they are told to believe. They are simply unaware! Kuddos to your minister for thinking outside the box! I know that all of you will be a credit to your new religion!
(16) Georganne, 25/11/2007
Incredibly moving story
And we think that we Jews struggle with our faith. More people should read stories like this.
(15) Renee, 25/11/2007
Muslims have many of the same customs as Jews
Muslims soak their meat in salt water, lemon or vinegar solution. Muslims bury their dead within 24 hours. Muslims observe a separation between married couples during menstruation. Muslims do not eat pork and also celebrate Friday with a big meal in the evening.
Spain was under Muslim rule for hundreds of years and it is not surprising that the Spanish language contains many many Semitic words and customs. Jews and Muslims have much more in common religiously than they have different.
Additionally just by simple math, due to the assimilation of Spain's Jewry a large number of Hispanic Christians will carry genetic markers that demonstrate that they have Jewish ancestry.
Only being born of a Jewish mother or conversion k'halacha (and right now the only conversions that are being accepted in Israel are those done under the supervision of the Israeli Rabbinute) makes a person a Jew.
Other than that, we are all one big human family and Jews share common genetic markers with all Palestinian Arabs, Iranians, Anatolian Turks as well as many Hispanics, Italians, Indians, Ethiopians, Afghanis and others.
This does give a great deal of credibility to the midrash that Avraham sent the children of his non Jewish wives to the Far corners of the world.
But Judaism is a religion and not a race. The only way to be a Jew is by accepting Torah and mitzvos and conversion k'halacha by an authorized Beit Din. Aish Rabbis would do well to heed the daas Torah of Bedatz.
(14) Jeff Neckonoff, 25/11/2007
Awesome Story
As someone who soends quite a lot of his free time fighting the mssionary menace, I must say this is a great story that will breing strength to many people still trapped in that false belief system.
My journey story is here:
www.bethgoyim.com
(13) Mordechai Bland, 25/11/2007
What ever happened to Minster Flores? He sounds like a remarkable individual. Reminiscent in a way of Abraham Avinu, who left his family, birthplace, everything to follow Hashem. It takes a lot of ruach to risk everything, especially when you go from leader and teacher to beginning level student.
(12) Renee, 25/11/2007
And now they are missionaries converting Jews
About 20 years ago, a whole Cuban community converted to Judaism in South FL. They had researched their "roots" and decided that they were anusim returning to Judaism. They converted with an Orthodox Beis Din and seemed very sincere.
That same group of people has been running a network of 75 missionary Jews for Jesus churches that are all over the country. They have trained thousands of Christian missionaries who have been missionizing Jews for a generation now along with more Hispanic "anusim".
Missionaries trained by this group are working every Orthodox shul in South Fl. and are teaching in our yeshivas. They are working in kashrus and doing taharas with Hevra Kaddisha, baptizing the bodies of Jewish people. As quickly as the Rabbis uncover one, two more have already replaced him.
At this point some of these missionaries are "born" Jews because they are the children and grandchildren of the original group that converted from the late 70's and early 80's. They have married within the community and now bear some of the surnames of the most respected Jewish families.
Because the yeshivas generally give preference to Gentiles who are converting over born Jewish children, these missionaries have excellent Jewish educations and some have gotten jobs as pulpit Rabbis or teachers in Orthodox shuls and schools. Jews for Judaism has made a nearly full time job of finding these people and alerting the local Rebbeim but there is little that anyone can do.
I think that all US kiruv groups would do well to heed the daas Torah from Bedatz Jerusalem and stop proselytizing to Gentiles whether they are cohabiting with Jewish men,are the biological offspring of Jewish men or simply seem "sincere".
Rabbis in this country clearly are not able to tell who is a sincere convert and who is a Christian missionary converting to Judaism to better missionize to Jews in the US or Israel.
US Rabbis should learn from their previous mistakes and send all potential converts to Israel and should accept the obvious fact that American Jews are much more socialized to Christianity than we realize and that we are no longer able to tell the difference between sincere Christians who want to missionize to Jews and those who are really converting l'shem Shamayim, k'halacha.
If you wonder just how socialized Americans ARE to Christianity, just look at the Hanukkah "shopping" season. My Mizrachi family knows of no such thing. Purim is the holiday for gift giving. Pesah and Rosh Hashana are the holidays for clothing and jewelry gifts. Only in Christiandom do Jews go out and play Santa in December.
(11) sheeba, 25/11/2007
I also felt it was like my story ------but lucky you people found a rabbi and could convert------- god show me a way
(10) Chana Rochl, 25/11/2007
Hispanic Jews Coming Home!
