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A Jewish conversion, three generations in the making

During World War II, Mileva Popovic hid four Jewish families from the Nazis in her home in the former Yugoslavia, now Montenegro. After Mileva’s son Vladimir found out about his family history, he started to learn about Judaism and became fascinated by its teachings.
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September 17, 2014

During World War II, Mileva Popovic hid four Jewish families from the Nazis in her home in the former Yugoslavia, now Montenegro. After Mileva’s son Vladimir found out about his family history, he started to learn about Judaism and became fascinated by its teachings.

Vladimir passed his interest in the religion along to his daughter, Ivana Popovic. Through her father’s teachings and her own observations, Popovic became interested in Judaism, so much so that when she started dating a Jewish man, it seemed natural that she should convert. 

“Most families don’t have the past that mine does,” she said. “I met my fiancé and embraced Judaism right away. My dad was always connected to it. I felt like it was fate.”

Popovic, 32, was born and raised in Montenegro in the Christian-Orthodox religion, though she celebrated only Christmas and Easter. She moved to the United States when she was 17 and spent eight years in New York City. During that time she met her now-fiancé, Anoush Hakimi, an Iranian Jew. 

She said she was intrigued by Judaism’s love of community. “I don’t see that kind of camaraderie in any [other] culture or religion. Jews take care of each other. That’s important.”

In 2013, Popovic moved to Los Angeles with Hakimi and decided to officially begin her work toward conversion, putting that before starting a new job and other responsibilities. Through her research, she found Rabbi Neal Weinberg’s Judaism by Choice course and felt it would be the best fit for her. “He had a lot of very good reviews and people seemed to love that program,” she said. “It felt like the right way to go.”

In her studies with Weinberg, she learned about Jewish traditions, holidays, dietary laws and tikkun olam. She said she identified most with the lessons on family values and took his teachings about Shabbat to heart. 

“I grew up in a culture where the most valuable times are those spent with your family and the ones closest to you,” she said. “That should be a priority. I can’t wait for Shabbat.”

Popovic learned that she should try to keep kosher, which she admitted was a struggle. “I never had any food restrictions growing up,” she said. “When you go to Montenegro, there is smoked prosciutto everywhere. The food part was the most difficult.”

When she completed her classes, Popovic went before the beit din, on Dec. 16 of last year. She answered questions for an hour and cried while she read from the Book of Ruth. Then she immersed in the mikveh and emerged a Jew. 

“I didn’t expect it to be as emotional as it was,” she said. “It really did feel like a new beginning. I was very happy to have a new beginning. Once I left, that first day I was trying to adjust. It was transformational and emotional.”

She chose the Hebrew name Aviva, which translates to “springtime.” Her mother’s name also means spring. 

Popovic continues to make it a point to cease work when Friday night rolls around, and to observe Shabbat. “Shabbat creates a habit, and the more we do it, the easier it gets,” she said. “Sometimes you’re in your own world during the week. It forces you to remember what’s most important.”

She and Hakimi attend Sinai Temple in Westwood for Shabbat services and relax with their loved ones. “I always light two candles at home and we always spend the Shabbat either at our home, or with my fiancé’s family or among close friends celebrating a traditional Shabbat dinner. It’s a soul renewal day, and it should be taken seriously.” 

Vladimir was happy with his daughter’s decision, and the rest of the family supported her as well. Hakimi’s family was also accepting. “They set an example by embracing me and showing that it’s good to welcome somebody who has a genuine interest,” she said. “Anoush and I got over the fact we’re from different parts of the world. It’s amazing how close our cultures are.”

Although Popovic‘s conversion is complete, she knows that she still has a long way to go in terms of education. Currently, she’s studying with Rabbi Jason Fruithandler at Sinai to prepare for her bat mitzvah, which is set to take place in June 2015. She said that she wants to continue to grow with her learning and expand her knowledge of Judaism. 

“Conversion is only the beginning,” she said. “It’s pointless to convert unless you’re planning to make that your beginning and delve deeper because anyone can get a certificate. I want to continue to learn more.”

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