Work Done by Committee
Three things, all related to my conversion.
1. The cantor from my synagogue and I walked to the rabbi’s house back on Rosh Hashanah and got to know each other a little. He asked what I do for a living, I tried to explain the various pots I have my hand in. Since that time, here and there, he’s mentioned that he wants to have lunch to discuss how he can use social networking to stay in touch with congregants. Last week on shabbat we chatted again about this and he nudged me to “friend” him on Facebook. Sure, sure I said but truthfully I was a bit hesitant about it. My Twitter stream is imported automatically into Facebook, I have friends from all stripes on Facebook who are….less restrained than I am and I was briefly concerned.Would I censor myself knowing the hazzan might see something I Twittered? Then I had the realization that I want to be the kind of person who, in all of her communication and dealings, is perfectly comfortable with her hazzan or rabbi watching. That is to say I don’t want to do or say things that I would be embarrased knowing my cantor had seen them. So the cantor and I are now friends on Facebook and I look at it as an opportunity to be a little bit better, a little bit kinder, a little bit more thoughtful in the words I use online. I think that’s a good thing. A good opportunity.
2. My rabbi asked me to be on an outreach committee at the synagogue. The committee’s objective is to work toward making the shul even more welcoming to converts, interfaith couples and new congregants. We’re tasked with making all of those folks feel more comfortable the synagogue. Without even thinking I said yes I’d be on the committee. I was deeply touched to be asked. Though I’ve never doubted my conversion path there was such a sense of belonging in that moment at being asked to be part of something like that at the synagogue that I was almost overwhelmed.
3. That almost overwhelming sense of belonging and was lessened somewhat when I was reminded that I can’t technically become an official member of my synagogue until I complete all parts of the conversion process (mikvah, Bet Din, etc). I understand the reasoning behind the rule and I respect it but it still makes me a little sad and impatient. The conversion process in Judaism isn’t a short one, it involves much study and reflection. I not only respect but also deeply enjoy study and reflection so I should remember to enjoy the journey more. As
evidenced by points one and two I’m already a part of the synagogue
family. I’ll convert one time and one time only in my life, there is no real hurry to do so.Truthfully though this will probably just push me to study harder.
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