[Monty_girl]

I recently told my mother that I was studying to convert to Judaism. My mother is fine with my decision, but she informed me on a family secret. Well it kind of slipped. She said that her "Jewish" uncles were so happy when she was born on Yom Kippur. I had no idea what she was talking about. From my understanding my Great-grandfather was an only child along with my grandfather. My grandfathers twin was to have died during childbirth or shortly after. So I'm just really confused by now.

My mom when on to tell me the my great-grandfather who was from Poland and came to this country around 1900 with his wife and son. I didn't know that my great-grandfather was Orthodox Jew who married a chirstian and kicked out by his family. I was like OK, no biggy. What my mother went on to say was that when she was very young some of our Jewish family came to visit and was trying to have my grandfather raise his children Jewish. This was never talked about and that part of our family is somewhere out there. Now I know why my grandparents where about to kick me out of the house if I didn't remain catholic.

There shouldn't be so much anger towards each other. How you believe is such a personal thing. I don't think we all understand how much we hurt each other just because we have differant views.

[phoenix7]

yes it would be a much kinder planet if we all just allowed everyone their own path - I hope yours brings you joy

[sunsetsunrise]

Hello that was a very nice story with a very important personal message at the end. while I have no religion, I honor all masters who were sent to different peoples to teach the same thing. Love. Religions were based on these teachings. And many people whom i know thrive and flourish within the religions they are drawn to. Bless you for following your heart. By the way...... I am new here.

[Hunny]

"I recently told my mother that I was studying to convert to Judaism. My mother is fine with my decision, but she informed me on a family secret."

This secret is out now and opens doors for you. Oh, Monty, you may be the link back to this part of your family.

"This was never talked about and that part of our family is somewhere out there."

I know it's a very complicated. I was told, by my Dad, that I have a Jewish background too but I have yet been able to find the link. It feels like something is missing.

Hunny

[Monty_girl]

Hunny, I know what you mean when you say that you feel like something is missing. We have this whole other side to out family that we know nothing about. All I have is the name and a birthday and nothing else. Not knowing this missing piece is hard. I'm the kind of person I have to ask why and know the real answers. Till then I'm not happy.

[NuckingFutz]

mozel tov on your decision! I too think spiritual matters separate people when unity is more positive. You mentioned your ansestor immigrated circa 1900...antisemitism was around even then. What makes it even more difficult is that most jewish immigrants americanized their names to blend in with american culture. Perhaps your rabbi has some resources that will help. Lots of jewish people are still looking for their roots...between 1933 and 1945 2 out of 3 jews were systematically murdered. That's 6 million dead in europe, including over a million children simply because they were concidered "life unworthy of life". All the best to you.

[Hunny]

I saw a really good 'play' about the feelings of person who lived in a family where there was this secret. It was extremely well done. It could apply to any secret but in her case it was the secret that her family changed from Jewish to Catholic and there was an underlying feeling all the time. Anyway, if I can remember the name I'll get back to you.