Thanks!

the RAMBAM said that a convert is higher than a born Jew.

Converts are 1000% Jews and nothing else. Don’t let anybody question that. Personally I have huge admiration for converts and I know my congregation does as well. Converts are natural leaders.

I’m currently in the midst of my conversion. Bless you for addressing this issue. 💕

I was born Jewish and I have faced discrimination myself. I am a middle aged woman who is still single,and have never been married. I am childless. I have been treated like there is something wrong with me, and that I am to be viewed with pity. That has really hurt me greatly. I admire converts so much. Conversion is not an easy process, and they are often so enthusiastic and dedicated to their study, and their ultimate goal of becoming Jewish.

I grew up with Jews of colour. Jews come in all shapes, sizes and shades. But regardless of difference on the outside, we’re all the same on the other inside. We’re all JEWS 💜

Look, my mom is 100% Russian Ashkenazi Jew, so I was born Jewish. And don’t get me wrong, we grew up only practicing the high holy days. I’ve also been to Israel. We know lots of Yiddish words & we use them all of the time. But we are not practicing, we are reformed. But I watch your videos and I talked to my brother about your family. What we say is.. They are more Jewish than we are lmao! So I’m really so sorry there are people who disrespect you and or your children!!! I’m actually learning about Judaism by watching your videos! So please ignore them! They are not worth your time or energy! You just keep on being a proud, loving, and caring Jew and don’t give haters any of the space in your head because they don’t deserve it! MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT from a NY Jew! 💕❤🩷🧡💛💚🩵💙

Can’t beleive someone said a convert etc isn’t a real Jew … a. Jew is a Jew when born and authentic conversion😊

I have ultra-Orthodox cousins in Boro Park, Brooklyn, I was raised conservative. We would visit them occasionally, We were taught things we did not know out of love, never out of hate. We must learn to love each other.

You have ALL my respect! So proud that you realized your Jewish souls, and so thrilled you are part of our people.

I am so glad whenever I meet other Jews and am especially grateful for the convert. The degree of commitment the Giur goes through is to be respected and admired and celebrated. We all value the wisdom House of Lev shares. I am so glad you share this. 💙🔯💙

As a BT I feel similar to you. Sometimes I feel out of place. Thanks for spreading positivity.

As a reform Jew, through just mother, the American jewish community also made me feel a little ostracized due to my mother's choice to marry outside of the religion growing up. However, traveling to Israel throughout my life and also engaging with and meeting converted Jews reminds me of how proud I should feel of my blood and roots in judaism. For me, many converted Jews have shown me the hard work, love, devotion and connection to g-d that I never felt as a little girl at shul or my bubbe's, because I did not chose to be born jewish. I am filled with joy when I am reminded of families like yours who show just how beautiful our community can be. Some would say you are more Jewish than me, but I say welcome and thank you for reminding me of love.

I am a convert to and had issues in the Jewish community. Me and my wife convert an orthodox conversion over eight years and she recently passed 13 Elul 5783. I have grandkids and little older than ya. I follow ya and see ya are beyond ya years. I knew ya would be teaching. Thank you

A powerful message. Peace and love to you, as always !!

My husband (of blessed memory), children, and I have gone through this. It was very hurtful. I appreciate you speaking to this issue. Thank you, so much. Blessings and shalom.

My husband is a Convert.. Yes, there are issues. Shidduchim can be challenging. As my Rav said, would you want your daughter to marry someone who wouldn't accept Rabbi Akiva as a son in law? The Mitzvah to love the Ger is a very serious one, and unfortunately, many violate it. The consequences are serious. The Ger should try to let it go. Baal teshuva have similar experiences. But you find your niche and serve Hashem in your own way.

People could be so ignorant sometimes!!! You are a beautifulJewish soul! הי ישמרכם

Thank you for your encouragement. We are just beginning the process and have talked extensively to our children about this. They realize it is a possibility, but are so resilient. They even encourage me. ❤ Our journey out of the church and the messianic circles have been preparation and are a part of our journey home.

