I want to share an old story with you. Samuel was a perfect son. He was loving, caring, respectful, and a successful lawyer. What else could his parents ask for?
One day Samuel arrives home and tells his parents he would like to introduce them to his girlfriend, Sandy. He said to them, “I am in love and I want you to know Sandy. We are going to get married soon. – I also want to warn you that Sandy is not Jewish.”
That news almost killed his parents. The reaction was very bad. –“A non-Jewish girlfriend will bring you a lot of problems”, they warned.
Those were the last words the parents spoke to Samuel for a long time. They did not attend the wedding; they were not part of the happiness of the birth of their grandchildren. The basically didn’t talk at all.
One day, a long time later, Samuel’s parents decided enough is enough. They decided to invite Samuel and his family over for a visit.
They called him on the phone: Samuel, it is time to reconnect. We would love to invite your family over. Why don’t you come over on Friday night?
Samuel was happy and replied, “Thank you parents, we would love to. But since Sandy converted and we got married we decided to have an observant life and we do not ride on Shabbat. – Maybe Sunday?”
“Ok” said his mother. “I will cook your favorite food from your childhood, Lobster!!!”
“Sorry mom. Since Sandy converted and we got married we decided to have an observant life and we do not eat shellfish.”
“Ok” said Samuel’s dad. “Maybe I can do a BBQ and then we can eat good ice cream.” Continue reading →