Since I was a little girl, I loved Judaism, knowing that we should live and worship as Jews!! Mum agreed, never hesitant to allow my Jewish learning from her Jewish friends, of which she had many.
On my path to Torah Judaism, I dallied with Messianic Judaism, and a messianic outreach started by an Israeli convert to Christianity. I was always touched by the Hispanic Evangelical groups with whom we'd "share the Jewish festivals". With our costumey clothes and Israeli folk dances, music and foods, we were really just entertainment for most churches and study groups. But, many were Hispanics who, for some reason beyond my grasp, dearly loved the Torah and Jewish traditions.
They asked serious questions, about the connection between Torah Judaism and "Judeo-Christian" faith amplifying my own questioning. After years of study I came to the miserable conclusion that Judeo-Christianity was an oxymoron.
3 decades, I finally converted with my daughter, two sons and husband, the son on a So Baptist minister...not an easy change for him.
Only weeks after our Orthodox conversion, my uncle called with a "tidbit of interest to the Family Jew": Our family's historian had discovered our roots in Spain in 1493 where we'd been invited to join The Church or FRY. Like so many Jews, our family headed for the Pyrenees, and eventually to Quebec!
Is it a coincidence I felt an aching for my roots, as do so many others of Hispanic heritage? I don't think so. I KNOW we're being called home as our collective consciousness rises...
And, Aish.com has been an enormous comfort and help to me, my family and friends as we traveled the rocky trail from the wastelands of Christianity to the Blessing of our Torah Home!
Thanks and blessings to my Brother Yosef, his brave family and Aish.com for being there to wave the banner for us all to follow Home!
(9) rachel kapen, 25/11/2007
Yosef's Journey to Judaism
What an inspiring story. We Jews who were born Jews take it for granted so it is good to be reminded of how fortunate we are. Thank you, Yosef, for reminding us. YOu chose a wonderful name, my father's, who came to Eretz Israel in the early 1920's to help rebuild the country of our ancestors. I wish you all the success in the world.
(8) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
I am curious as to how many became Bnai Noach, in addition to the 100 becoming Jewish.
I have to say, my mom was raised Christian, but had a strong pull towards Judaism at an early age. She also learned some odd things from the aunt (her mother's oldest sister), who raised her. She learned to check eggs for blood spots in a glass cup and to soak cleaned chicken in salt water. Her roots trace to an area of England where some of the Spanish armada was shipwrecked. One wonders if a Spanish woman of converso origin was not among them.
(7) ruthi, 25/11/2007
Thank you for your beautiful story. Hatzlacha Rabah in all your ways!
(6) Laura, 25/11/2007
At Long Last
This is happening all over! I am so happy that ya'll have decided to step up and acknowledge this phenomenon. God is calling his people to Torah and even some of us red neck West Texans are hearing the call. Torah is truth. Torah is HaShem in written form. Torah is for all who will hear and obey.
(5) Jordan, 25/11/2007
hi
Hi Yosef,
I met you in yeshiva, didn't realise your story - I guess everyone in Aish for instance has a unique reason for being there. I'll probably see you soon PG when I'm back, I'm in England at the moment studying at university. I'll introduce myself if you don't know who I am!
Jordan
(4) galia berry, 25/11/2007
beautiful but not surprising
There is a community of sincere converts from a small town in Mexico that also converted en masse, now living in Israel. That community turned out to be quite diverse, with some living in Mea Shearim, others living in the shtachim, etc.
My son-in-law was a rabbi in San Antonio. He was approached several times by anusim - people whose ancestors were Jewish at the time of the Inquisition - and who were interested in reconnecting to Judaism. The Jewish spark does not die out completely, even if it takes many, many years and generations later to re-ignite.
(3) Anonymous, 25/11/2007
yishar koach
Thank you for this amazing story.may Hashem always show you and your family the right derech to walk down and may you lizkot to teach torah to many people that come your way.
(2) Sharon, 25/11/2007
Another goody
This is a beautiful story, and whether Yosef discovers Jewish roots in his family history or not, he is 100% Jewish and he and his community will be an asset to the Jewish people. I welcome them all with open arms. And those who chose to remain B'nei Noach are also blessed.
(1) Sara Rigler, 25/11/2007
Gevalt!!
What an amazing story! And what courage Minister Flores had/has! If only all of us were willing to follow Truth to wherever it takes us--no matter what the cost!
