Jill Housen

  Yael Tirza (after my great grandmother's), converted in 2017.

I am a Buyer/Manager at a contemporary clothing boutique for women.

Member of Temple Beth Israel, Pomona

Without a doubt the high point of my conversion process was the experience of the mikveh.  I really did not know what to expect and perhaps the wonderful staff at the mikveh could sense my apprehension.  They were so kind and helped me feel at ease about what I was to do.  The actual act of immersion in the mikveh was the most spiritual, uplifting moment of my life. I came away feeling  renewed and  grounded.  For the first time in a long while I finally felt all of the pieces of my life fit together perfectly.

My biggest surprise so far has been the overwhelmingly warm reception I have received from my Jewish community.  The level of acceptance and community has been tremendous in large part due to the amazing leadership of my Rabbi  and Cantor who go out of their way to make our synagogue a welcome home for everybody.