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John Hove's Story
John Hove |
A Revelation of Wisdom
My name is John Hove. What's unusually interesting about my life as an Orthodox Jew? My grandfather was a Lutheran pastor. My father was a Lutheran pastor. I was a Lutheran pastor.
I grew up in Pullman, South Dakota and served as a Lutheran pastor for more than 20 years.
Upon completion of my studies at Lutheran Seminary in 1959, I was ordained as a Lutheran pastor and called to serve a large church on Long Island, New York. In 1979, after many years of study and prayerful pursuit, my growing and outspoken desire to pursue the path of Judaism led to my alienation and expulsion from the Lutheran church. In 1988, after living as increasingly observant Jews for nearly ten years, my wife and I underwent halachic conversions to Judaism.
The path which led me from the church to Orthodox Judaism was marked with many unanswered questions in my Christian beliefs. Time and again the teachings of Judaism filled the nagging voids to the extent that my direction became undeniably clear. As someone with the unique perspective of entering Judaism from the Christian ministry, I can testify to the extraordinary power and fulfillment of living life as an observant Jew.
My father was an official in the Lutheran church's national hierarchy, and I realize that my conversion to Judaism was an embarrassment that seriously upset him.
I am president of the Young Israel chapter in Massapequa, New York. A college professor of mathematics and computer science, I consider it a privilege to share my personal oddysey with interested audiences. As an experienced teacher and public speaker, I am frequently asked to address gatherings at Jewish schools, synagogues, camps, and special events. If you have a group that would be interested in the unique story of a ger (a convert) who was once known as Pastor John, please give me a call. The title of my speech is "Why would a successful Christian clergyman give it all up to become an Orthodox Jew?"
Quotes About Me
"All those who attended Mr. Hove's lecture were inspired by the dignity, grace, and intelligence with which he expressed his spiritual quest, as well as the sensitivity with which he treated the topic. His is truly a story which must be heard, and I hope we have the pleasure of hosting Mr. Hove again in the near future." -- Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Hineni Heritage Center
"Mr. Hove's presentation of his intimate odyssey to Judaism is a magnificent event. It is done with passion and wisdome. His insights into Judaism and Jewish life enrich one's understanding of the Jewish faith, and mitzvot. Without any reservation, I recommend listening to John Hove for a rewarding and stimulating experience that will enhance one's Jewish spirituality." -- Rabbi Dr. Morris S. Gorelick, Young Israel of North Bellmore
Source Information
(1) Photograph and some biographical information courtesy of Young Israel.
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(2) Additional biographical substance courtesy of the Jewish Communication Network.
E-mail: JewishCo1@aol.com