Nothing brings me greater joy than to accompany someone on their Jewish path, just as I am walking mine.
Becoming a Jew by Choice
I was born into a Catholic family, but in my early twenties, I chose to embrace Judaism as my lifelong faith tradition. Now, a significant part of my spiritual journey involves helping others explore Judaism more deeply as a personal choice.
My Jewish journey began when I was ten years old
Our family moved from Southern California to the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, an area not particularly known as having a big Jewish population. Shortly after we arrived, a rabbi moved in across the street. I became friends with his daughter, Julie, who taught me to read my first Hebrew word from colorful primers in her father’s home study. Before the High Holidays, Julie would come over to our house and apologize for anything she might have done to wrong us in the past year.
Enter Rose Hyman
During my childhood and teenage years, I met a few more Jewish people, but my life changed significantly after my Grandma Jerry passed away from a long and debilitating illness. After her death, I met Rose Hyman. My Grandpa Fay, now a widower, spent his days working as a security guard at Leisure World, a lively senior living community. Rose would often bring warm casseroles to the small guardhouse where he was stationed, and soon they began a wonderful courtship. Before we knew it, they eloped and were married for four beautiful years. After my Grandpa Fay passed away, Nana Rose continued to play an important role in my family, remaining a vital part of our lives beyond my teenage years.
My first Jewish family, my own Jewish family
Through my connection with Nana Rose’s family, I met Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson. As his student, I discovered a Judaism that resonated deeply with my neshama, or soul, and aligned with my intellect. I became part of a community of caring, passionate Jews who helped me learn what it means to be Jewish, guiding me as I developed my Jewish identity and created lasting memories. Through Nana Rose, I also fell in love with her grandson, Jeff. We were married by Rabbi Artson in 1990 and have since raised three daughters: Jessie, Sarah, and Talia. We are now proud grandparents, and the meaningful chain of tradition continues to this day.
Leading you on your Jewish journey
For decades, teaching in the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at the American Jewish University has been meaningful to me. Currently, I work with individuals who are considering conversion to Judaism, complementing their Jewish studies through programs like the Miller program.