In many ways, food brought me to Judaism. My husband was born in Israel; several years ago, he took me to visit his homeland for the first time. I was exposed to the incredible Israeli food culture, and I quickly fell in love with the rich history of Middle Eastern cuisine. I came back from that trip with a mission—to recreate the amazing flavors I’d tasted in our home kitchen. I began cooking for our Jewish holiday celebrations and baking challah for Shabbat. As I immersed myself in the ritual tradition of cooking, learning to make dishes that are centuries old (and in some cases even older), I finally felt at home… like I was returning to a place that made my spirit happy.
Last Thursday, I completed that journey home by converting to Judaism. Surrounded by family, under the guidance of my rabbi, I embraced the Jewish faith. I faced the beit din, was immersed in the mikveh, and felt the ancient echoes of our ancestors ring through me. I found my tribe. It was a powerful, beautiful day—one I will never forget.
This journey started back in college, long before I met my husband. I was not raised in a religion; my parents gave me the gift of choice when it came to spirituality. I’ve always known on a deep level that God exists, but the context for understanding my Creator was unclear. For many years I felt adrift, doing my best to find peace in the midst of chaos. Then I took a college writing course called “The Holocaust,” in which I was asked to examine this most heinous event in human history. Signing up for this class proved to be a life-altering choice. I was consumed by memoirs like Night, The Diary of Anne Frank, and All but My Life. I yearned to know the Jewish people better — to understand their faith, optimism and hope, even in the darkest of times. I left the class full of curiosity, my heart open and ready to learn more. It was the beginning of my spiritual awakening, a journey that finally came full circle last week.
For me, becoming Jewish is about joining a larger family and community. What drew me to the Jewish faith was the focus on family, tradition, and reaching out to help others in need. A big part of being Jewish is acknowledging a responsibility to your fellow humans by spreading positive energy in this increasingly complex world. I have accepted that responsibility, and it makes my heart very happy.
I’m sharing this experience with all of you because I feel that food is more than just sustenance. Food is a way of communicating; the energy we pass on through our cooking feeds the body as well as the soul. By writing this blog, and taking a journey into the history of food, I hope to spread positive energy. In the same way a good meal makes people happy, I hope that this blog… and the recipes and stories you find here… make you happy. Every kitchen has a heritage; every recipe has a writer. Knowing the story behind the food– the ancient history, or the family history, or even the history of one particular ingredient– can infuse a dish with meaning. And then a meal becomes more than just food, something that fills you up physically. Food takes on a spiritual significance, and ultimately becomes more nourishing.
I used to call this blog The Shiksa in the Kitchen, and it’s still a nickname that makes me smile. But times change and people grow; as a reflection of me, this website must also evolve to proudly reflect a new stage in my life. You’ll see some changes coming to the site over the next year, and hopefully those changes will more clearly reflect who I am as a person and as a new “member of the Tribe.” I am thrilled to have you join me on this journey.
If you read my blog, you are probably somebody who loves food. That’s something we all share. A good meal can bring warmth and joy to anybody, no matter who you are or where you come from. I welcome all faiths and backgrounds to join me on my journey into the heart of food history. Everybody is welcome here. Our diversity makes us stronger!
Rebecca says
I’m another Shiksa converting to Judaism…the community and the faith felt so right to me when I first discovered it, and I find that I just can’t leave! 🙂 Mazel tov on your conversion.
Tori Avey says
Seymour, your comment brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you!
Seymour says
Originally I am from an Orthodox home. Went to hebrew school and Yeshiva. My wife Ardys passed away in 1994 . She was Catholic.She had Ovarian Cancer. She was the best happening of my entire life. She came to my Synnogoge and I came to her Church. God Bless you and Have a happy Life.
Tori Avey says
Hi Una! I dressed up because it felt right– I consider it one of the most important days of my life. So dressing up felt natural to me. Glad you liked the dress! (I got it at the Gap a few years ago.) 😉
Amanda T. says
I just stumbled on your blog while looking for pareve kugel recipes. I’m a jew-by-choice too! Love your blog.
Una says
I’m converting next month. I took one look at your photos and thought — Yikes! Do I need to dress up for the occasion? Please advise! PS. Your dress is lovely.
casa in affitto says
I’ve been reading a few posts and i’m adding your blog to my rss reader , thanks !
Amy says
I am just browsing through your site for the first time…I love it! I am so happy I came upon it. Judaism is very close to my heart and I am in the process of beginning my conversion. So to find this site just makes me smile.
Tori Avey says
Thanks Amy! I’m happy you found your way to my site. Best of luck with your conversion!
Tori Avey says
Thanks Joel! 🙂
Fun Joel says
Mazal tov! Very exciting! Good to have you among us. 🙂
iEatDC says
Mazel tov!!!!!
Jennifer Blake says
Congratulations, Tori! Love your blog! xox Jennifer
Gil Reich says
You converted right before Pessach? What are you crazy?! Just kidding. Welcome!!!
Frume Sarah says
Mazal tov to you…and to us!!!
bethberg12 says
I just found this blog and I love it!!!! Welcome to our “family.” I’m looking forward to your Pesach recipes and tips.
http://www.kitchenwithbrina.blogspot.com
Tori Avey says
Thank you for the amazing comments! It warms my heart knowing that you are all joining me on this journey. Peace and blessings to you and your families! xoxo
amy says
Mazel Tov! I converted too, 16 years ago, for exactly the same reasons you did. My mother-in-law to be, at the time said, “are you sure you’re not Jewish? You love chopped liver, kugel, my brisket, latkes, and lox!”
I love having one religion for our son and am looking forward to his Bar Mitzvah in May 2011!!!
Love your recipes!!
phyllis says
mazel tov! welcome to the tribe!!!
Andrea says
Congratulations! We all have to be comfortable in our own skin… and embrace the spirituality that draws our heart… even if that draw comes from a different direction as we grow older.
Thank you for the great website! 🙂
Sincerely~ Andrea (a “Shiksa” who was born into the Catholic faith, wandered around a bit, & come full circle back again, during my 53 years on this earth) 🙂
Michelle M. says
Congrats. I converted almost two years ago. I did it for many of the same reasons. The traditions and my synagogue just felt like an extension of my family. Mazel tov to you!