Very important to learn about the ger. Thank you for bringing it up.

I really respect you both so much!!! I am an orthodox Jew and my older sister is a convert as well because my parents adopted her when she was a little baby!! A nice dvar Torah my teacher shared with me once is the following- Hashem when He went around asking the nations of the world if they wanted the Torah and to be Hashem's nation, we know that it was the Jewish nation who said yes they would accept it- but our teacher was saying that of course there must of been people here and there in other nations that wanted to accept it but their nation as a whole said no, and so the people who convert to Judaism their souls are the souls who said they wanted to accept the Torah but their nation as a whole said no. It's just a nice medrash but I really love it and I hope many people learn from your video how to treat others right!

Thanks for addressing this important topic! It definitely needs to be spoken about in every Jewish home of How to love a Ger. I’m so glad u have had a wonderful experience in your community how u were accepted with love and open arms. It’s a true blessing and I want to also add that not everyone has had the same experiences like u because my spouse is a Ger Tzedek who has not had the same experience as u, for example the community members don’t want to shake his hand or accept him because he became a Ger and they look and treat us differently with lots of judgment or my kids get bullied in school because their father is a Ger. This needs to change and There needs to be more awareness of this topic or beautiful mitzva at home and in school. It should be a conversation about loving a Ger. I agree with both of u and I daven for change and acceptance for klal yisrael to accept more Gerim. Am

As someone converting, the amount of stares and inappropriate comments I get whenever I walk into Jewish spaces is absurd. You’d think that if someone walks into a synagogue or walks into a Jewish wedding, they’re there for davening or to party, not to help as a kitchen aid (a story I’ve heard a multitude of times from other people)

We loved you guys from the first video when we met! Like our own brothers and sisters.

One reason many try to push those wanting to convert away from conversion is because the convert often time exposes the lack of observance of the natural born Jew. This hurts them. May we make more converts to Judaism. Beezrat HaShem.

I hear you. Im a ger too. Toda raba for your info to the world.:) I converted when I was 23 and now am 57. Some people are accepting, others are wary, and others say things like, "Do you know about Avraham?" lol. Others are amazed and say "Wow, it is so amazing that you love H-m and converted". I understand all the misunderstandings. Who would know if they didn't learn about what a ger learns before they become Jewish. If a person wants to know why a person became Jewish they need to ask (nicely and without judgement). I ignore any issues with others now because they will find out that oyou are real eventually. My children all went to Jewish schools and by the time they got there, no one had issues. We lived in a community where we went to the same shuls and so it helped alot. Now, I don't tell anyone I'm a ger, unless it has to do with someone else converting. I know two mixed couples. The husband of color converted and the whole family moved to Israel. The other family both wife and husband converted. I know lots of gerim, hispanic and white. It must be a lot to handle, being new gerim and of color as well. Kol a Kovod for both of you. Love you guys!! Remember everyone to study the inner meaning as well as the outer meaning of the Torah and bring Hm's Light everyday!!!

As the wife of a ger a 100 percent agree with you. My shul is very accepting of us. My husband is also a mashgiach,. The vaad of rabanim who have hired him have told we trust someone who is ager a hundred percent more.

Thank you Chava and Akiva for always speaking so eloquently on this topic. As a former Christian who has Jewish heritage through my mothers side (which I cannot prove), your channel has been so helpful on my journey to learning and adding such amazing spiritual practice into my day to day life. You are part of this amazing big Jewish family, but also help so many of those who are just now joining in and that is such a beautiful blessing for all of us. Thank you ❤️

Jews should be treating the ghers with profound respect for the one reason-- the ghers go through tremendous obstacles. Jews take the nationality for granted, while ghers learn and completely go through unbelievable transformation of their lives!!! I have tremendous and profound respect for ghers!!!

