Peter's co-workers at the railroad in Prague affectionately called him "Jew". But Peter, a young man in his 30's, was confused by the nickname bestowed upon him. To the best of his knowledge, he didn't have any Jewish roots. His co-workers had simply decided that he looked like a Jew and called him by that name. That was enough of a challenge for Peter to explore what being Jewish is all about. He embarked on his journey by studying Hebrew and Jewish culture for four years in an ulpan and later joined a class in Judaism under the tutelage of Rabbi Ron Hoffberg in Prague. Peter begin attending t'fillot and celebrating Shabbat and holidays with the Masorti community. Last week, Peter was officially converted to Judaism in Prague and chose the Hebrew name "Shimon".

Peter is one of eighteen mostly young adults from Prague, Czech Republic and an additional nineteen men and women from Wroclaw, Poland who were converted by a Masorti (Conservative) Bet Din during the aseret y'mai t'shuvah, the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Indeed this was an event of historic significance. These were first non-Orthodox conversions in the Czech Republic and Poland since World War II.

Rabbi Joe Wernik, Executive Vice-President of Masorti Olami, and Rabbi Andrew Sacks, Director of the Rabbinical Assembly in Israel, joined Rabbi Ivan Caine in Wroclaw and Rabbi Ron Hoffberg in Prague to participate in the Bet Din and validate the conversions. For the converts, the Bet Din was the culmination of several years of serious study and active participation in the Jewish communities in their hometowns. Males underwent circumcision or hatafat dam (for males previous circumcised) prior to the convening of the Bet Din.

Who are these new Jews by choice? Why at this time, with anti-Semitism gaining strength in Europe, do they choose to cast their fate with the Jewish people and risk alienation from family and friends?

Like Peter, each has his or her unique story to tell. For one woman, when going through some papers in her home, she discovered by chance that she had a Jewish grandfather. Another woman, studying Judaism as part of her university studies, was attracted to the faith, studied more, and chose to become an integral part of the Jewish community.

Some had Jewish parents but knew nothing about their roots. Their parents are part of the "lost generation"-those that grew up after the Shoah and lived under communist rule. That generation rejected their Judaism and discarded any symbols or papers relating to their true identity. Now, their children have begun exploring their roots and are free to do so in a society that is more open and accepting.

All of the converts were searching for more meaning in their lives and have found it in Masorti Judaism.

Rabbi Wernik describes the four days he spent in Poland and Czech Republic as "an emotional roller coaster". He felt inspired and strengthened by this special group of young adults and their devotion to the Jewish people.

In both Krakow and Carlsbad, the rabbis brought apples and honey for the group to share after their conversion. They wanted the first bracha (blessing) for the converts to say as Jews to be made on something sweet, symbolizing both their lives as Jews and the coming new year.

Rabbi Wernik reflecting on his experience said, "It was so important for these dedicated young people to complete their conversions that particular week. They wanted to commemorate Yom Kippur as Jews and begin the new year as Jews. We had to do everything we could to make it happen."

He continued, "There was so much pride. Here are young people who feel such a strong commitment, studied Judaism seriously, observe the mitzvot, attend t'fillot regularly, are active in the Jewish community and identify strongly with the Jewish people.

All of the new Jews by choice have committed to continuing their studies. They understand that the conversion is just the beginning of the process of becoming a Jew and there is still much to learn. Both Rabbi Ivan Caine and his devoted wife, Deborah, in Wroclaw and Rabbi Ron Hoffberg in Prague have done outstanding work in teaching and encouraging these young adults to become active members in the Jewish community. Their work has shown the young generation in Poland and Czech Republic that Masorti Judaism is tolerant and democratic, balances tradition with change, and is committed to halachah.

Masorti Judaism is privileged to welcome these thirty-seven dedicated, committed Jews who have much to contribute to the Jewish communities in Prague and Wroclaw. Now when Peter is called "Jew" by his co-workers, he understands what it means and is proud to be a part of the rich heritage of Am Yisrael.