Although there were many factors that pushed me, my path to the rabbinate became clear on the 11th day of April, 1979, corresponding to the 14th of Nissan 5739, just as Idi Amin‘s nine-year regime in Uganda (during which Judaism was outlawed) came to a timely end, and the season of freedom began. It is from this amazing coincidence that I acquired my inspiration and commitment to Judaism, the springboard for my rabbinic future.In 2002, I shared my dream with Dr. Gary Tobin, the president of the Institute for Jewish and Community Research, to which he replied, “We will help to make it happen.” He and his wife, Diane, arranged for me to meet the deans at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. What followed was a series of interviews, placement exams, and admission to Rabbinic Studies.
Initially, the program was a big challenge. It took a lot of mental energy to listen to lectures conducted in American-accented English. My typing was very slow, so it was very painful for me to complete my class papers in time for deadlines. As time went by, I became overwhelmed by school, work and domestic obligations. I was reinforced by the Biblical incident of the crossing of the Red Sea where God instructs the children of Israel, despite their fear, to move forward.
I made a resolution to always be forward-looking when circumstances dictated that I should give up. I learned to relax and to slow down during moments when things overlapped, realizing that tension only worsened matters. Most important, I sought encouragement and support from those with whom I shared the same dream: my classmates, teachers and friends. What propelled me to the end were my extreme desire and passion for Torah study, my determination to keep trying, and the company of people who surrounded me.
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu is the spiritual leader of the Abayudaya Jews of Uganda.
