Lutheran Minister John Hove Becomes Orthodox Jew

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My name is John Hove. What’s unusually interesting
about my life

as an observant Jew? My grandfather
was a Lutheran pastor. My father was a Lutheran
pastor. I was a Lutheran

pastor. I became a Young
Israel President. (Young Israel is a type of Orthodox
Jewish synagogue.)

Upon

completion of my studies at Luther Seminary in
1959, I was ordained as a Lutheran pastor and called
to serve a

large congregation 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.

The path which led me from the church into 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.

I consider it a privilege to share my personal odyssey
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 (convert) who
was once

known as Pastor John, please give me a
call at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.

“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, President, Hineni

Heritage Center

“Mr. Hove’s presentation of his intimate
odyssey to Judaism is a magnificent event.
It is

done with passion and wisdom. 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