It all started as mild curiosity two and a half years ago, a few months after my 22nd birthday. I had made an Orthodox Jewish friend online (in a Harry Potter fan community, of all places) who one Friday had offhandedly said to me, “I can’t chat with you tomorrow because it’s Shabbos.”
“What’s Shabbos?” I asked.
Little did I know that that one question would be the first of thousands. My questions at first were all basic things: questions about holidays, keeping kosher and other traditions. I thought it was phenomenally interesting, learning about a whole different culture and belief system that I had never encountered before, the Philippines being home only to a handful of Jews.
None of this will mean anything to me until I try them out for myself.
Everything was going nice and smoothly until one day I thought to myself: None of this will mean anything to me until I try them out for myself.
So I started with a “small” thing. What would it feel like to say brachos, blessings? I picked one to experiment with: Asher yatzar, the blessing one says after going to the bathroom. I promised myself that from this day on, every time I left the bathroom and washed my hands, I would say this blessing. It felt silly at first. But slowly, it began to sink in and eventually I started reciting the blessing with a smile on my face. Hey, my body is working! Thank you, God!
I started to learn more blessings, sticking to the simpler, more “general” ones and those that I felt comfortable saying as a non-Jew. I said Modeh Ani first thing in the morning as I opened my eyes, and delighted saying each of the morning blessings that were applicable to me. I recited the bedtime Shema with as much intention as I could muster. Eventually I just started thanking God for everything, including every time my car would start properly. The Jewish blessings were – ARE amazing. I was suddenly noticing all the little things I was doing throughout the day. They made me realize just how many blessings I received every single moment – let alone every single day! And it just drove home the fact that all of this came from the Almighty. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you, Hashem.
Then I thought that maybe I was just lucky that I happened to pick blessings to start to put into practice. It was time to select another mitzvah to try out. I experimented and had my own “pseudo Shabbos” which simply consisted of me shutting my cellphone off for one night a week. After several weeks, I couldn’t believe how much those few disconnected hours affected me psychologically and emotionally. I actually began to look forward to that one night of mine.
It also taught me focus. It became easier to be productive during the week, knowing I had a set time later on that I could spend focusing solely on recharging, reconnecting with myself and God, and enjoying my family.
That same thinking eventually spread to other parts of my life also. For example, I became less impatient with my little niece and instead of counting down the time until I could send her back to her mom, I began being more present and enjoying our time together.
I began to appreciate the amazing impact these simple actions were having on my life. It was crazy and intense and I wanted more. So I began squeezing in learning Torah every spare moment of the day and sometimes stayed up an extra hour or two into the night. I read reams of articles on Aish.com and I listened to Torah classes from Torah Anytime in the car while driving and managed to listen to two to three classes a week. I actually started hoping to get stuck in traffic.
I learned about the concept of tikkun olam, gained a deeper understanding of free will, and studied lashon hara (gossip) and its effects on the world. I slowly adjusted my attitude towards happiness, deciding to be happy right now instead of “when so and so happens.” I decided I should start wearing skirts more often and to make sure I didn’t back out on my promise, I picked out nearly all of my jeans out of my closet and donated them away. I started hanging out at the local Chabad house where I’d have conversations with the rebbetzin about Noahide laws.
I was reading Psalms, giving tzedakah, and actively looking out for daily opportunities to do chessed (acts of kindness). I started to understand that I live in God’s world; He makes the rules, not me. And I continued experimenting: I tried my best not to listen to music during the Three Weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av, I did some soul searching during Elul and drew up a list of resolutions for Rosh Hashanah. I also began exercising more regularly, being more careful about what I ate. By this time I knew that as important as it was to grow spiritually, it was also important to stay physically healthy. In short, I began doing things purposefully.
I began to understand that I am my choices, that I am whatever cannot be taken away from me. As one speaker put it, “The only thing that is truly mine is that which I gave away.” That concept turned my priorities upside down and over time, I went from looking for what I could get to looking for what I could give. I learned that God controls absolutely everything, and every single encounter and experience I have every single day is a message from Him. Related to that is the fact that all I can control are my reactions to these events.
