Two years ago, Rafael and Rivka Drago walked into Chabad of Venice with curiosity about Judaism. Today, they stand proudly as members of the Jewish people, having completed a halachic conversion and celebrated their Jewish wedding under the chuppah this past June. Their story is one of searching, patience, and ultimately, the power of community.
We sat down with Rafael and Rivka to hear their journey in their own words.
What first drew you both to Judaism?
Rafael: I had early exposure to Judaism through my step-grandmother. Rivka was very interested in it and I went along with her. The more we learned, the more I developed my own personal interest in Judaism and began to study for myself.
Rivka: I was drawn to it in my teenage years and found Chabad.org in my early spiritual journey when I was trying to figure out what fit me best. After years of exploring other religions and cultures, I realized I always came back to Judaism. At some point, I decided to really dive in, learn all I could, and pursue it with intention.
Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to take the step toward conversion?
Rafael & Rivka: At first, we completed a Reform conversion. Honestly, it didn’t feel like a big decision at the time. Looking back, we realized nothing really changed for us. Our day-to-day was the same, and we didn’t feel like we were growing.
During those years, Rivka was hired as a 4th-grade teacher in a Reform religious school. She had to quickly learn Hebrew and Jewish basics to teach her students. But what she discovered online and in her own study was deeper and more meaningful than what she was asked to teach. That contrast pushed us to keep searching until we found an authentic path.
Rafael and Rivka, two years after first walking through the door.
How did the study and preparation for halachic conversion impact your lives and relationship?
Rafael: We studied with a rabbi in Aventura, twice a week on Zoom for up to three hours at a time. It was a lot.
Rivka: But we did it side-by-side, and that made all the difference. After class, we’d talk about what we learned, how we felt about it, and how we could apply it in our lives. It strengthened our bond and gave us a shared vision for the future.
What was the hardest part of the process?
Rafael & Rivka: Patience. We thought we were patient people, but the two years of halachic conversion really tested that. Waiting to hear back from the Beis Din in between meetings was immensely difficult. At times, it felt like too much.
But we had each other, and we had this community. The love and support of everyone at Chabad gave us strength when we felt like giving up.
What role did Chabad of Venice play in your journey?
Rivka: Everything. When we first started showing up, we were shocked that people genuinely wanted to get to know us. Everyone cared. That was new for us.
Rafael: The warmth of this community made us feel like we were always meant to be here. It gave us the encouragement to keep going. Chabad didn’t just give us classes or services — it gave us a home.
What did it feel like to stand under the chuppah as a Jewish couple?
Rafael: Our first wedding, 15 years ago, had five guests. It was quiet, simple.
Rivka: Under the chuppah this June, surrounded by friends and family, it felt indescribable. Love, light, joy — more than we ever imagined.
Walking to the chuppah.
The dancing that followed.
And the funny thing? It was our very first Jewish wedding experience. We’d only seen them online. To live it for ourselves was a dream come true. Actually, several dreams come true!
What does it mean to you now to live as part of the Jewish people?
Rafael & Rivka: It means everything. To know that we belong to the Jewish people, both here in Venice and worldwide, is incredible. The Jewish people’s wins are our wins, and their losses are our losses. We feel connected wherever we go.
We’re grateful, and we want to give back — to help Chabad of Venice grow and to keep the same warmth alive for the next person who walks through the doors. Our goal is to live with purpose, guided by Torah and mitzvos, and to bring light into Hashem’s world.
Today, Rafael and Rivka are not just part of the Jewish people — they are part of our Chabad community. Rivka volunteered at our camp this past summer, sharing her warmth and enthusiasm with the children. Rafael recently completed his degree in occupational therapy and now works full-time in Sarasota. Together, they attend services whenever they are able and continue to be a wonderful addition to our community family.
