Muslim Turned Jew Shares His Story at Chabad
Born in Kuwait and raised a Muslim, Mark Halawa was taught that Jews are bad. Everything he learned about Jews warned him to keep his distance.
This information was challenged when Halawa learned because his grandmother was born Jewish, he also was Jewish.
Mark “Mordechai” Halawa spent the evening at Chabad of Santa Clarita Valley, California on February 19, speaking to a group gathered to hear his story. He shared his family’s history and the shock and later acceptance of Judaism.
Halawa was born in Kuwait and grew up in Jordan. He spent two years of college in Latakia, Syria, fraught with partying and little studying. Later he left for Ontario, Canada to pursue his education seriously.
One day in the library at the University of Western Ontario, Halawa met an old Jewish man. Intrigued by his appearance, with a long beard neatly pinned together, Halawa asked him about his background.
During the conversation the Rabbi, Dr. Yitzchok Block, Professor of Philosophy from Harvard University, asked about Halawa’s background. Halawa explained his family history and mentioned his grandmother’s story.
Growing up, the family was told she was born Jewish, but after meeting their grandfather as a teen, she converted to Islam and was married. This was sufficient for the family to consider her Muslim; but Block had another idea.
“He told me, by Muslim law I am Muslim,” recounted Halawa. “By Jewish law I am Jewish.”
Block went on to explain the idea of matrilineal law, which says a person born of a Jewish mother is also a Jew.
According to that tradition, not only was Halawa’s maternal grandmother a Jew; but so was his own mother and therefore also himself.
Forever a Jew
The world seemed to spin for Halawa. Everything he had been told had been turned on its head. He argued with Block, explaining his grandmother had converted, so she was Muslim, not Jewish.
“He told me a Jew can convert 10 times and would continue being a Jew,” said Halawa.
Halawa was reeling with disbelief. Confused and shocked he went home and googled Judaism and the law of matrilineal descent. He later called his mother and grandmother. His mom told him not to listen to the “missionary.”
His grandmother simply refused to talk about it.
Slowly Halawa learned more about Judaism. He quickly discovered many things he was taught as a child about Jews were simply not true.
“Everything I learned about Jews and the western world was wrong,” Halawa shared with the Chabad group.
Now Halawa practices the traditions of his Jewish ancestors. Several years ago he traveled to Israel to further his studies. He decided to stay in the country and has lived there for nearly four years.
He often thinks about his journey from Muslim to Jew, reflecting on one particular day spent with other Jews praying and singing. He remembers sharing his disbelief with Professor Block, but also feeling very welcomed.
“He simply told me that every Jew is born with a little Torah and a little Menorah in their heart,” Halawa shared last week. “All it takes is for another Jew to bump into him and light it up.”
overblown news
honestly…… y?
Anonymous
there is a interesting Mamar of the Rebbe where is explains why there are so few Arab converts
He also came to my chabad house
In California, and wow! it was an amazing and inspirational story!!!
All shluchim should bring him out to hear his story.
It is obvious that he is not a professional speaker, but his story makes up for it.
Michael Paul
This is very heartwarming.
CH'er
very emotional, wish there was a audio/video of the event,
lol, as a jew myself, it is natural to voice my opinion here,
perhaps a bit of constructive criticism,
your caption says,,, “Muslim turned jew” later on you write “””He often thinks about his journey from Muslim to Jew””””
perhaps it should be “Muslim turned to his jewish roots” and “he often thinks about his journey from his jewish matriarch to muslim back to Judaism””
thank you for sharing the story very touching,,,
Which Maamar?
Very curious to know which “Maamar of the Rebbe” discusses such an issue.
waiting to hear
Disinterested Jew Turned Torah Observant.
So glad that this neshama was saved.
Now lets pray for all the lost and floundering Jews in Kan Tziva HaShem es haBracha to wake up to that little Torah and little Menorah in their hearts!
Avi
To #5 This was taken directly from the local news paper as indicated above the article. Probably written by a non Jew.
To #1. BH there is no other news to write about. Ive been hesitant to open CHinfo, etc. because of all the sad news lately.