Lapid Volume #111, May 2014 | Page 21

CHANGE IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE AGAINST ALL ODDS Dr Bernd Wollschlaeger - Son of a Nazi converts to Judaism Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger and Tamar Lazarus, President WIZO SA The theme of Ruth’s conversion to Judaism is central to the story of Shavuot. “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16). These words, spoken by the young widow Ruth to her motherin-law Naomi, are among the most well known and most powerful words in the Bible. With this declaration, Ruth the Moabite cast her lot with the lot of the Jewish people, and she recognized the God of Israel as her God. Because being a Jew is a life-defining commitment, conversion to Judaism requires a transformation of personal identity. WIZO South Africa launched its national Biennale Campaign two weeks ago and invited Dr Bernd Wollschlaeger as their guest speaker. His riveting personal story captivated audiences' country wide. As