Ari and Lauren Douglas’ wedding had many of the hallmarks of a traditional Jewish ceremony. The couple stood under a traditional covering called a chuppah, as a cantor recited a series of blessings. They walked delicate circles around each other to signify the strength of their marriage.
What wasn’t readily apparent was that Ari and Lauren are both converts to Judaism. In fact, they’re part of a surge in conversions over the past two years. Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, synagogues across Portland and elsewhere say they’re seeing more people begin the long road to converting.
A former pastor, Ari had originally converted to Judaism in high school before temporarily leaving the faith. Lauren completed her conversion only a couple of weeks before her wedding. They attended courses together and regularly talked about their faith.
“Just having someone be able to go on that journey with you was really — it just sparked a deeper level in our relationship and in our faith,” Lauren Douglas said. “Being able to have that community, even if it’s just the two of us, is really important.”…