You know a bit about my conversion: a Catholic girl from Wisconsin, moves to New York, marries a Jew, and does not convert. Actually, she does convert, but not until 8 years into her marriage when, after having doors closed to her, she discovers the beauty of the Judaism.

But that’s not every convert’s story. Recently a friend told me she studied Judaism for one quick month before she married her Jewish husband, converted, and voila! Now she’s Jewish. Andi Rosenthal, author of the upcoming book, Six Sonnets, became so enraptured by Judaism in her conversion that she continues to explore the path of Rabbinic School. There are countless (and I do mean countless) stories to tell about what it is like to convert, and what it is like to have converted. And they are different from one person to the next.

Tell us yours. What motivated you to convert? What is life like now, as a New Jew? Did you bring your former traditions into your life as a Jew? Have you ever looked back? Do you ever look forward? Tonight, at a book event, I was asked if there were times when I still feel like an outsider to the religion. My answer was an unequivocal Yes. It’s an interesting duality. While, on one hand, I feel like an enthusiastic, somewhat knowledgeable Jew, on the other hand I can feel like I have so much more to learn! 

If you feel like sharing any of your tales – short or long, humorous or poignant, odd or predictable – email me at sally@sallysrokfriedes.com. Anonymity is absolutely fine. Honesty is non-negotiable. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy writing it.