So, I have been picking up words, tidbits of language which have utterly been absorbed into my vocabulary, and mensch is one of them. Meshuggah, mensch, shalom, gentile, oy vey, oy vey iz mir, schvitzing, baruch Hashem, and a whole host of other Yiddish and Hebrew words have taken over my vocabulary, attaching to my sentences without prior notice. It was noticed by my younger son Gabe who asked me what “Mensch,” meant after we talked, I was taken by surprise.
I don’t know if this is normal for most converts, but I don’t know whether to continue picking up words or to stop in case it offends someone. I’m sure it’s fine, I watch a lot of Jewish media (movies, YouTube, music, documentaries, and books), live a fully Jewish life, practice Judaism, and have numerous Jewish friends, so I absorb a lot nearly all day and night. I suppose I’ll have to ask my Rabbi about it, but still… have any of my readers experienced this? Being around people and picking up mannerisms and words that you didn’t use before?
It’s an odd feeling…
I never would have guessed the amount of change in my life since this journey into Judaism began just six months ago (as of July 2021). Our house, ceremonies, prayers, what I listen to and watch, how I speak, how I view things in the world and my place in it, how I view G_D, our community, and so much more have changed. It’s incredible, I find myself constantly wanting more books on Judaism to read and learn from, I live for Shabbat, I’m excited for the high holy days to come in September, I utterly love a place, our Rabbi’s and Cantor, and our community – Our Synagogue Rodeph Shalom.
“Incredible,” would be a word to describe it, but that’s too weak even, miraculous would better suit the changes in me, my family, our house, and our lives. Through Heshem, the ish given to me, the support of my family and friends, the amazing and loving people at Rodeph Shalom, this was all possible and I look forward to continuing this journey for the rest of my life. My only regret is not finding Judaism earlier in life, but the early ’40s isn’t too old to have found G_D and home spiritually 🙂
Everything is new, different, it’s like having a new life and world to explore, where I am welcomed and where I can grow as a human being and as a Jew. I cannot wait to look back over my time of conversion once I am finished, I know I will no longer recognize the old me and I love it!