BLOG, MY CONVERSION
My Story - My Conversion to Judaism in Israel

MARCH 18, 2020


​In summer of 2017 I traveled to Israel for the first time...

without knowing where this journey would lead me to. Unknowingly, just a few weeks later I would be deciding to live in Israel and handing in my application to convert to Judaism. I was born in Germany and grew up in a non-religious family. It didn’t take me very long to notice that t I didn’t feel a connection to the German rational, cold and "anti-religious" mentality. In 2012 I moved to Mallorca, Spain to study Tourism. In my new life, far away from home, I found a spiritual connection for the first time. I started to realize that my existence has a much greater purpose  than I had been taught my entire life. I started to find a connection to G-d, however, in a very limited way. I knew one detail was missing...
I came to Israel without any specific intention or expectation. To be honest, I didn't know much about Israel. Neither about the country, nor about Judaism or, the Jewish people. I just knew, that they were the "chosen ones".

How everything started in Israel...

I remember my thoughts in the plane while approaching the landing. When I looked out of the window and saw Israel for the first time, "What an HONOR to be able to touch the Holy Land in a few moments." In Israel I met unbelievably inspiring young religious people who introduced me to the precious values of Judaism. Deep in my heart I immediately felt a very strong connection. At that time I didn’t know why my heart was constantly bumping while in Jerusalem or what the moments at a Shabbat table, that literally took my breath away, meant. Today I know that my soul is Jewish and what I felt was that I am coming home.

After returning home from Israel...

I knew that I couldn’t 't live without a Jewish influence anymore. I immediately contacted the Jewish community of Mallorca and asked them if I could join the Shabbat service on the upcoming Friday. They invited and welcomed me as if I was already one of them. The weekly Synagogue visit soon became the most exciting part of my week. I was blessed to have the chance to celebrate the Jewish high holidays Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot with my new community. Every day I learned more about Jewish history, culture, and tradition. I used every minute of my day to dive even deeper into it.

But I wanted to discover even more...

A few weeks later, almost by coincidence, I found myself traveling to Poland. What a surprising experience! It was as if God wanted to take me back in time of Jewish history in order for me to connect even more. I had the chance to discover the Jewish past in Poland, including old Jewish charters, numerous synagogues, cemeteries, kosher restaurants and the concentration camp (read my full story here). I was even invited to spend Shabbat night with an ultra-orthodox group of ladies.

With time...

I started to keep Shabbat and step by step I began to integrate Jewish values and traditions into my life. I began to fully realize how meaningful the rituals were and how much they enriched my life. Every little Jewish ritual touched me so intensely and deep inside I felt so much excitement.
But it didn’t take long till I felt that I wanted even more than this! I felt a deep wish to live a real Jewish life in Israel. In October 2017, only three months after my first visit, I moved to Israel. Impulsively  and totally led by my heart.

Finally in Israel...

At that time I barely knew anything about Judaism. I didn't even know who Abraham was. When I joined a Midrasha, a Torah school, and started to study the Torah I was literally blown away!
I was astonished about the depth and holy teachings that Judaism contains. Not only that you can find a spiritual meaning behind every single letter in the Torah, but also the perfection of laws and ethical advice. It made me realize that this can only be of a divine source. I found deep spiritual meaning in the high holidays and could feel an inner transformation by allowing the integration of the Torah into my life. My values have changed completely and I feel that I live for a much higher purpose. Right after arriving I submitted my application of conversion to Judaism to the Rabbinate of Israel (read here how to convert in Israel as a non-citizen).

Today...

I live in town near Tel Aviv. I am part of a lovely modern-orthodox community. I could never thank them enough for accepting me for who I am and supporting me on my journey. I have found incredible adoptive families, who call me part of their family. I am converting in an AMAZING program in the International Synagogue of Tel Aviv with Rabbi Ariel Konstantyn. And Bezrat Hashem in a few weeks I will come out of the Mikveh as a Jew.

Newest update (22 of Shevat 5780):

I have finally completed my conversion to Judaism in Israel. Today I came out of the Mikveh as a Jew. My journey of 2.5 years of converting in Israel is over, now my new Jewish life can begin! I shared my Beit Din and my Mikveh experiences with you on my Instagram account! Head over and follow my life as a Jew in Israel! @jewishbychoice

My life as a Jew...

is wonderful and very fulfilling. But now I want to dedicate my life to helping other conversion candidates around the world in their process. I want to share my knowledge in my weekly Judaism classes (sign up here) and offer guidance in my coaching session (book here).

By Ilana Schiffner

1 Comment

LIRANUSH
MARCH 18, 2020

WOW what a story. You are such an inspiration Ilana. You are the only person I know who converted in Israel and is in a similar situation to me. Thank you so much for all your information and help and inspiration. I don't know what I would do without your blog and your Instagram

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About Me

Welcome to "Jewishbychoice"!
I am Ilana! 
​German, 28 years old, converted to Orthodox Judaism, currently living in Israel. Fascinated by Torah, Spirituality and Jewish values.
​Today I share my experiences on my blog and assist people in their conversion process. I teach weekly Judaism classes and offer professional conversion coaching.

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