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From Buddhism to Judaism

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From Buddhism to Judaism

Rivka Goldstein grew up in Singapore, where she always felt she was searching for something "big.” Her quest, which continued through her time at Harvard, led to her conversion to Judaism and eventually writing a book about the Jewish approach to leading a meaningful life.
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Conversion (to Judaism); Convert

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13 Comments
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S March 14, 2024

Amazing!

Thank you so much for sharing!

What honesty! Authenticity! Pleasure to listen to!

I keep getting confused messages about the particular parenting method advised from the Jewish perspective.

Sometimes I’ll find articles, including on this site, proving and stressing the Torah view, about the importance of instilling a healthy self esteem in children, and that’s really the key to a healthy successful child.

And then on the other hand, I hear Rivka saying something to the effect of the Torah’s view is the exact opposite: we need not focus so much on the child’s self esteem, but rather what’s important for the child’s upbringing is to learn to have self control?

In fact, this is not the first time I notice the latter perspective, Rav Manis Friedman said today countless times, that the popular psychological view vs. that of the Torah’s clash sometimes, especially in issues of self esteem vs self control (I.e. morality).

Am I the only one seeing these conflicting messages? Reply

Jodi Nicastro Stony Brook January 30, 2024

An amazing story! Reply

Anonymous England January 29, 2024

Wow wow wow! Absolutely incredible!! Reply

Gwendolynn Florida January 24, 2024

Thank you for sharing this. Reply

Rachel S. January 23, 2024

Wow, Rivka is the real deal. First of all the whole being there for Hashem as opposed to what we need is so on target. Secondly, her ability to see her part in her marriage troubles and taking responsibility to change things is so huge. At first when she said heal our husbands, I immediately felt "it's not our jobs", but I think I understand what she meant. I felt very much that I should just accept responsibility and come into my own vast inclusive job of being a Jewish wife and mother. The goodness and positive affect we can have on yes, healing our husbands and children are never ending. I feel that I have so much power! Not to control but to direct or nourish. Ty for feeling and relaying that to us, Rivka! Reply

Michael North Little Rock January 23, 2024

Amazing and Inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing :) Reply

Meira January 22, 2024

This interview was absolutely inspiring. My favourite line is when she explains how she got to where she is today - “one step at a time.“ It’s really special because it’s so relatable- no magic bullet to relationships and life in general-it’s a lot of hard work. Reply

Baumgarten Buenos aires Argentina January 22, 2024

Incredible and really touching
I really felt that she was speaking in a sincere way, and made it get to our hearts Reply

Baumgarten Buenos aires Argentina January 22, 2024

Incredible!!! I really felt she was speaking in a sincere way that gets to you heart❤
Thank you Reply

Y E Spring Valley January 21, 2024

Absolutely riveting! She personified the teaching that converts are original Jewish neshamos that got trapped amongst the Goyim and need to find their way back home. There's so much an ffb can learn from her. Reply

Yael Butnaro Sydney Australia January 21, 2024

Wow! Thank you for sharing, it was what I needed to hear. Reply

Naomi January 21, 2024

Absolutely beautiful, hopeful, and inspiring. Reply

Adriana Oliveira SÃO PAULO January 21, 2024

Always very interesting content that makes us awaken to true life. Thanks. Reply