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I Went from Muslim to Jewish For Love
Torang Sepah gave up her past to provide her family with a future.
by Torang Sepah As Told To Marisa Belger
Even though I had found my religion, at first it was hard to fit in. Ron and I moved to Los Angeles, where there are a lot of Iranian Jews—but they were born that way, and don’t usually approve of converts. I went to an Iranian-Jewish website and asked a rabbi if I would be accepted; because I don’t keep kosher—and was a reformed Jew, he said, I wasn’t welcome there.
It was a slap in the face. At first, I was angry and disappointed, but I realized I didn’t convert for acceptance—or to join some sort of club. I had converted for my own, and my family’s, spiritual development. The most important thing was feeling like I was Jewish.
And we found a synagogue that makes me feel that way: It has female rabbis and emphasizes community and continuing education. That was essential to me. Studying the Torah is a lifelong work, and I’m up for it, now that I have a sense of place for me—and my family.
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1 Some Guy // Aug 14, 2008 at 12:22 pm
The rabbi who rejected you is a pig. The power of the orthodox rabbis in israel is an unfortunate side-effect of their parliamentary system.
The tiny little knuckle-dragger parties are often the difference between Labour or Likud getting to form the government, so they cut deals.
Among the deals they’ve managed to arm-twist are such charming things as being paid to rock back and forth in the shul all day and never take up arms to defend the people paying their bills.
You’re a Jew, Torang. Those assholes who say you’re not? Who cares what they think: they’re not even men. They’re children who throw tantrums and live off the work of better people than themselves.
2 Andrea Petrucci // Jun 29, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I couldn’t believe I was reading a post about Ron! I lost contact with him a few years before Katrina, and now I read his story here and finally get to know his’s live and well (and married) - it really sounds like a miracle
I met Ron in Rome, Italy, in spring 2001 where we were working as interns for a United NAtiona Acency dealing with ecosistems. We had a great time, a memorable dinner with other interns at my place, and I eventually presented him with a very “spiritual” gift when he left for New Orleans. I’m glad to know that it somehow helped in the following years
If any of you are in contact with Tornag or Ron, please tell them I’d like to hear an “e-word” from them!
God bless you two,
Andrea.
3 Sam // Jan 8, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I find your reasons for conversion interesting, as my Judaism studies have shown me even more inequality between the sexes than Islam.
4 Benny // Nov 29, 2007 at 10:45 am
I happen to agree very much to Roni that you lived a true charming story, I also feel that you there is always that very beautiful part of your Neshamah which is very deep in you & in the entire past it always tried to come out of you in the open until the great day has actually come, regarding the reform issue which Roni has mentioned in his comment I understand where he is comming from but I also see from where u r comming , I truly believe that this is something which should be discussed more in detail & personal, If you would like to discuss it with me [I do have quiet a bit of past experience in this particular area which I would not like to reveal over here] you can feel free to email me & maybe I will be the one who will have the merit to enhance such a beautiful Neshamah:)
5 Roni (f) // Nov 18, 2007 at 9:20 am
Charming story.
You probably heard this… But just in case, you should know that only reform Jews would accept your children as Jewish. This may not matter to you, but who knows what your children will want with their lives. I recommend converting via orthodoxy just to cover your bases. The orthodox rabbis won’t make it easy for you, but hey. Being Jewish isn’t easy. In any case, you’ll be surprised how progressive orthodox Judaism really is when you give it a chance and keep an open mind yourself.