This article can also be read at: http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Torah_in_Our_Church.asp
This article can also be read at: http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Torah_in_Our_Church.asp
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sharbano on -
This has also happened in the US, especially in the south, where Entire congregations have turned to being B'Nai Noach. Truly these are the footsteps of Mashiach, may he come quickly in our time. Rabbis in Israel have had people come from All over the world professing their adherance to the Noachide Laws. The "Light" of the Torah is certainly shining "to the Nations". B"H.
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Permalink Reply by Yoel on -
Sharbano my brother, the more I read about our people returning to Judaism my soul makes my heart jump for joy, praise G-D praise the G-d of Abraham Isaac and Jacob YUD- HEI-VAV- HEI
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Marranos - Returning to Judaism
http://zionism-israel.com/israel_news/2008/08/marranos-returning-to-judaism.html
It took a long time - 500 years - but at least some of the Marranos, victims of the Inquisition forced to convert to Catholicism, are returning to Judaism and renewing their connection with the Jewish people. This movement is all the more remarkable because the rabbinical establishment has done little or nothing to encourage this movement. The Marranos must have lifted a collective eye-brow when they heard the Pope lecturing Muslims about compulsion in religion. It would be quite interesting to see a debate between a Marrano who had returned to Judaism, and a Jews for Jesus fanatic.
Descendants of Marranos arrive in Israel
Delegation of 16 Europeans, whose ancestors were forced to convert to Catholicism during inquisition over 500 years ago, seek to renew their ties with Jewish people, state
Ynetnews Published: 08.27.08, 06:56 / Israel Jewish Scene
A delegation of 16 Bnai Anousim from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France arrived in Israel over the weekend. Bnai Anousim (referred to as "Marranos" by historians) is the name for Mediterranean European Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism on pain of death during the Spanish Inquisition.
In the late 14th and 15th century, at the time of mass expulsions of Jews from Spain and Portugal, the Bnai Anousim remained behind, where they continued to preserve their Jewish identity and to practice the Jewish faith covertly.
As a result, this unique phenomenon is still evident even today, even though the Inquisition invested enormous efforts over the centuries to eradicate it.
The trip is being arranged by the Shavei Israel organization, a non-profit organization with the aim of strengthening ties between the State of Israel and the descendants of Jews around the world.
The organization is currently active in nine countries and provides assistance to a variety of different communities such as the Bnei Menashe of India, the Bnai Anousim in Spain, Portugal and South America, the Subbotnik Jews of Russia, the Jewish community of Kaifeng in China, descendants of Jews living in Poland, and others.
In the framework of their visit to Israel, the Bnai Anousim participants will travel across the country and visit places such as Jerusalem, Rachel's Tomb, Safed, Tiberias, Haifa, Beit Shearim, Kibbutz Lavi, and more. In addition, they will take part in special classes on Jewish history, culture and religion being held for them in Spanish and Portuguese as well as learn some Hebrew.
According to Shavei Israel founder and Chairman Michael Freund, large numbers of Bnai Anousim around the world have started to openly embrace their Jewish heritage in recent years and many are seeking to renew their connection with Israel and the Jewish people after centuries of preserving their identity in secret.
"This visit to Israel by a delegation of Bnai Anousim is part of the process of forging a renewed relationship with the Jewish people and the State of Israel. I believe that we have an historic and moral obligation to reach out to the Bnai Anousim and to assist them as much as we can," Freund said.
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Marranos come home
New phenomenon sweeps Portugal: Descendants of Marranos rediscover their Jewish roots and the Jewish faith. One Porto community undergoes mass conversion
Gabi Newman
Yosef Pero Philip is professor psychiatry at the University of Porto. Arieh Ben Avraham is a renowned film director. Yosef Eduardo Albas is a soccer player in Portugal's Second Division. All three men have recently converted to Judaism, observe the mitzvoth, and are distinctly proud of their Jewish heritage.
These three men are also representative of a noticeable recent trend among descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Marranos, that is Sephardic Jews forced to adopt the identity of Christians, who are now rediscovering their Jewish faith and reclaiming their ancient heritage en masse.
Rabbi Eliyahu Birnbaum of the "Shavei Israel" Foundation, which oversees the conversion process among these Marrano descendants, said that over the years individual Marranos have converted to Judaism , but now, thanks to the foundation's efforts, entire communities of Marrano offspring are converting to Judaism and reclaiming their ancient heritage.
"If you asked people in Israel, they would probably tell you that Marranos are merely a blurb on the annals of history, but here we see definitive proof that people still view themselves as Marranos and children of Marranos, and that this is a very real, spiritual phenomenon," said Rabbi Birnbaum.
