I'm a rabbi who converted to Judaism. Ask me anything (again)
PLUS $20 SPECIAL OFFER BC WHY NOT?
By Rabbi Patrick Beaulier
Every six months I post an ASK ME ANYTHING where you can learn more about me, about Judaism, about Darshan Yeshiva or anything else that is on your mind.
We’re spicing things up with $20 off any program of your choice! Literally $20 just to ask a question!
Post YOUR questions below and I’ll happily answer them between now and Shabbat. And I’ll privately message you with your discount code.
Here are a few recent questions…
How did your experience as a convert influence your understanding and practice of Jewish traditions?
My religious practices are too liberal to some, and too traditional for others. But keeping those practices keeps me in a covenant with a religion that reinforces who my people are. And that is meaningful to me. You can learn more about that in my Darshan Yeshiva mentor profile, but ultimately I believe that choice is a key ingredient to the human experience, and in my Jewish experience.
Can you convert to Judaism as part of marrying someone Jewish?
Some rabbis “in the wild” have issues with it. Not many, but some. Most rabbis are totally gracious. Personally, I think it’s so honorable that I wrote a glowing review of it.
Of course, plenty of non-Jews marry Jews and I officiate at those weddings too, so that’s a matter of personal journey. I also met a guy who was married to a Jewish woman for 30 years, never converted (she never asked him to) then one day out of the blue decided to. Again, we’re all on a journey.
Why is being Jewish so cool?
REALLY! This was something I was asked on stage at a Q&A on the Jewish elements of the play Torch Song.
I think it’s because being Jewish is something you do with others. Post-Covid, it has been hard to people to get back to the groove of being in person with others. I see it in the decline of dating among young Millennials and Gen Z, in the decline of social and ethnic cultural gatherings, etc.
But Judaism involves the family, friends, creating sacred space in the home and creating a better world outside of it. And I think many of us are searching for meaning these days - and why not be Jewish? Or if you are already Jewish, why not more Jewish than before?
What resources or support systems are helpful in a Jewish spiritual journey?
I’m biased toward the mentorship aspect at Darshan Yeshiva and think it is incredibly important. Yes, I love our pluralistic content. I love our videos and handouts and podcasts, but having that rabbi or cantor guide you through the process of becoming Jewish or becoming more Jewishly connected is remarkable.
Also - we have our Facebook group, where people post all the time about where they are in their Jewish journey. And that’s truly amazing.
Favorite Jewish food?
Ok, you’ll kinda hate me for it but chopped liver. I’m sure I’ve lost credibility, lol.
Favorite Jewish music?
I’m probably supposed to say our vocalist in the B’nai Mitzvah program’s recordings of different Shabbat songs, but my favorite is probably this random record I found of music that used to be played on EL AL flights in the 1960’s. But I’m an ex-hipster so of course it would be something like this.
*What would you say to somebody interested in Judaism, but somebody who finds the whole process of conversion incredibly intimidating?*
Don’t be intimidated! Often intimidation is about a fear of the unknown or a fear of being in experiences where we will ultimately be let down. Whether you convert with darshanyeshiva.org or someone else, find a mentor who will help you through those fears. Thanks for responding
What advice do you have for parents of children who (naturally) want to push-back a little against their Jewish home life?