On Wednesday, January 21st, member Juan C. Izqueirdo became a Jew of choice. Mazel Tov!
Juan’s journey to Judaism started in Cali, Columbia where he was born. Looking back, he thought that perhaps his family had Jewish roots from Spain. They had certain rituals that were out of the ordinary for Roman Catholics. Juan recalls his grandmother always lighting candles on Friday night but gave no explanation. Throughout his life, Juan had always felt a spiritual connection to Judaism.
Juan had a few careers. In his pursuit of spirituality, he became a Pentecostal evangelist on the radio. He toured Columbia and other South American countries as well as the United States, preaching the message of Pentecostal Christianity. Before that, he was a radio personality for a popular Salsa dancing radio network. He one point in his life, Juan found himself homeless and without work. Through the help of a colleague, he eventually immigrated to the US. He lived and worked in New York, eventually finding work and a new lease on life. He eventually moved to Philadelphia and Camden.
Then, his journey brought him face-to-face with destiny. During one of his several missions to Israel as a Pentecostal preacher, Juan had the chance to visit the Kotel (the Western Wall). Juan says that when he touched the wall, he was overcome with a strong sense that he was on the wrong spiritual path and wanted to convert to Judaism.
Juan’s journey to Judaism was almost fifteen years in the making. He studied under different Rabbis, including Mikvah Israel in Philadelphia and Beth El in Voorhees. Eventually, he ended up at Temple Sinai, where he continued his studies with Rabbi Reaboi. He diligently went to Services, kept a kosher home, observed Shabbat with his family and came to Services nearly every Shabbat and holiday. He lived his life as a Jew as much as he was able to. Even though English was his second language, he got himself a Chumash חומש in Spanish and was able to follow along during Torah תּוֹרָה discussions. Juan always took his pursuit of becoming a Jew seriously. As he came closer to completing his studies, he was allowed to where a tallit and touch the Torah, which he found extremely moving.
As a Jew of Choice, Juan understands the concept of the Oneness of G-D and the importance of mitzvot, which created a meaningful path in his life. He rejects the notion that G-D is divisible and sees himself as part of the history of the struggles and triumphs of the Jewish people. His spirituality is strengthened by coming to Services, engaging in Torah study and being near the Torah.
In the process of Jewish conversion, Juan chose the name Elkhanan אֶלְחָנָן to be his own. The name Elkhanan means ‘G-D is gracious’. It is also the name of the biblical figure who was the husband of Chana and the father of the prophet Shmuel. I am very proud of Elkhanan ben Avraham, who chose Judaism at age 84, who has begun a new life a Jew and who has chosen Temple Sinai as his Spiritual home.
Join us as we celebrate Juan Izqueirdo’s accomplishment as he is called to the Torah for the first time on Saturday, January 31st. All are invited to stay for a special Kiddush luncheon in his honor.