These lessons made me a much calmer person and I spent more time studying and analyzing what God could possibly be trying to tell me, my reactions, and what I could improve within myself – rather than dwelling on how annoying that other person was. I learned that if it’s not painful, you aren’t growing. So I began to push myself more frequently out of my comfort zone, looking for people who could give me constructive criticism and solid advice as opposed to people who would simply compliment me. I slowly began going for the harder choice because I knew they would pay off more in the long run.
Sometimes I can’t believe that I discovered the power of Torah by playing an online Harry Potter game. I am constantly thanking Hashem for giving me the opportunity to go through this journey.
The Torah isn’t only meant to be learned, it is meant to be lived. And the absolute best part about it is that it works.
My journey has been made up of hundreds of baby steps spread out over weeks, months, and years. It isn’t as black and white as this narrative makes it sound. There were countless times I took one step forward and two steps back. But I have learned that the most important thing in a spiritual journey is not strength or intelligence, but persistence.
I do not know where I am headed or where all this will end. I am currently opting to still remain a non-Jew. All I am truly certain of is that my life has become so much more meaningful since I began taking Torah seriously and that I don’t ever want to stop learning it. Torah has taught me to open my eyes and see what's really important, to stop wasting my time, money, and energy on things that simply do not and will not ever matter because they are only fleeting. The Torah isn’t only meant to be learned, it is meant to be lived. And the absolute best part about it is that it works. Don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many Rabbis and Rebbetzins at Aish.com, TorahAnytime.com, the Accidental Talmudist page on Facebook, and Chabad Manila. May the Almighty continue to bless you all!
(55) Nancy, May 12, 2020 9:50 PM
Dear Bernice
Wow! I am a Jewish person who was given precious little formal religious education. Your journey is so very poignant.
(54) Adam Kratt, December 24, 2019 10:18 PM
Baruch HaShem
What a true blessing it is to hear of your transformation and growth in Torah as a Noahide. One can see and feel the Tikkun Olam in you. Baruch HaShem
(53) Steve, November 20, 2018 8:39 PM
Beautiful journey
What a wonderful article. This resonates with me so much. I am nowhere near this stage of my personal spiritual journey, but I know I will get there.
I have been studying this site and Torah for about a year now. My late mother had Jewish ancestry, but I was brought up a Christian.
I have been engaged on a personal spiritual journey to find God and myself for just over a year, and my heart and soul keeps returning to Torah, and thanking our wonderful Creator for all the joys and blessings I have in life.
My end point will be conversation, I am sure. But, for now, I simply give thanks that I am able to connect with likeminded wonderful human beings in a community which blesses all, and does not discriminate.
(52) Miriam G, November 19, 2018 12:00 PM
A beautiful message
Bernice, you are an inspiring individual with a beautiful message. Typically, children are taught to make brachot and perform other rituals before they have the mental capacity to truly understand the thought behind it. While I'm not advocating for stopping this practice (it certainly does help form habits), the way in which you came to practicing these very same rituals comes from a place of understanding their purpose, something very special indeed. I admire your commitment to being an exemplary non-Jew, as I believe with more people in this world who show devotion to being an all around good human being, we would see far less of the horrors we hear about daily in the news. May Hashem continue to bless you.
(51) Anonymous, November 18, 2018 11:29 PM
Amazing, articulate, inspiring, compelling! What a story, thank you for sharing it here :)
(50) Anonymous, November 18, 2018 9:50 PM
Awesome Article
Excellent experience and very well articulated. I saw myself in that very experience. Thank you very much for sharing it. Hope you continue your Torah learning, as I am certain you will never regret.
(49) David Levine, November 18, 2018 7:15 PM
WOW!!!
As Lyndon Johnson might say, Bernice honey, you're a more observant Jew than me.
