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Rachel's 'J.A.P.' Factor The Atlanta Jewish Times
Orthodox convert brings a life's story to stage
February 11, 2005
by Ann Marie Quill

How did a Japanese-American Broadway performer from Hawaii find liberation in Orthodox Judaism? Rachel Factor will answer that question when she presents her one-woman show, J.A.P, on Feb. 23 at Congregation B'nai Torah.

The title is a play on the acronym for Jewish American princess as well as Factor's Japanese heritage.

Itç™þs a series of monologues describing how I discovered Judaism, said Factor, who has performed the show, for women only, in several cities, including New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Jerusalem.

Atlanta Scholars Kollel is helping sponsor the show. Julie Silverman, who handles women's programming for the group, says, "We're always looking for people of this ilk -- performers women can be entertained and inspired by."

The story Factor tells on stage in words and song begins with her childhood in Hawaii. Born Christine Horii and nicknamed Tina, Factor says there was no religion or anything elseto connect her to her Japanese heritage in her upbringing.

Feeling a void and a need to express herself creatively and find her identity, Factor moved to Los Angeles after high school to become a dancer and later relocated to New York, where she performed as a Rockette and in Broadway productions such as "Shogun, the Musical" and "Miss Saigon."

When Factor was 29 she met a Jewish man named Todd Factor and dated him for more than two years. Then, he told her that although he was not particularly observant, he had a strong Jewish identity and would only marry a Jewish woman.

So Factor took some Judaism classes to prove that she and Todd did not belong together. Unexpectedly, she found herself drawn to Judaism.

"I realized I wanted structure," she said. "It was something traditional -- I was attracted to the rituals."

Factor decided to start practicing Shabbat, and that was the catalyst that made her decide to convert. She became Conservative, like Todd, and the two were married in Hawaii.

Their first son, Ariel, was born in 2002; an Orthodox rabbi performed his bris. That and the friendship of some Orthodox neighbors influenced the couple to become more observant. They discovered they were happy with their lifestyle change and became Orthodox.

"Becoming Jewish didnç™þt change anything, but becoming observant did," Factor said.

Factor also changed her name to Rachel, while Todd changed his to Tuviah.

The coupleç™þs second son, Shalom, was born in Israel while Factorç™þs husband was studying there, and the family decided to make aliyah.

But Factor's Orthodox conversion also meant that she had to take her career into consideration.

Factor realized she would have to leave conventional theater behind since she would have to dress modestly, could only perform in front of women and would have to decline Friday night shows.

But, as Factor explains in her one-woman show, she gets to be the center of attention and can express herself however she pleases, rather than merely dancing and singing in the background.

"It's so much more fulfilling than I could have imagined," Factor said. "I feel stronger and more empowered than ever."

Now 36, Factor says any lingering doubts on the changes in her life are erased when she thinks about her sons.

"I look at them and know I did the right thing," she said. Factor says her parents support the changes she has made.

"My mother is extremely supportive," she said. "She's seen my play, and sheç™þs a big part of it."

Proceeds from the show will go toward funding a theater in Jerusalem for religious girls only.

"I have found that in the religious community there is still a strong need for drama and dance," Factor said. If You Go Rachel Factor will perform "J.A.P." at 8 p.m., Feb. 23, at Congregation Bç™þnai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway. General seating is $25; reserve seating is $36. Advance tickets are 10 percent off. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call (888) 256-1764.