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Melissa Elbaz

Melissa Elbaz

Spanish-Speaking Consultant

Shalom!

I am an anthropologist and cultural bridge-builder, formed through a lifelong exploration of identity, belonging, and transmission.

I grew up in the south of France in a North African Jewish family, marked by both a strong commitment to Jewish continuity and a temptation to assimilate, linked to experiences of antisemitism. Parts of my lineage trace back to Jerusalem, while others lead to Spain, including branches of Bnei Anusim and families expelled during the Inquisition. These contrasts sparked a lasting curiosity about identity, heritage, and the forces that shape them.

I developed an early interest in anthropology, driven by a desire not only to better understand different cultural worlds, but also to foster communication and connection between them. As soon as I came of age, I began to travel and eventually spent several years in Latin America, where I felt a strong sense of familiarity with the Spanish language and everyday life. My path ultimately led me to Israel, where I found grounding and belonging.

In Jerusalem, I became aware that a growing number of Latin Americans are seeking to convert to Judaism. Between 2024 and 2026, I conducted research on Latin American conversion candidates and their journeys, first at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and later at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev within the Center for the Study of Conversion and Inter-Religious Encounters. This research gave me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Latin American aspiring converts. It also led me to realize that the relative closure of contemporary Judaism is not an intrinsic characteristic, but has historically emerged as a response to persecution. Welcoming righteous converts is not only recalled in our daily prayers; it is also a key step in the healing, ingathering, and flourishing of Am Israel.

In 2026, after a year of volunteering in a conversion school, I joined Destined to be a Jew. Through my work as the NGO's Spanish-speaking consultant, I support and guide prospective converts, helping them navigate both practical pathways and deeper questions of identity and belonging. Because each journey is unique, I offer personalized guidance to shape a conversion process that reflects who you are, and helps you uncover the hidden treasures within your soul.

Let the journey begin!