(48) Shoshana-Jerusalem, November 18, 2018 5:59 PM
to all you wonderful non-Jews
To all you beautiful and wonderful non-Jews, who are studying Torah and debating whether or not to convert, you can certainly continue your Torah studies and remain Noahides and
H-shem will love you just as much. There is really no reason to convert as Noahides are very beloved, any many converts regret it afterwards. May H-shem help you and bless you in whatever you decide.
(47) Jordan, September 24, 2016 9:53 PM
Another non Jew
So awesome to get the others perspective when the magic is gone especially since it is so rarely positive
(46) Steven Sodar, September 23, 2016 4:29 AM
"Greater is one who is commanded ..."
(I know I'm late to this article but my comment may be of value to the author and to others who read this.) While your story is very admirable, one powerful component of Torah observance you are depriving yourself of is the performance of the commandments 'because G-d requires it' and not because YOU think it is enjoyable and inspirational. The Talmud states "Greater is one who is commanded [to perform a mitzva] and fulfills, than one who is not commanded but fulfills." If you haven't already, you should seriously consider converting in order to make yourself one who is commanded and so will intensify your connection to and relationship with G-d. Your Torah experience will thereby be greatly elevated. By your becoming a Jew the Jewish nation will be that much richer - and so will you.
Zvi, November 18, 2018 3:56 PM
Maybe she is "one hwo is commanded,,,"
The author noted that she ahs discussed the Noachide Laws with people. For those she IS "commanded"... And, the RaN noted that "logical Mitzvot" are requirements for the Non-Jew even if not explicitly listed in the Noachide Laws. One can certainly argue that praising G-d falls under the requirement not to practice "Avodah Zarah". And, given that we are NOT an evangelizing religion (note the comments of Netziv on "Av Hamon Goyim" as stated to Avraham), it is not at all obvious that anyone should be "urging the author to convert...
(45) Bernice Go, August 30, 2015 6:27 AM
Blog
Hi everyone, it is me, the author of this article. :) I just thought I would share that I have just started a blog at someone's suggestion in order to keep writing and sharing my thoughts on Torah. :) I am sharing the link, in case anybody would be interested in reading it. Shavua tov, everyone!
http://seekerthoughts.wordpress.com
(44) marilyn, August 27, 2015 7:51 PM
she is great
She has it and i support her to continue what she has started. Learning to follow her will
(43) Clare Shinebourne, August 21, 2015 8:06 PM
This is so beautiful and encouraging, thank you and shalom
(42) Devorah Jacobs, August 19, 2015 9:12 PM
I am so happy for you Bernice. I hope that your journey brings you closer and closer to HaShem!
My journey started in a different way but I began a whole new life when I converted 35 years ago. I love HaShem and Judaism so much because it has thought me how to live a Torah life with HaShem always in every single moment of my life. The comment you made about your car starting, resonatEd wit me. My most menial moments in life are often the most amazing. Things like coming to a traffic light and it turning green and for that I thank HaShem which has taught me to always remember to thank HIM for everything no matter how small to how large it is. I hope that you allow HaShem more and more into your life. May your journey take you where you as far as you would like it to go. It sounds like, perhaps that it will take you all the way to being Jewish and as I heard today from Israel 'Becoming one of the tribe'. Mazel tov on your journey so far.
(41) Anonymous, August 19, 2015 8:24 PM
Response to Miriam
Judaism does not believe that everyone in the world is required to be Jewish. God made each person in the religion that they were born into. Jews are not missionaries and we believe that any nonjew can earn heaven by keeping the 7 Noahide Laws. There is obviously the option to convert to Judaism for those who pursue it in honesty and are sincere. Yes, jews will push you away many times because you can't opt in to Judaism and then realized that it is too hard and then opt out. When your in, your in forever. They want to make sure that you really want it . Judaism is beautiful and makes life meaningful, but there are 613 commandments and the Jews have always been a persecuted people. If you are truly sincere, perhaps you have not spoken to the right people ---have you spoken to an Orthodox rabbi. May God grant you clarity in your journey
(40) Armando Benner, August 17, 2015 2:44 AM
Baruch Ha Shem! Thank you
Thank you for sharing. It is inspiring and encouraging. It just confirme our divine calling to be Light to the Natiins. A Venezuelan Jew in Reuniin Island Indian Ocean. Shavua Tov!
