My Thoughts on Converts: Why are converts so beloved to Hashem?
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ב"ה
My Thoughts on Converts
Why are converts so beloved to Hashem?
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Horatia
Winnipeg
September 3, 2024
Your explanation of the stolen souls was fascinating! However, I don't think you should discount marriage as a worthy motive for conversion. After all it is a way to introduce the idea to an otherwise happy and contented gentile - generally a woman. To agree to renounce one’s religion, involves overcoming massive difficulties within one’s own psyche and also with family and even in mundane daily life. There are many who just can’t do it - especially atheists. These people presumably don’t have Jewish souls.
For the rest, the rewards are indescribable. The honour of joining G-d’s Holy Nation, exposure to the enthralling and gigantic body of knowledge and scholarship, the guidelines for living a decent life, the sweetness of bitachon and G-d’s love, the warmth of Jewish communities, the magical land of Israel drenched in the Shechinah; all this and more is the convert’s reward (not counting the marriage). Converts are definitely chosen and drawn in by many routes, including marriage.
Marty Goodman
West Bloomfield
September 10, 2024
Dear Horatio, thank you for taking the time to listen my lecture. We both agree about converts who convert for spiritual reasons. The problem that I have observed is that when someone converts because of marriage they are many times not truly dedicated to the religion or God, they are dedicated to their spouse. According to the Rambam, once someone converts regardless of the reason they are Jewish and they cannot retract their decision. I have personally witnessed cases where couples have divorced and the wife then returns to her previous lifestyle. The problem is that she is still a Jew in the eyes of God and culpable to keep all the 613 commandments not just the 7 Noahide laws! This creates a huge problem for them. Again thank you for you response to my lecture! God Bless you and yours with only good!
Thomas M Scheurer
Florida
January 28, 2026
I agree as I have seen this as well...the spouse is dedicated to their mate not Judaism. Which is why its not kosher to convert for the sake of marriage. I was told that Rabbi's who convert someone have to take responsibility for this new soul in the upper worlds. Creating a bigger vessel that takes more and shares less does not make the world a better place.
Ken
Burlington, Connecticut
via chabadnw.org
December 31, 2018
I’d like to share with you the reason for my conversion to Judaism. I came from a mixed marriage, where my Mother is Roman Catholic and my Father is a Jew. I became disillusioned in the teachings of the Catholic Church in the 60’s. Changing the prayers from Latin to Old English was fine, but changing to Modern English, lost its ties to the past. And the Priest in avoiding any questions or statements regarding Jews. In 1974, I made the decision to convert. It took several meetings with a local Rabbi to convince him of my desire to convert. Over a year of studies, drawing of blood to signify the circumcision, then the immersion in the Mikvah and meeting with a board of 3 Rabbis, before given a Hebrew name. But once I was given a Hebrew name, I could feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. It was at this time I realized this is the path that I needed to take. I continue to learn more and more about Judaism. The Chabad website is highly informative and I’m thankful for it.
JDV
December 19, 2024
Mazel Tov,
Debra Paulino
Silver Lake
October 21, 2018
Lovely. Said new. Never heard of the story of Satan. That is interesting. I also found Judaism and the more I learn the more I know it is right. It has everything. Suggestion for the fine presenter. Please do not lay hands repeatedly on podium. The microphone picks it up. Annoying. Thx.
Marty Goodman
West Bloomfield Michigan
October 22, 2018
Debra thank you for your kind words and thank you for the suggestion about my hands near the microphone never thought about it that’s why it’s good for people to make comments God bless you and enjoy :-)
Tristan Krahn
Lloydminster, Canada
April 10, 2018
This is one of the most beautiful teachings I have seen. As someone who is a gentile practicing to become a Jew, this teaching resonates with me, indeed fills me with hope and reaffirms my faith in Hashem. I would like to share this video with people in my life who have trouble understanding my desire to convert. Marty Goodman’s words here explain to me why I have been filled with an overwhelming passion for learning Torah and for that elucidation, I thank him.
Marty Goodman
West Bloomfield
April 10, 2018
Dear Tristan, thank you for responding I’m glad to hear that you found my lecture helpful. May God bless you and help you on your journey :-) yours truly Marty
kay
April 23, 2018
you said that perfectly, I as well am converting.
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Really enjoyed this lecture. I'm also a Ger. I did not feel I had a choice in the matter of conversion. I had to. I did not feel whole until I removed the klippah from my soul and returned to Israel. I will do what I can to infect the world with enthusiasm for Hashem I swear.
Welcome home😊