Thank you for this encouragement. I receive a email today intro a community to us. I became so excited and then I opened up KZfaq and here you are ecouraging us. Baruch Hashem❤ plz do a part 2 of this encouragement Motivation❤ Todah Rabbah

I am so impressed with you two. I am a born Jew and have never thought about a convert as anything but a Jew. My shul is very welcoming to the convert (Orthodox shul). There are many converts in the shul. Kol haKavod l’chem. Love you two AND your kids :).

10 years as a convert. As lonely now as I was at the beginning. Single, no children. It has been really hard and depressing.

I wish i knew you both and your families! I would love and welcome you into my home! Love and respect from yerushalayim!

There is no such thing as conversion to Judaism, you are rejoining your true people of your soul. Why do we use the word conversion? You join the nation of Israel, not conversion to a religion. I wish there was a better word, and way.

The Jewish family is incredible and converts to Judaism are a very important part of this special family.Israel wouldn't be what it is without its many wonderful converts.Kol Hakavod to all those who have lovingly joined hands with the Jewish people.We're one family and blessed and those who bless us shall be blessed. May we all be worthy of Hashem's blessings.

Thank you for this video! My husband and I have been trying to convert for the last four years, and it's been very hard, especially when they look at you in a certain way and you keep getting the door closed. It's very hard but I know Hashem will make it happen when the right time comes. We keep emunah which helps us keep on going. Thank you so much "House of Lev" for sharing the most beautiful journey you all have been blessed to go through.

Sadness me to hear that but not very suppressing. Both of you are pure souls keep spreading truth and love.

Convert, born Jew, either way, if you're a member of the Tribe, you're a member of the Tribe. If you love our homeland and your fellow Jew, we're Mishpacha. Am Yisrael Chai 💟✡

I know you tried to be modest when you said you're not trying to get people to love you, but I think you should. Reminding your fellow Jews of the mitzvah Ahavas Yisrael makes us better people and brings Kedushah into the world. You deserve love and support from all of us because you are a part of all of us. I'm new to your channel-- I am moved by your journey. You are doing important work. When you take the time to educate people, you're making a profound difference. You have a Jewish Neshama, and it shines brighter every time you make a video and let people know about your journey. G-d willing more people will follow your great channel.

I have said it before. I will say it again: you two are such a gorgeous couple. The hair covering is especially lovely on you. Stay blessed.

Okay now I know that you guys are Jewish! You don't afraid to speak your mind! That's the most Jewish thing!! 🤩 Love you guys! ❤️

I didn’t know thst the “ger” was mentioned so many times in the Torah. Note that it was 36 times (two times 18, equalling “chai”)! Good point that many, if not most people, convert alone.

You two are such beautiful souls and have hearts of gold! Even though I am Christian, I love your channel, love y’all, and love how welcoming you have been to me!! You really practice what you preach, even to people of other faiths❤

There is nothing like the Kiruv you do to help us all return. Bless you and your family❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

What an important message! Thanks for raising awareness! I think, though, that on this channel everybody loves you!!

Thank you so much for this. It is a very important point. People should take your words to heart.❤

Love this ❤ Currently on a journey of return and having a community that embraces you and your family is vital. Thank you for sharing this 🩵🙏🏽

You are so right ❤and I'm really sorry to hear that 😢 It's such an important subject and thank you for talking about it. It's written in the Torha that Gerey Tzedek are Jewish souls who were lost but stood with their brothers and sisters (Am Israel) while receiving the Torha at Sinai mountain.

Mazel tov and welcome! Thank you for this important video. This has to be said, taught, and adopted into every Jewish child's education. I am so grateful I was raised in a family that is accepting of all types of Jews and who truly honors and looks up to gerei tzedek, treating them no differently. So much so that when I told my father I was interested in marrying the son of gerei tzedek, he and my family were so accepting and encouraging, embracing him and his family fully. This has been the biggest blessing. Being in close contact with my in laws all these years, and other converts, and hearing their stories, and getting a glimpse into their souls, it is obvious that their soul is Jewish and has been all along. They simply found their way home. Our very own mashiach ben David who we are longing for so badly is a descendant of Ruth, a convert. Would anyone reject him? How anyone could reject someone because they chose to change their entire life to be Jewish or descended from someone who did, is beyond me, and is a very not Jewish mindset, as it's against the Torah. I'm so grateful to have been brought up with the correct attitude, and I know I will do my part to continue educating my children to love and honor geirim. I hope everyone in our nation will too! ❤

Love this message. Very important.

