Wade's Conversion to Judaism and Academic Struggles
The journey toward a new faith is often a path of profound personal discovery, but for Wade and his wife, it was also a catalyst for significant professional upheaval. Their transition from Christianity to Judaism began with a rigorous period of study, focusing on Jewish history and the theological distinctions between the two religions.
After approximately eighteen months of dedicated study, the couple decided to formally pursue conversion. This decision sparked immediate controversy, creating a stir not only within the Church but also within the academic circles of Wade's university.
Academic Conflict and Obstruction
The most severe opposition came from Wade's doctoral supervisor. This professor, who had previously served as a chaplain in one of Hitler's tank divisions in Poland during World War II, reacted strongly to the couple's religious shift. Consequently, the supervisor used his position to thwart the completion of Wade's doctoral program.
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Despite this setback, Wade eventually found an ally in a younger professor who supported the conversion. However, this support came with a strict condition: Wade was required to abandon his previous research studies. Accepting these terms, Wade pivoted his academic focus to a fully Jewish subject, researching Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Orthodox-Reform Debate—a historical conflict regarding the interpretation and practice of Jewish law.
The Path to Completion and Migration
Wade invested significant resources into his new research, including expensive trips to New York to gather data. He successfully produced a first rough draft of his work. However, the academic journey remained fraught with instability. After two years, his second supervisor mysteriously withdrew support, leaving Wade in a precarious position: he had written two separate dissertations but was barred from taking the oral exams required for graduation.
Despite the academic turmoil, the couple remained committed to their spiritual path. In May 1983, Wade and his wife officially converted to Orthodox Judaism in Frankfurt-am-Main. Shortly after completing their conversion, they relocated to the United States.
Key Facts
- Study Period: Approximately 1.5 years of studying Jewish history and religion.
- Academic Obstacle: A doctoral supervisor and former WWII chaplain blocked Wade's initial progress.
- Research Topic: Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Orthodox-Reform Debate.
- Conversion Date: May 1983.
- Conversion Location: Frankfurt-am-Main.
- Final Outcome: Relocation to the United States after converting to Orthodox Judaism.
| Phase | Key Event/Detail | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Study | 1.5 years of Jewish and Christian comparative study | Decision to convert |
| First Supervision | Conflict with WWII chaplain supervisor | Doctoral program thwarted |
| Second Supervision | Support from a younger professor | Shift to research on Samson Raphael Hirsch |
| Final Academic Stage | Withdrawal of second supervisor's support | Two dissertations written; oral exams denied |
| Conversion | May 1983 in Frankfurt-am-Main | Entry into Orthodox Judaism and move to USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Wade's first doctoral supervisor oppose him?
The supervisor opposed Wade due to his conversion to Judaism, a reaction likely influenced by the professor's history as a chaplain in one of Hitler's tank divisions in Poland during World War II.
What was the subject of Wade's second research project?
Wade focused his research on Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Orthodox-Reform Debate.
Did Wade complete his doctoral degree?
While Wade wrote two dissertations, he was disallowed from taking the oral exams necessary for completion after his second supervisor withdrew support.
Where and when did the conversion take place?
The conversion to Orthodox Judaism took place in Frankfurt-am-Main in May 1983.
What happened after the conversion?
Shortly after their conversion in Germany, Wade and his wife moved to the United States.