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Shalom/שלום!

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Tom, a 17-year-old Orthodox ger, or convert to Judaism. I became interested in Judaism, ironically, after I confirmed Catholic and thus, my experiences are different than born-Jews. I became startled when the priest with whom I worked on confirmation said, "G-d is one, but G-d is three distinct personas in one," as well as, "Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and aside from Jews, those who do not believe in him as the son of G-d will go to Hell."

Religion has always been important to me; it is during the most painful times in my life that I turn to G-d. I am probably the most religious one of my family, unfortunately.

I first met Jews by my brother; his wife is born Jewish. Everyone in their family is Jewish, with the exception of my brother. Several members of her family, particularly the Orthodox Jews, did not speak with my brother, but his immediate in-laws did. By the way, yes, my niece and nephew are raised Jewish. My sister-in-law teaches Hebrew at her shul's Sunday school and lived in Israel until she was 8.

I do keep kashrus, about which my Catholic family has no qualms - my mother used to teach Home Ec, and she is interested in the laws of kashrus. My sister-in-law does not keeps kashrus and, in polite terms, considers it frivolous to do so. I do think it a wonderful practise. It is a simple mitzvah that only requires education to follow. Whoever wrote, "what happiness to praise G-d" was correct.

Anyway, I hope to contribute something of value here at least once a month. For born Jews, I only entreat that you explore your beautiful heritage and community. There are simply not enough born Jews that know how amazing and warm the Jewish community really is. With that, Good Shabbos and have a fabulous fourth if you are an American!