Converts’ journeys end with York ceremony
FOR BRIAN Berry, it was the culmination of a 25-year journey that started at a small Reform shul in South Dakota. In Ahmed Mousa’s case, it was the fulfilment of a “spiritual hunger” unsated until he discovered Shabbat. And for Yasmin Stefanov-King, it was the finalisation of “something which I have known in my heart to be true for a number of years”.
The three converts to Judaism celebrated at a welcome ceremony at York Liberal Jewish Community — its first major life-cycle event since members were once again able to gather together.
It was led by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, senior minister of The Ark Synagogue in Northwood, whose conversion course had been completed by the trio.
Mr Berry said it had been “a privilege and an honour studying with Rabbi Goldstein.
“Once I went to the Beit Din and, finally, going through the welcoming ceremony, I knew I had realised a dream.”
Mr Mousa expressed gratitude to the York congregation for giving him the opportunity “to learn and grow” through access to wide-ranging Jewish education.
“Becoming a Liberal Jew marks reaching a destination after a long journey of figuring out how to be spiritually content,” he reflected.
Part of the York Liberal community since it was established seven years ago, Ms Stefanov-King said she had “always felt slightly on the outside, as though a part of my soul were missing”.
Now having undergone the conversion process, “I feel as though my soul is complete. I have come home.”
Rabbi Goldstein said he felt honoured to have been connected with YLJC from the outset and to have observed its growth — it now has around 100 members drawn from throughout Yorkshire.
“It is a shining example of Liberal Judaism’s policies of inclusion in practice.”