The contemporary welcome for converts represents both a new chapter in Jewish history and a return to the very beginning of Jewishness, to Abraham and Sarah and the souls who accompanied them, leaving the world of their parents to begin a new chapter in world history.

This is one of the strangest and most wonderful features of the Talmud: It’s as if, within its pages, the barriers of time and space do not exist. No matter when or where we live, we can listen in on this epic, centuries-long argument for the sake of heaven.

There are actually several variations of her name, including Brigit, Bride, and Brigh (pronounced “Bree”), but all are usually translated as “exalted one.”