Jews by Choice, Not by Birth
Rifka and Shalom Chilungu share their story of their path to embracing Judaism, their inspiration and challenges, and what it's like to raise their children as a bi-racial couple.
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Rifka lives with her husband, Shalom, their children, and dog in Upstate, NY. She is an artist, and teaches art at a girls’ high school.
Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.
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Anita Barone
SUMMERFIELD
June 27, 2021
Shalom and Rifka are two gems individually and together. The self sacrifice
to let personal selfishness behind and instead observe Hahsem's ways, this may be one of their
main common quality, in my opinion. May Hashem continue to bless them and their children
and their descendants.
Reply
Dhianna
Florida
June 24, 2021
This was a phenomenal presentation. It was thought provoking, intelligent and honest. So many of the things the Chilungu's have experienced, so have I. Thank you from another person who also chose Judaism. I have to be honest, it was really tough 40 years ago and acceptance was very slow. Fortunately, things are much better today. Reply
Wow,
I am inspired.
May you both go on to inspire many more people.
I am blown