(39) Diego, August 17, 2015 2:27 AM
I'm also a non-Jew and I couldn't agree more with her...
I always thought that I was the only one "non-Jew" that suddenly realized about the wonderful things in the Torah and have wished to be Jew....
Even though I don't have any Jewish friend and I've discovered Judaism in a very "unusual" way, I'm constantly reading and trying to learn as much as possible about it...
but, if I could I would be opting to convert.. so I trust in God that at some point I will be in a place/country with a Jewish community nearby where I can learn and practice it properly.
(38) Ahavami, August 16, 2015 10:50 PM
I never knew theres Chabad-Lubavitch in Manila.
Your story is so inspiring and beautiful in every sense. I am also from the Philippines but now based in Vancouver. Everything I knew about Judaism is from my husband. He is Filipino and thinking of converting before. It is only recently that I'm trying to study and read on my own. But I have since a big fan of aish.com, Chabad.org, 41 ways among may others.
But I wish I knew there's Chabad-Lubavitch in Manila. I felt so alone before (although my spouse answers most of my questions). I needed a sense of community. At least in Chabad house they recognize Noachides. Maybe one day my husband and I visit the Manila Chabad House.
May G-d continue to bless your journey in living a meaningful life. Thank you for sharing your story. I pray one day that non-Jews is able to discover Noachide and its laws. For we are all Noachides. Thank you G-d for letting us experience the Torah.
(37) Dileeni, August 16, 2015 3:47 PM
Interesting account. I too love everything about the Jews.
God bless Israel. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. ( I am Sri Lankan by birth & British by adoption but am a citizen of the world.
(36) David, August 16, 2015 1:45 AM
A Jewish Journey
Fantastic story, and utterly resonates with me. I am not Jewish either although I have Jewish family heritage. But for 5 years now I have been inexorably drawn on, it seems, on a "Jewish journey" . Am I a returning 'Jewish soul' or why I don't really know, but I can relate to everything Bernice says. I hope to convert one day but it is difficult for several reasons, but being able to live by Torah is enough, Although I have some problems with a Noahide description that is basically what I am I guess, but if anybody has another term for people like Bernice and I let us know. Thanks Bernice
Leib, August 17, 2015 1:23 PM
Jewish Family Heritage
Dear David,
It will be interesting to know what your Jewish family heritage is. Do you know that anyone born from a matrilineal (unbroken) Jewish line is Jewish?
(35) SDK, August 14, 2015 5:25 PM
Thank you
This is a beautiful article! We welcome you as a fellow traveler and a friend. I too started reciting brachot fairly recently and they have had a profound impact on my life.
For the ultra-orthodox reader, you have to understand that we feel intensity when we do *more* than we did before. You don't feel Gd in your life unless you are growing in some way. You are already at a high level of observance, but it is likely all by rote. Everything we do become rote eventually, which is why we need to keep growing.
This doesn't mean you need to be more *strict* in observance. Maybe you need to do more chesed. Maybe you need to go outside your comfort zone and talk more with non-frum Jews or non-Jews. Maybe you need to invest in a particular mitzvah that is personally meaningful to you. Maybe you need to take on more challenges.
Wherever you are, there is a way to grow. When you do, you will feel Hashem reaching back towards you.
Yisroel, August 17, 2015 2:29 AM
Everyone Except....
You seem to have it in for those you call the ultra-orthodox, who practice Stricter Observance. I wonder why... Why do you struggle against such Jews?
(34) Marte, August 14, 2015 5:13 PM
Baruch HaShem the Light to shine
For the ones who allowed their Light to shine on & in her!
