Conversion: An Irish Catholic comes ‘home’ to Judaism

Published on March 21, 2013

Growing up Catholic in Ireland can be intense, and it may be one reason why Philomena Wallace decided to become a Jew.

Double-dip conversion

Published on January 30, 2013

When Jennifer Harrison-Gomez decided to convert to Judaism, her husband, Brian Gomez, followed suit. At 8 years old, Jennifer saw a film about Judaism that sparked her interest. In middle school, she read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which further intrigued her. As an adult, she worked for a Jewish mortuary, where she admired the Jewish traditions of handling death. Jennifer began talking about Judaism with the shomer (guardian of the deceased) at her job, and, after learning more, she started her conversion process.

An example to her children

Published on January 9, 2013

Fourteen years ago, Catherine and Bruce Penso’s oldest daughter, Leah, was ready to become a bat mitzvah. But before her big day, Leah told her parents that she wanted to go to the mikveh and formally convert.

Challenges and celebrations

Published on December 5, 2012

When Andromeda Stevens, 46, found herself falling in love with Judaism, she knew it was time to convert. She and her husband, Glenn Stevens, who live in Beverlywood, started living a Jewish life together years before they were married, and Andromeda converted after the wedding. “I liked the traditions, and the meaning behind the traditions,” she said. “The symbols were very logical to me and very supportive of humanity and living a justified and good life. I found that really appealing. It was very contrary to my Catholic education.”

Stories of Jewish Conversion: Frank Siciliano

Published on September 27, 2012

Hearing the name Frank Siciliano, you would probably not immediately think “Orthodox Jew.” But this Jew by Choice, who has lived in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood for the past three years, is as passionate about his religion and his people as one can get.

Israeli high court affirms conversions questioned by rabbinical courts

Published on April 27, 2012

Israel's high court reversed two annulled conversions to Judaism and affirmed thousands of others.

Jews by Choice bolster ties with first Israel mission

By Rachel Heller
Published on October 10, 2008

There’s More to Us

By Rob Eshman
Published on June 5, 2003

All this week there's been some strange goings-on at the intersection of Us and Them.