Once, when I was a little girl, I decided I wanted a different name. Kelley no longer suited me. Instead, I wanted to be called something drastically different: Shelley. I told my teacher, and she kindly followed along. This seems strange, but apparently, kids sometimes do this. Nevertheless, after a short time, I got over my strange little identity crisis.
Fast-forward many years, and I would again pick a new name. The difference is that this time, I knew exactly why, and the name I chose came with profound meaning and responsibility. Choosing a Hebrew name is an integral part of conversion into the Jewish faith, and something that I wholeheartedly embraced. More about the name later. First, the journey that guided me to that point.
Where It All Began
I decided to convert in early October 2023 after years of being active in the Jewish community. I remember the day I shared the news with my family. They were so supportive and happy for me. It was such a blessing. However, the celebratory feelings came to an abrupt end. The following day, I woke up to the news that there was an attack in Israel and Hamas had taken hundreds of people hostage.
This unbelievably tragic event stirred feelings of anger and sadness, as it had during previous attacks throughout the years. But this time, it was different. I was on the verge of joining the Jewish people, and Israel is their homeland. Suddenly, this attack felt incredibly personal.
Since then, antisemitism has skyrocketed across the country, but never once have I looked back. These challenges only strengthened my resolve to join the Jewish people. A Jewish soul is a Jewish soul, and turning back would mean denying who I truly am.
During one of my conversion classes, the rabbi posed a rhetorical question: “Why now? Why become Jewish when the Jewish people have faced so much abuse and discrimination?” My response is simple: Simcha, which means Jewish Joy. This joy comes from having a relationship with G-d, from a lifelong study of Torah, and from being part of the Jewish community. I can’t imagine any other way of life.
Immersion Day
When the day finally came to go before the Beit Din and immerse in the Mikveh, it was like a homecoming I had never known. I was overwhelmed with peace and a new purpose. That’s also the day I became Hadassah Ruth. When it was time to decide on a Hebrew name, I had spent days searching. I wanted a name I could connect with on a deeply personal level.
You may know Hadassah from the book of Esther. Her name was changed to Esther when she became queen. She is a heroine who saved the Jewish people from destruction at the hands of evil Haman. In late winter or early spring, Jews worldwide celebrate Purim, a holiday centered around the book of Esther.
Purim is a joyous, kid-centered holiday involving a fun reading of the book of Esther. Everyone shouts and activates their noisemakers every time they hear Haman’s name. Families dress in costume, and there is lots of good food. Purim is my favorite Jewish holiday, and Hadassah (Esther) is one of the two women I admire most in the Torah.
My middle name, Ruth, was inspired by the heroine in the Book of Ruth. Like Hadassa, Ruth is a strong and resilient woman dedicated to the Jewish people. Her story is significant to me because she is the first Jewish convert. After the death of her husband, Ruth devoted herself to her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and accompanied her back to her homeland of Israel. Ruth embodies love, kindness, commitment, and trustworthiness—traits I aspire to and hope to find in others.
After immersing myself in the Mikveh, I read a short paragraph on my commitment to Jewish life. There was some celebratory singing, and the Rabbi gave me the conversion certificate. Much to my surprise, when I looked at the bottom of my certificate, there was Ruth’s most famous quote: “Your people shall be my people and your God my God.” What a full circle moment!
Thank you so much for being a part of my story. I love that I have this opportunity to share my conversion and now, my life as a Jew. Have a wonderful Shabbat and a happy weekend. Shalom, friends.
Follow the link below to learn more about my love for Purim!
Keeping the Joy of Purim Alive: Year Long Rituals to Embrace
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