Making my Declaration of Faith (photo by Peter Halmagyi)
In many ways, food brought me to Judaism. My husband was born in Israel; several years ago, he took me to visit his homeland for the first time. I was exposed to the incredible Israeli food culture, and I quickly fell in love with the rich history of Middle Eastern cuisine. I came back from that trip with a mission—to recreate the amazing flavors I’d tasted in our home kitchen. I began cooking for our Jewish holiday celebrations and baking challah for Shabbat. As I immersed myself in the ritual tradition of cooking, learning to make dishes that are centuries old (and in some cases even older), I finally felt at home… like I was returning to a place that made my spirit happy.
Last Thursday, I completed that journey home by converting to Judaism. Surrounded by family, under the guidance of my rabbi, I embraced the Jewish faith. I faced the beit din, was immersed in the mikveh, and felt the ancient echoes of our ancestors ring through me. I found my tribe. It was a powerful, beautiful day—one I will never forget.
This journey started back in college, long before I met my husband. I was not raised in a religion; my parents gave me the gift of choice when it came to spirituality. I’ve always known on a deep level that God exists, but the context for understanding my Creator was unclear. For many years I felt adrift, doing my best to find peace in the midst of chaos. Then I took a college writing course called “The Holocaust,” in which I was asked to examine this most heinous event in human history. Signing up for this class proved to be a life-altering choice. I was consumed by memoirs like Night, The Diary of Anne Frank, and All but My Life. I yearned to know the Jewish people better — to understand their faith, optimism and hope, even in the darkest of times. I left the class full of curiosity, my heart open and ready to learn more. It was the beginning of my spiritual awakening, a journey that finally came full circle last week.
For me, becoming Jewish is about joining a larger family and community. What drew me to the Jewish faith was the focus on family, tradition, and reaching out to help others in need. A big part of being Jewish is acknowledging a responsibility to your fellow humans by spreading positive energy in this increasingly complex world. I have accepted that responsibility, and it makes my heart very happy.
I’m sharing this experience with all of you because I feel that food is more than just sustenance. Food is a way of communicating; the energy we pass on through our cooking feeds the body as well as the soul. By writing this blog, and taking a journey into the history of food, I hope to spread positive energy. In the same way a good meal makes people happy, I hope that this blog… and the recipes and stories you find here… make you happy. Every kitchen has a heritage; every recipe has a writer. Knowing the story behind the food– the ancient history, or the family history, or even the history of one particular ingredient– can infuse a dish with meaning. And then a meal becomes more than just food, something that fills you up physically. Food takes on a spiritual significance, and ultimately becomes more nourishing.
I used to call this blog The Shiksa in the Kitchen, and it’s still a nickname that makes me smile. But times change and people grow; as a reflection of me, this website must also evolve to proudly reflect a new stage in my life. You’ll see some changes coming to the site over the next year, and hopefully those changes will more clearly reflect who I am as a person and as a new “member of the Tribe.” I am thrilled to have you join me on this journey.
If you read my blog, you are probably somebody who loves food. That’s something we all share. A good meal can bring warmth and joy to anybody, no matter who you are or where you come from. I welcome all faiths and backgrounds to join me on my journey into the heart of food history. Everybody is welcome here. Our diversity makes us stronger!
Tori//I appreciated your description, traditions and recipes associated with Purim..just love hearing about peoples’ traditions and culture. Thank you! Overall your site is excellent.
I just want to thank you so much for sharing this very personal journey with us all. I was born and raised Jewish in the Reform tradition and identified as being Jewish, one of the tribe but that was It was not until we moved to a small City in the South, which has 1 Reform Temple, 1 Conservative Synagogue, and a Chabad that I began to yearn for a deeper connection to G-d and to our people. We joined the Reform TempleWanting to feel a part of a community, I became very active in the Reform Temple, which is the oldest Jewish house of worship in the state, as well as in the Sisterhood, holding positions on both boards, singing as their Hazan for High Holidays and at Shabbat and teaching in the religious school hoping that that involvement would make me feel more connected but to no avail. My husband and I began attending services at the Conservative Synagogue this past Summer and knew that we were finally home.
HI Tori,
I discovered your blog when I began dating a more observant Jewish man (my ex husband was Jewish but did not observe at all). I love to cook and I love Jewish culture- not being Jewish myself I loved the name of the blog because I too was a “shiksa in the kitchen.” I respect how you have evolved but wanted you to know that you became my confidante when I began hosting Holiday meals in my home. I will miss the old name, but like you, am always evolving. Thank you!
You are beautiful on the inside and the outside!
Mazel Tov! You look beautiful in this pic! I love love your recipes!
I became part of the tribe, 2001 and never looked back, there was always something missing from my life, until I choose too convert, I actually converted 3 times. And I thank hashem each day for guiding me.
We are so honored and so privileged to be born Jewish and although I would never change it and I love it it’s not easy but you choosing to be one of us it’s truly amazing because it’s not easy admitting that’s your soul belongs to the most unique and wonderful people but most hated to point.
Am Israel Hai
A very belated Mazel tov.
Congratulations! Love your food blog!!!!!!