(33) Tamara Jaffe, August 14, 2015 11:17 AM
So Happy for You
I was thrilled to read about your spiritual journey. May Hashem continue to fill your life with the joy of a life lived purposefully and with meaning.
(32) rena, August 14, 2015 10:53 AM
thank you so much for sharing
(31) Joe, August 14, 2015 10:03 AM
Convert
Great article. She is clearly a candidate to become Jewish. A Kiddush Hashem already in her inspiring words. Our arms should be open.
(30) Chani, August 14, 2015 9:01 AM
Wow, Bernice you are brilliant!
This is a truly wonderful article, I wish it were required reading for all Jews, to appreciate what we have. This is a fulfillment of the command for Jewish people to be a Light Unto the Nations.
(29) Paula, August 14, 2015 8:22 AM
Wow! You reminded me of everything I love about Torah living- you really get it!
I'm really in awe of your conscious spiritual journey - what a blessing to be awake!
(28) Cal, August 14, 2015 3:36 AM
Every word she said is true!
Just saying, "Thank you GD," after EVERYTHING changed my soul. In my journey alongside Judaism I've learned this; Judaism IS about gratitude and worship.
Worship IS gratitude and gratitude IS worship.
Conversion is not for me for lots of reasons, but the greatest love anyone ever showed me was at the first Kol Nidre I was invited to attend. A wonderful holocaust survivor I had come to know, short beautiful and sweet as could be greeted me in the parking lot after. "So, Mr. M, what did you think of the service?" Me - "I have so much to learn and so much to unlearn; I'm overwhelmed, I really don't know what to think yet." Mrs. F - "Well, you are here tonight, that is ALL that matters!"
She's of beloved memory now, but that night changed my soul and that wonderful woman was my angel that night. I am so grateful for having been blessed to taste Torah.
(27) Des, August 14, 2015 3:35 AM
Found it very inspirational and thought-provoking
(26) Romeo, August 14, 2015 3:32 AM
Just like you...
My day will not be complete without visiting Aish.com. Just like you, I found purpose in life learning the Almighty's Word. Thank you for sharing your experience.
(25) Anonymous, August 14, 2015 1:59 AM
Why Torah works
Thanks for your inspiring story. Torah works because it is equivalent to the "Manufacturer's manual" for mankind.
(24) Anonymous, August 13, 2015 9:33 PM
This article made me cry
I am so so jealous. That the author could experience this. Does she not realize how lucky she is? I, who am ultra-orthodox, wish I could feel the depth of meaning she expresses, that she understands, for her ability to live life and appreciate it, live and appreciate Torah
David, August 14, 2015 8:00 PM
Made me cry too.
I cried too because I relate completely to her experience. I grew up secular to a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother. I began studying Judaism 10 years ago and my eyes are now wide open. I converted last year (from Jew to Jew, ha!) There is something about the discovery and the "ah ha" moments I experience everyday studying Torah. In one sense, I am sad that I missed 45 years of my life not studying Torah, but on the other hand I am very lucky. Lucky because everyday is fresh with new discoveries. I understand how you have difficulty seeing the depth of meaning because it has been all you have known your whole life. It perhaps has become rote. In life, we human beings need to know pain before knowing joy and loss before comfort. I hope you too can find a way to feel the joy and depth of Torah. Baruch Hashem.
(23) Tone Lechtzier, August 13, 2015 9:26 PM
Todah...
Shalom, may you be an inspiration to all, as the Torah is for all.
Blessings & Ahava
old sage hermit Tone
(22) Anonymous, August 13, 2015 9:26 PM
When Jewish people see the non Jews admire the Torah, it awakens them to keep the Torah.
Look at the Parshiot with the makos - Hashem is making sure that the Mitzrim will recognize Hashem so B'nai Yisroel will open their eyes and heart to serve H.K.B.H.
Very interesting article
(21) Sal Litvak - Accidental Talmudist, August 13, 2015 7:39 PM
Yasher Koach!
Bernice, you inspire me. May HaShem bless you in all your ways to 120!