Indeed, many Portuguese are now becoming reacquainted with their Jewish lineage. Aaron Ram, Israel's Ambassador to Portugal, told Ynet that "when people find out that I'm the Israeli ambassador, many end up telling me that they are Jewish, or rather that they are of Jewish descent. Many of these Marranos are not Jewish anymore, nor do they intend to convert, but they nevertheless mention their heritage with great pride. I would say that 10% of all Portuguese are offspring of Marranos of Jewish descent."
What led to this spiritual reawakening among these former Jews? The waning power of the church in both Spain and Portugal is a definite factor leading to this trend, as is the quest for belonging and identity so prevalent around the world today.
The Marano descendants in question tend to come from a high socio-economic background, and are typically well integrated into the Christian society that they live in. They claim that their return to their Jewish heritage does not invoke scorn or hatred in their peers, and that they are typically applauded for their resolve and bravery.
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Permalink Reply by couragehonorvalor on -
Yoel,
Wonderful to see your brethren find their spiritual awakening.
chv
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Permalink Reply by wharold on -
A truly great, ongoing story! When I finally learned about Noahism I was amazed at the deep simplicity and direct connection to G-d.
The discussion of G-d, among some of my seemingly secular friends, is more often ending with them rather easily understanding Noahism, as they admit for the *power* of Life and have never been comfortable with xianity.
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Permalink Reply by Yoel on
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wharold, did you know that Noahides will help bring the Jews back home.
How Do We Bring the Jews Home? Ask the Gentiles for Help
by Bryan J. Ellison
One of the 613 mitzvos commands all Jews to teach the gentile nations their Seven Noachide Laws (Sefer Hamitzvos, positive #3). This is a Torah obligation binding on all men and women over the age of bar or bas mitzvah, without which a Jew's service to Hashem is incomplete.
Obviously, the fulfillment of this mitzvah confers tremendous benefit on the non-Jews who listen and follow. But this is no distraction from a Jew's other efforts in carrying out Torah mitzvos; rather, it is an investment in the rest of Torah — and particularly in the work of bringing Jews back to Judaism. This truth is even more relevant at this moment, as we stand at the doorway to Redemption.
Speaking of the coming of Moshiach, the prophet Yeshaya revealed that the gentile nations will play a startlingly important role in the ingathering of the Jewish exiles: "Thus said Hashem G-d, 'Behold, I will raise My hand to the gentiles, and I will lift My banner to the peoples, and they bring your sons on their arms, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders" (49:22).
At the end of his book, Yeshaya again describes this incredible event: "And they [all the gentiles] will bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to Hashem, on horses, on chariots, in covered wagons, on mules, and with joyous songs to My holy mountain Yerushalayim" (66:20). According to the explanation of Redak, this refers to those Jews who do not return on their own. The gentiles, seeing the miracles and the sanctification of Hashem's name, will bring the last Jews out of exile, returning them physically to the land of Israel and spiritually back to the Torah.
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Permalink Reply by gol bitta pia on -
Yoel, I don't understand how all these returning Jews are going to fit comfortably in the land of Israel. Is Hashem going to expand the borders of Israel? I also think that G-d himself will cause a stirring within the soul of the lost Jews to return. I don't believe this from anything I have read, but from my own experience in discovering my Jewish ancestry. It wasn't until 1990, about a week before I was to go to Israel for a college class, that my grandmother tells me about my Jewish ancestry. But she only told me a couple of things prior to my statement to her "so we are Jewish," and then my sweet, always gentle and kind grandmother suddenly goes postal on me and starts acting like she is going to strangle me for that statement, so I figured I better not ask anymore questions about my family's Jewish ancestry. I don't know why this statement disturbed her so much, if it was a family issue about a fight about money, or issues stemming from WWII and my Jewish ancestors being from Germany and having the last name of Hirsch. And that her brother was wounded at the battle of St. Lo and came home paralyzed and eventuallly died from those wounds. It was my understanding that US GI's in WWII who had Jewish last names had to file off their names from their dog tags so they would fare better if caught by the Germans. She also told me, before I made my statement that at least one of our ancestors actually immigrated to Palestine in the 1800's during the Zionist movement and that my Great-Great-Grandfather went to visit him there sometime in the 1920's. And since my parents didn't provide any religious education of any type in my household growing up, I went to Israel with almost no knowledge of Judaism, just what I had learned in college and from people I had met now and then at a Know your Neighbor service at the Orthodox synagogue that year. Anyway, I had always believed in G-d, even if I didn't have any formal religious training, but until I started meeting Jews and went to Israel, I did not fully know the identity of my G-d. But I immediately recognized that the Jews I was meeting all seemed to know my G-d, whereas the Christians and Muslims I had met in my lifetime did not seem to know my G-d. When I flew El-Al I immediately felt HaShems presence as well. It is like a strong magnetic connection I can feel within my spirit and/or soul that I cannot pull away from, especially around righteous Jews. Intellectually speaking I tell myself I better not be a Jew, as that seems to bring a great deal unwanted trouble into one's life, but spiritually speaking I am magnetically drawn to it. I cannot separate myself from HaShem, El Hayyah (G-d of My Life). The magnetic pull is too great and I have no desire to pull away from HaShem as well. I could forsake the Jewish people, Israel, my family and everything else, but I cannot forsake HaShem. But then again, HaShem is with His people and Israel, so how can I forsake them, even if it is physically better for me to do so? So this is why I believe that G-d himself is going to stir the soul's of the lost Jews to return.
