A Soulful Journey

Mr. Goldwyn sat forward at his desk and peered over his glasses.  You’re a what?” “I’m a Jew, Mr. Goldwyn, and I can’t work on the high holy days.” “You mean it?  It’s not one of your little jokes?” “No. I’ll do anything in the world for you, Mr. Goldwyn, but I won’t work on Yom Kippur.” “You’re a real Jew?” “Yes, sir.  I converted several months ago.” “You know what it’ll cost me to suspend production for a day?  We can’t change the schedule, it’s too late.  Twenty-five thousand.  Maybe more.” “I just learned today that I’m scheduled to shoot on Yom Kippur, sir.  I came up as soon as I heard.” He threw out his hands. “Sammy –answer me a question. What did I ever do to you?” “Sir, you’ve been wonderful and I feel terrible about the problems I’m causing you.  It’s one day of the year when I won’t work.  I’m sorry.  I really am.” He took off his glasses. “...

A story is told about a king who reversed his father’s order forcing the Jews to convert.  The town’s rabbi was excited and told his wife.  “Bracheleh,” he exclaimed, “I have great news.  The new king has said we don’t have to be Christian anymore.  We can go back to being Jews.”  His wife let out a sigh, expressing disappointment.  The husband was surprised and puzzled, and asked her what was wrong.  “This was the moment we have been dreaming of and waiting for,” he told his wife.  She said, “I know.  I know.  I can’t be happier, but couldn’t he at least have waited a few more days, until after Pesah to allow us to be Jews again?!” -  Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt

Three Jews who had recently been converted to Episcopalianism were having a drink together in a posh country club.   They started talking about the reasons for their conversions. “I converted out of love,” the first one said.   Seeing the dubious looks on his friends’ faces, he added, “Not for Christianity but for a Christian girl.   As you know, my wealthy wife insisted that I convert.” “And I converted in order to succeed in the law,” the second one said.   “I never would have been appointed a federal judge if I hadn’t become Episcopalian.” “I converted because I think that the teachings of Christianity are superior to those of Judaism,” the third one said. “Whom are you trying to kid?” the first man answered with considerable heat.   “What do you take us for – a couple of goyim?”   -Charles Silberman You can never escape who you really are.

As converts are supposed to be thoroughly questioned to ascertain their sincerity on converting they are always told of the trials and difficulties which all Jews face. The story is related of Solomon Molcho (a Marrano) who was returning to Judaism.  When he was asked if he knew about the trials of the Jews and whether he still wanted to go through the conversion process, he replied, “Not just despite all the anguish which face the Jews but because of it.”  (in Hebrew, not af al pi chen , but l’fi ken ).   - Rabbi Louis Jacobs