(20) Stanley T, August 13, 2015 6:37 PM
Beautiful!
Thank you for a stunningly beautiful article. I think so many Jews (I include myself) often take our religion and its wisdom for granted. (After years of trying to be shomrei Shabbos, I gave up for various reason and still miss the peace you describe, that amazing feeling that came with the arrival of Friday evening. Maybe it's time to start thinking about going back ...)
Your article has reminded you of the wealth that's there for the taking. Again, thank you.
(19) Shoshana, August 13, 2015 6:17 PM
A wonderful article
This is beautifully written and is an inspiration to further study the Torah.
(18) Brad, August 13, 2015 5:58 PM
Great article
Really inspiring story. As an non practicing Jew, I learned a lot from your article. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
(17) michael, August 13, 2015 5:00 PM
what is a noahide
As a Noahide I was inspired by your story. My wife and I have a similiar story. Been to Israel many times. Considered converting to Judaism. For now thank to HaShem for the Noahide laws.
(16) Ra'anan, August 13, 2015 4:21 PM
Bernice, you are amazing!
Why are some people attracted while others not? Everyone gets a chance! Good luck Bernice!
(15) DAS1951, August 13, 2015 3:50 PM
Lovely
Lovely story and comments.
(14) Carlos, August 13, 2015 3:32 PM
Wow
What an amazing message. G-d actually confirmed something to me through this message.
Todá rabá.
(13) Jaya, August 13, 2015 3:30 PM
Jewish wisdom !
For the past three years I read various articles that come in Aisha.com and I feel blessed to learn such wisdom . I am a Hindu and find some amazing similarities between the two religions . The ancient wisdom is applicable today as it must have been in every age . Thank you for this vivid and articulate article .
(12) Thelna, August 13, 2015 3:15 PM
Beautiful story
Makes me proud to be a Jew
(11) Esther Shayna, August 13, 2015 3:07 PM
time to come home
B"H We cannot reach our Geulah until all Jewish souls are home. Just as Ruth the convert is the great grandmother of King Dovid, women converts have a huge role to play in the Mitzvot that they perform, and ultimately our Redemption. May this young lady know that just as I admire her just as she is, she is also welcome to join my people, as I did already 13 years ago. Torah observance is just too sweet to stay away. It's time for all of us to come home.
(10) Tova Saul, August 13, 2015 2:54 PM
Beautiful article
Much success i your continued adventures in the Jewish realm of learning.
(9) s f, August 13, 2015 12:18 AM
Many of us
I am like you and truly enjoy the way scripture comes alive from the studies on this site. There is a huge number of folks in Texas trying to keep Shabbos and so on. I wish more Jewish folks knew how many of us there are and how much we wish to learn. Maybe we are living in the days spoken of in Zachariah 8:23!
(8) Anonymous, August 12, 2015 7:53 PM
WOW
amazing, amazing, amazing
the article helps me take a step back and re focus
(7) Zev Klein, August 12, 2015 6:41 PM
Judaism equates with Gratitude
Judaism, Jews, whatever, all derive from the name of one of Jacob's sons: Judah.
Judah derives from a root word that means: Thanks.
We say "Todah" for thank-you. "Modeh" means thank-you.
One of the main tenets of Judaism is to express Gratitude and Thanks to God for everything: the good things that we encounter in our lives, and also the not-so-good things.
Some think that Judaism is much too consumed with laws, and following laws.
The basic principle of Judaism is how we get along with others, and to express appreciation for everything that we have.
And, how we get along with others is framed by the Torah in three words: "Ve'ahavta le-ray-acha kamocha" Love your fellow human-being as yourself.
Love is really the central point of Judaism; love of God and love of people. Probably the best way to love God is to love people.
And Christians think that they "invented" love. Haha, the Torah taught us about love two thousand years before Christianity was invented.