More religious communities need to be having this conversation regardless of religion. Thank you for making a video on this topic!

Thank you for sharing this...The Rebbe spoke many times about the love of the Ger, and love for your fellow Jew...maybe this message will reach the masses and behaviors will change ❤

I feel your pain. G-d bless you and your family.

That’s relieving to see people standing up for us. I am also a convert since 22 years and was pretty challenging by the community but I never dared to speak out and always felt as much as an outsider but thanks to my emuna and my husband and my beautiful children this makes me stronger! It’s true it’s hard to feel different and rejected and to have to justify yourself every time . At the end of the day the most important it’s to keep up because the Yetser Hara never likes the ones who fight to be part of Hashem’s people and Judaism is not a religion but a way of life, right! #Proudtobeajew

You both inspire me so much! I love how you both respect each other and really listen to each other. You are special souls! Thank you for this video.

I look up to you guys so so much. The fact that you chose to join our big family is beyond awesome. You guys are awesome. I’m sending you all my love & respect. As you said I don’t understand how anyone can treat another with this disrespect as you stated in the Torah it’s written to respect converts & we were taught since childhood that they are most beloved for they literally changed their lives to serve Hashem which most Jew from birth don’t seem to be doing. Everyone has challenges but to literally put your insecurities onto another you shouldn’t do that. If someone marries or you marry into a closed knit family how do you want to be treated. It stats clearly that you shouldn’t disrespect the “gair, the orphan or the widow”. It says clearly that god loves them & they need to remember that at one time they too were in that position. Sending all my love & respect to each & every one of you.

We so admire and cherish your tremendous ability to face all the difficulties and talk about them honestly

Please please don't relate to people's evil, their ignorance. Continue your love for the truth and God will always guide you to peace, joy and love.❤️🙏🏾🇮🇱

Akiva's point is important and well-taken, and I happen to be a born-Jew. אהבת הגר ahavat-hager, love of the ger, is an explicit דאורייתא de-oraita (Torah -level) mitzvah. Additionally it enriches the Jew fulfilling it manyfold. What unique, intelligent interesting Jews gerim often prove to be, as the spiritual and emotional resources that HaShem has given them, in order for them to reach this point, result in amazing people to have as friends, neighbors or people to consider for shiddukhim (marriage matches).

The Gerim are on a whole different level to the born Jews, I absolutely admire them and you two have given me strength and inspiration and added love to Torah . I’m at broken at any ger that would be misspoken to our mistreated . That is unacceptable!

Be Nice.. it’s just a process(conversion). you are now one of us. ❤

You are 100% right !! Just for info : in Israël the society is different from anywhere in Houtz laaretz and quite divided (haredi/hassidic/mamlahti dati/etc...) and you might feel that you are not welcomed in some communities but it will not be related to your Guer status. It is like this for everyone and usually it is difficult for olim to accept this situation because we come here with the dream to be part of ONE team... that it is why i would suggest to start by à US community

Shalom! I'm a new follower. I'm so glad that I found your channel. It is hard to find black people who have been exploring this path. I just recently found out that I have Jewish DNA. I'm not sure how to embrace it but would love to dive deeper into my newfound knowledge.

This is so upsetting to hear that Gerim are not treated with the utmost respect. I live in Chicago and I hope that our community respects gerim.

Love you guys!!! Always excites me when I see a new video of your pop up! Thank you for all the positivity and kindness you show on your videos!

Really important message. Also, your mitpachat looks beautiful

Weird, in my community nobody will look at others as different or unequal. You are my brothers & sisters, and that's it!