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Permalink Reply by Yoel on
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golbittapia, your soul is very active in your body and you like all others you feel it in your heart. In 1990 18 years ago you said your grandmother first told you about your Jewish ancestry May I ask, was your mother the daughter of your grandmother? .golbittapia did you know there is only 12 to 15 million Jews in the whole world and less than 7 million Jews live in Israel, Hitler and his Nazi followers murdered half of our people, look at Israel you are looking at G-Ds miracle. golbittapia look to the Jews we are G-Ds sons and daughters Avinu Malkeinu," (our Father, our King). .
golbittapia, You ask a question and than your soul answered it
I tell myself I better not be a Jew, as that seems to bring a great deal unwanted trouble into one's life, but spiritually speaking I am magnetically drawn to it. I cannot separate myself from HaShem, El Hayyah (G-d of My Life). The magnetic pull is too great and I have no desire to pull away from HaShem as well. I could forsake the Jewish people, Israel, my family and everything else, but I cannot forsake HaShem. But then again, HaShem is with His people and Israel, so how can I forsake them, even if it is physically better for me to do so? So this is why I believe that G-d himself is going to stir the soul's of the lost Jews to return.
THIS WILL TELL YOU WHO THE JEWS ARE
Isaiah 41.8: "But thou, Israel, art My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham My friend."
Isaiah 41.9: "Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art My servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away."
Isaiah 43.10: "You are My witnesses, says the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen ..."
Isaiah 44.1: "But now hear, O Jacob, My servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen."
Isaiah 44.21: "Remember these things, O Jacob and Israel, for you are My servant. I formed you, you are My servant, O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me."
Isaiah 45.4: "For the sake of My servant, Jacob, and My chosen, Israel, I call you by your name ..."
Isaiah 48.20: "Go forth from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it forth to the end of the earth, say: 'The Lord has redeemed His servant, Jacob'."
Isaiah 49.3: "And He said to me: 'You are My servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified'."
What Will the Moshiach Do?
Before the time of the moshiach, there shall be war and suffering (Ezekiel 38:16)
The moshiach will bring about the political and spiritual redemption of the Jewish people by bringing us back to Israel and restoring Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 23:8; 30:3; Hosea 3:4-5). He will establish a government in Israel that will be the center of all world government, both for Jews and gentiles (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:10; 42:1). He will rebuild the Temple and re-establish its worship (Jeremiah 33:18). He will restore the religious court system of Israel and establish Jewish law as the law of the land (Jeremiah 33:15).
Olam Ha-Ba: The Messianic Age
The world after the messiah comes is often referred to in Jewish literature as Olam Ha-Ba (oh-LAHM hah-BAH), the World to Come. This term can cause some confusion, because it is also used to refer to a spiritual afterlife. In English, we commonly use the term "messianic age" to refer specifically to the time of the messiah.
Olam Ha-Ba will be characterized by the peaceful co-existence of all people (Isaiah 2:4). Hatred, intolerance and war will cease to exist. Some authorities suggest that the laws of nature will change, so that predatory beasts will no longer seek prey and agriculture will bring forth supernatural abundance (Isaiah 11:6-11:9). Others, however, say that these statements are merely an allegory for peace and prosperity.
All of the Jewish people will return from their exile among the nations to their home in Israel (Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 23:8; 30:3; Hosea 3:4-5). The law of the Jubilee will be reinstated.
In the Olam Ha-Ba, the whole world will recognize the Jewish G-d as the only true G-d, and the Jewish religion as the only true religion (Isaiah 2:3; 11:10; Micah 4:2-3; Zechariah 14:9). There will be no murder, robbery, competition or jealousy. There will be no sin (Zephaniah 3:13).
I hope this has answered your question
Yoel, I don't understand how all these returning Jews are going to fit comfortably in the land of Israel. Is Hashem going to expand the borders of Israel?
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