Shalom al Yisrael v'al kol haYehudim
Bruce, August 13, 2015 3:19 PM
Don't put down other religions
It is offensive, unnecessary, unwise, and counter-productive to put down other religions in an effort to build up Judaism. As Jews, we have all to often seen the horrific results of such an approach when it is applied against us. We would do well to avoid emulating such a practice.
Think a second time.
Anonymous, August 13, 2015 4:13 PM
to add a bit your beautiful thought
I love Torah linguistics. The other day, while contemplating the
recent parshiyos I remembered a recent D'var Torah. "Oheiv"
or love in l'shon hakodesh can be broken down to the prefix
aleph & "hav" - this essence of the complete word. Guess what
"hav" means? (hint - it is not HAVE as R' Mqatisyuh Glazerson
might point out in a dissertation on on transliterations)...but
GIVE? this is the true answer!...Perhaps R' Dessler is the
ma'areh makom here. I don't fully remember.
Chani, August 14, 2015 8:54 AM
Correct
Rav Dessler explains that ahava, love, comes from the root word hav, which means to give. He says the more you give to someone, you more you love them, contrary to what we would think. That is why parents love their children so much.
(6) Anonymous, August 11, 2015 3:53 PM
wow
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sometimes as Jews we take the beauty of Torah for granted. Thanks for the reminder that the Mitzvot are meant to better our lives and to connect to the Almighty. Best of luck to you.
(5) Larry, August 11, 2015 11:00 AM
Thanks for sharing your story
I started falling in love with Torah about a year ago. Aish has been a huge part of that. Baby steps and persistence and that's great advise for beginners.
(4) Anonymous, August 11, 2015 1:34 AM
Judaism by Heart
I am surprised to also read about a non-Jewish person loving and walking in the truths she is learning from Aish.com. Yes Aish.com is also my one stop for everything I crave to learn about my personality and growth in G-d. I now believe that this G-d is a Universal G-d that can relate to all human beings in their pursuit of Him. Thank you jewish people for letting us into your world and helping us seeing clearly to bring the best in us for the glory of G-d. I personally like your web-sites becuase they train us to be the best individuals. Such training is lacking in other religions that is why we lack growing.
(3) Bill Balano, August 9, 2015 9:37 PM
Taking Judaism By Heart
I was amazed to see an article in Aish from a non-Jew like me. That was really great. Like Bernice, I am also from the Philippines and got "charmed" by Judaism when I was still a teen-ager. I felt so alone and yet felt so wonderful learning one step at a time. My family was supportive and very understanding. They wouldn't give me pork and respect the quiet of my Saturdays. Then we moved to Toronto in 2001 where there are a lot of Jewish communities than in Manila. But we settled in a place far from them. At this point in my life I am torn between converting and staying as a Noahide. Nevertheless, even though I am not a Jew, I consider myself Jewish. Just like when a thing is not colored outright red, it could still be reddish.
(2) Jill, August 9, 2015 4:50 PM
Me too!
I am not Jewish either, but G-d on His own has also brought me to thanking Him for health in regularities/bathroom. I thought it was just me discovering His great mercy; I had no idea there are actually blessings for it! Also, the thanking G-d for little things and how everything I do is my own choice are also things I thought were just my walk with Him; so amazing that another girl on the other side of the world who is interested in Torah is experiencing the same walk with G-d!
(1) L, August 9, 2015 3:59 PM
Very Encouraging
I am trying to take baby steps too since realising the importance to Torah. Where may I find the blessings? I sometimes try and just say thank you to G-D without asking for anything for about 6 months, when it succeeded it was awesome. I'd like to do it again but find it difficult to focus.
I will definitely try harder after reading this. Baby steps again I think.
Lots of blessings for the future
L.
Bernice, August 11, 2015 4:04 PM
Blessings
Hi there! Wow, thanks so much for reading and I'm beyond honored to have inspired you! If I may suggest, you can check out http://www.jewishpathways.com/laws-blessings if you want a really great discussion in blessings! It's honestly a little overwhelming but one at a time should do the trick. Bracha v'hatzlacha!