I like that you’re not allowed to ask A Ger about his past, (Bava Metziah 4:10). I see a lot of Jewish Orthodox podcasts nowadays that Geirim say how, “they’ve been to jail at this age”, or, “they started selling drugs at this age”… let’s stop talking about our pasts and let’s start talking about our future!

I thought there was no difference in treating a convert to someone born as a Jew. I never thought anything different than we are all family. I’m sorry you experienced any disrespect from idiots.

Yes this 100% @houseoflev and I see so many times how converts or people affirming their Judaism are told “you can’t convert.” And I hate that because I give examples in the Torah, Ruth, Obadaya, Batya, and so many more. I also remind people Jews & Judaism is a peoplehood, religion, ethnicity, culture, etc.

Thank you for raising awareness about this important matter ! G-d bless !

I think sometimes people are just very curious. That having been said, it’s still not appropriate to barrage someone who has converted with a bunch of questions.

You are 100% right. Thank you for addressing this serious issue. Your testimony will make many people go back to respect and heart obedience of the word of G’d.

We love you stay strong

People show how They Really Feel! IF HASHEM, Judge People as People Judge Others No one Would Make It. Anyone willing to To Learn and Come Into The Enlightment Of Who they are, All of The Nation of Israel Just Be Happy and Congradulating That Person/Family for Such a Mitzvah. Instead Converts Or Someone Born Being a Jew Looks Different they are Mistreated and Go through unecessay Changes. Speaking From Experience. So Happy For Your Family! May Hashem Be With You. Baruch Hashem❤❤

Thank you for addressing this topic! One factor that seems to be lacking that I think could help is educating/remaining people that Judaism is multi-faceted beyond "just" a religion. Judaism is an ethoreligion, so also an ethnicity. It's also a land-based (Israel) religion, a people, a spirituality, and a tribe. A tribe you do not have to be born into! That is why we have defined conversion practices!

Many ultra orthodox communities can use some educating from the 2 amazing converts in this video. Thank you and God bless you.

I can’t wait to move back to Israel and become best friends with you. Fellow ger couple here.

You were lost to us (anusim) and have found your way back to us. Hashem is calling His children home. You have always been Jews. 💙🤍💙

Totally agree. With that said...note: there have been converts over the years who (for whatever reasons ) revert back to a former life or leave entirely a spiritual life/relationship with God. This happening has burned some people. Also, there is something I call Jewish from Birth Jew "privilege" whereby they feel that if they don't live a Jewish life..they know they are always going to be Jews LOL... FYI ..I am an orthodox, Chassidic convert...over 30 years.

Im sorry to hear that you are hearing that as hashem commanded it

love this!! ❣

Converts deserve mor e respect as they chose to convert voluntarily. Respect.

I don't think this is a problem. Yes, there are ignorant people in every community. I am Sephardic (Spanish/Moroccan on both sides) born in Cuba, my Wife Z'l had the same background. When people hear my "scarface" accent and see my last name, I get a look and I get asked some stupid questions, sometimes it feels like an investigation. My son (Israeli citizen, served in the IDF) went for an interview at a Yeshiva in NY all the Rabbis seems to like him but when he had the interview with the Rosh Yeshiva, he asked my son is DeCastro a Jewish name. Right there and then he knew , he was not getting in. These encounters have been in the Ashkenazi world.

Very important the subject addressed. Thank you congratulations!

I love your videos you always make me happy wishing you a wonderful day

SINCE YOU SPOKE OF "MOSES" I JUST WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT "MOSES WIFE" WAS ALSO!! A CONVERT!!🤔

I regret that humans of all faiths and none are unkind to people who are different in some way. They are unkind to each other based on fear and ignorance of our rich diversity.❤️❤️❤️❤

Chava never spoke so eloquently!

Great video. I will do my best to spread your message of showing love and respect for the ger/giyoret.

