My Conversion Story Journal

October 16, 2025

There is no greater holiday than Simchat Torah. There was a joy that I was able to see in others that I thought only I had within myself. Perhaps it was the added joy of all the living hostages being freed. Perhaps it was the alcohol. Perhaps it was just time for joy to burst forth. Whatever the reason, I loved every moment.

There are many times in life that we feel all alone. That there is no one who is even like us. That the thoughts and feeling we have are so different from everyone else, we might as well be from another planet. Then there are moments, or days even, when we see in others what we feel inside ourselves. Then we know that it was always in others, even if we never noticed it before that moment or those days.

I know for sure that these people may be stronger than I am, braver than I am, or kinder thank I am, but for a few sweet hours a year, I am like them. For a few sweet hours there is nothing more important in the entire world than the Torah.

We danced. We sang. We smiled. We laughed.

The entire world continued with it's business and monotony, but we were one in the joy of the Torah. Through dance, through song, through laughter, and friendship, joy burst forth like the entire world was created for just that moment. Perhaps it was, because I can't imagine my world without it again.

I wish everyone a wonderful year filled with the kind of peace and happiness felt on this special day. May your bellies be full, your friends many, and your future filled with hope and love.