Adriana Fernandez, a classically trained singer and former nanny recently created a political furor in Miami. Her choice to make the conversion to Judaism is a direct response to the horrors that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023. Fernandez was raised in a strongly Christian household and went to a conservative Christian private school. Four years ago, she first immersed herself in Orthodox culture when working as a nanny for families within the community.
On social media, Fernandez found herself becoming known as the “Non-Jewish Nanny.” She amassed a massive community of over 100,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, all cheering her on to share more immersive experiences. Her social media following allows her to educate people about Orthodox practices and culture. She acquired this wisdom through her experience as a pediatrician for children in these families.
While working as a nanny, Fernandez learned the virtues of humility. She came to love how such teaching has permeated Orthodox culture. It was then that she learned the importance of wearing a sheitel, a wig, to conform to these standards. She started to learn about the mezuzah. This Magain David, a symbol of Jewish protection and Jewish faith, decorates the doorframe of many Jewish homes.
As Fernandez considers how the events of October 7 have changed her relationship to her faith and identity, the massacre was the catalyst for her deep introspection on the necessity of unity among our people. The experience sparked an intense urge for her to convert to Judaism.
“I felt an even stronger connection to G-d,” said Fernandez, reflecting on her spiritual journey.
After a process that took years, she became officially Jewish just last month, and received the Hebrew name Adina Shoshana. This transition signifies not only a personal transformation but a commitment to stand against antisemitism in a world that frequently grapples with prejudice.
Fernandez is now deep in preparations for her first Passover as a Jew, an event she plans to celebrate with the utmost awe.
“Officially chose my outfit for my first Seder as a Jew,” she joyfully announced on social media.
For Fernandez, this holiday means more than just festivities. It represents her rebirth and strengthens her ties to the Jewish religion.
To honor her conversion, she informed us all about the historical and present-day importance of Passover in Jewish culture.
“That’s when the Jewish nation was really born,” she stated, underscoring her understanding of the holiday’s importance.
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