The Sages say, קשים גרים לישראל כספחת. From here, it seems there's a deep psychological resistance in born Jews toward Gerim that needs to be understood better. It's rarely ever discussed or it's pushed under the carpet, so to speak. Of course, the Torah does remind us (36 times??) to love the Ger. Mitzvahs are not always easy or conform to a person's nature, but when you perform them you refine yourself and bring peace to yourself and those around you.

My mom was a convert, dad was non religious Jew! Lucky you don't have relations who are jews! Mom was always made fun of by her sister inlaws, being born not a jew. Funny mom did more things religious then both of them and even know dad has passed, mom still pratices!!!! I celibrate you finding our path!!!

I know you already know it, but just remember what Chaim Kanievsky told Nissim "Being black is your mayla (advantage) and not a chesaron (disadvantage)."

When are you guys moving to Israel? Love your channel :) ❤

b"h - in the prayer of tzadikim in shimon esrei, we say ועל גרי הצדק - and about all the converts who are righteous converts are all that, and this certainly includes the 2 of you and your 6 kids i hope to meet you in person, when you make aliyah

You are our family.

I’m amazed that you both decided to make a life-changing decision knowing that you both automatically disinvited yourselves from the cookout. Hey, we all know the bbq at the cookout is not kosher at all. 😀 People generally are aware of Ethiopian Jews, but black American Jews are unicorns. That can be an advantage and disadvantage. Also, at the same time, I think because of some former basketball player convert to Judaism being accused of being an undercover Black Hebrew Israelite that people could suspect that you both could be undercover too. It’s true the Torah says 36 times that the converts should be respected and accepted, doesn’t mean that other Jews know this. Do you know there are Jewish texts say converts are like a “scab” or a skin disease? Yes, converts are looked at as a skin disease. In fact, in Isaiah 14:1, the Hebrew word for they shall attach/join/cleave [venispeḥu] is derive from the same Hebrew word for scab [sappaḥat] as in a skin disease like leprosy. Verses in Niddah 13b:5, Yevamot 47b and Kiddushin 70b of the Babylonian Talmud all say the same thing about converts being akin to a skin disease. On the surface, pun unintended, it doesn’t sound nice, but the deeper meaning is that converts are a double edge sword to Am Yisrael …. When converts converted to Judaism in a halakhic manner for the right reasons, they can reach high levels of holiness with dedication that gives natural born Jews a run for their money to where they could feel threaten or bad about themselves for not being as dedicated or devoted to Judaism as the righteous converts. We can hope they could become motivated to up their Judaism game in a healthy competition to best serve Hashem - as opposed to being jealous of converts - and nothing more. But on the negative flipside, if the conversion is for the wrong reasons (like for a spouse, fame, money, anything, but to serve Hashem) or if the conversion was for the right intentions, but later down the road, converts decides to abandon Judaism (which can lead to going against Judaism altogether), then the converts become a skin disease in negative ways. So, while, being a convert to Judaism is very much positive, there is a negative side. Which path you both will follow is up to you. I wouldn’t worry what other people think. Those who have their guard up will eventually let it down once they see that you both are authentic. And as far as the haters, they are best left alone. What matters is Hashem knowing your truest intentions to abide by Halachic Jewish laws.

How have your experiences been in the broader community as opposed to your Shul community? Have you had the same acceptance from different branches of Judaism (Conservative, Reform, Modern Orthodox, Sefardic) as well as non affiliated Jews?

Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg mentions the fourth r revolution before Messiah must be the converts come home!❤ Personally I had to go through a conversion to remove all doubt regarding ancestry and I would do it again I probably came down in this world just for this. We are glad you are here joining us right before Messiah you are worthy and meritorious Amen

Thank you so much for this important video!!! Geirim go through so much suffering it is not right!!! Hashem shomer es Geirim!! Hashem protects ALL Converts!!! (Psalm 146). I have seen way too much discrimination against Geirim, esp in the Orthodox world. I think it starts with first educating children that Gentiles are human beings that are capable of doing Teshuva. If there is hatred against Gentiles, there will automatically be hatred/suspicion against Geirim. Thank you for you video! And may God bless and protect you and your beautiful family!!!