Once an evangelical pastor, Yaakov Parisi shares the fascinating story of his lifelong journey to becoming Jewish. Recorded at Chabad of Oxford University.
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Latest Comments:
Shoshana,
one day, finances permiting I will have my mother's dna checked. They can use the old sample I gave for my father's dna. Interesting how the Scottish and Irish have a long mythos of being ancient Israelites. I wonder if one day that can be proven. The Danites were seafarers and had colonies in Greece and beyond a long time ago. I'm not talking about British Israelism--but scattered Israelite trading colonies. It would be great if dna eventually proves it. G-d's prophecy would come true today. G-d bless. I hope to visit Israel some day soon. I am saving for the trip already.
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Thank you for defending Israel. Every good word helps a whole lot.
I thought that maybe the Jewish blood was from your mother's side, i.e., great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, which makes a person a born Jew. But not if it's from the father.
With best wishes,
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Shoshana,
my Jewish blood came from my grandmother on my fatrher's side. I had my dna done on that side. It showed a percentage of Ashkenazi. My grandmother was a Simmons, Renana Simmons. Here grandfather was from Kiel Germany. I think they had not been practicing for a few generations. I haven't had my mothers side checked; but she was Irish. Having been orphaned at 3 that's all I know about her. I have always felt a strong pull toward Israel--and often defend her when I hear people bashing her. I support Israel in every way I can. Albeit small but I hope it makes a difference.
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You mentioned that you have Jewish blood in your heritage. Just out of curiosity, is this from your mother's side or your father's side?
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This is a nice conversion story. I think your Catholic experience is not the same as everyone. I have some Jewish heritage, not raised, strictly blood. I became Catholic in 2008.
The Catholic mass is a copy of the old Jewish temple worship when you disect it, to a "T". I love and embrace my Catholic faith. I feel it draws me closer to G-d.
Unlike evangelicals I don't feel Jews must convert to Chistianity. G-d made a covenant with Israel for all time. Find G-d. Seek him out. When you seek him with your heart you will find him. G-d bless.
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Surely, if you don't keep persisting in following where you are being lead - which entails head AND heart as we are both - you are likely to get somewhere else. If you are sure you want something, then it follows that you should keep persuing it.
A good question seems to be what does it mean to keep persuing something. First, you have to know your goal. Then you work on strategies to get there. If something doesn't work, reassess & try something else, & so on. If you want it, keep at it & don't wait for a grand invitation. A liitle bit is better than nothing. And a lot of little bits can add up to a way that works. If you hide under a rock, you stay under the rock. And you've got to try to be in with a chance. And keep trying. Not trying is to give up. Every strength.
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I am so emotional after listening to Yaacov and then reading all the comments. I grew up as RC, then Evangelical and now seeking to convert to Judaism in my search for The TRUTH. I would like to ask JAKE from WIMBLEDON how he found a Rabbi to support him in UK. I live in the North East
and have not been successful. I am very excited to see so many others on a similar journey and indeed reached their destination, I somehow don't feel so lonely
:-) I would be most grateful for any advice.
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This was very eye opening, I started reading Torah this year, and began to realize the differences between the Christian Bible and the Torah. I've been struggling with what to believe, everyday I move closer to Judaism and G-d, I know now the true path to G-d is through the teachings of Torah. If you search for truth you will find it.
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Encouraging message. I'm on a path to conversion myself and have experienced the falling away of people which Yaakov Ephraim so touchingly communicated. This website is so very important. My soul feels better and better every day, now that I've chosen to accept my path to Truth after years of questioning those things which did not "add up." Now I simply must conquer my hesitation to connect physically with the Jewish Community. I feel so unworthy, but I know I will not be at peace until I take myself to actually connect with others. I must not continue to "hide" in front of this computer and "go it alone". Again, this presentation gives me great encouragement. Thank You so much.
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He and his wife are so inspiring. Now, I am certain where I belong. Please all that read this, keep me in your thoughts as I start my REAL journey.
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