Once upon a time

About a week ago, I decided to take a big big step, and make the commitment to do something I'd been thinking about for a long long time. I went to the website of a fairly large Reform Jewish temple and sent an email that began like this:

"Good afternoon,

I am an African American female who was raised Catholic and over the years I have become increasingly disillusioned with the doctrine of the Catholic faith...I have always been in awe of the feeling of community, camaraderie, acceptance, and tolerance within the Jewish community. Over the years I have seriously considered converting to Judaism and do not know where or how to begin this process.I was reading the FAQ’s on the Temple website and thought I’d reach out for more information regarding the conversion process."

So, one thing led to another, and a Rabbi contacted me and I set up a meeting with her (!).

We talked for about an hour, I filled out a form, and received tickets for High Holy Day services. And that's how I began my journey.

I attended Shabbat services last Saturday morning. I had big anxiety dreams the night before; that I overslept, and missed services, that I arrived, only to be shunned, a whole lotta stuff. But a couple of days before, I emailed my Rabbi (yes, she's my Rabbi now) and asked her about having a chaperone, if you will, to meet me and sort of guide me along. She arranged it, and it really helped me to relax a little.

The service had a small gathering, mostly single adults, 40 + in age, a few couples. My "chaperone", Donna, was fabulous, very friendly, and introduced me to a few other women there, who also were very nice. After services, I stayed for Torah study, which was very interesting...lots of participation, very intellectual. 

The best part, for me, was when one of the woman chatted with me a moment before we all left, and said, "Shabbat Shalom...welcome!" And then she kissed me on the cheek.

That was an awesome feeling.

Tonight my husband and I attended evening services for Rosh Hashanah. I started out with the same feelings of anxiety...after all, I was going to stand out like a sore thumb, and yes, when I approached the temple entrance, I was asked to show my tickets. Some of the other congregants tried not to stare when saying "Happy New Year". I walked into temple knowing I was getting some sidelong glances, but once my husband and I got to our seats, it was OK.

The sermon (?) was about being socially responsible as a Jew, welcoming strangers, fighting discrimination and racism, accepting others. I have to say, THAT was one sermon that I really listened to. I was hoping that my presence there would remind the other congregants that Jews come in many colors...

So, I think my first High Holy Day experience went well. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey, I'm learning a lot, and it's making me think.

It feels pretty good.