A New MOT

I am so proud of Chad. Tomorrow, he officially becomes an MOT (Member of the Tribe). Yes, tomorrow Chad completes his conversion and will become Jewish. It is such a big deal, and I am so proud of him.

When Chad and I met, he told me that he had been interested in Judaism, and had previously thought of converting. Once we began dating, he knew this was something he wanted to do. He went and met with the Rabbi, and his Jewish Journey officially began. In addition to regular meetings with the Rabbi, Chad was also doing a lot of studying on his own. He was reading, discovering, and researching all things that are Jewish. He started becoming more involved in the Jewish community by attending services, volunteering, and donating.

Eventually, the "Fundamentals of Judaism" class at Temple started, and then Chad really got the nuts and bolts of the Jewish religion. Clearly, there is a LOT more to our religion that can ever be taught in a 17-week class. Also leading up to it, Chad had his ritual circumcision (I say ritual because he already was circumcised) and had to write an essay on a variety of Jewish topics. Now, we are at the final stage.

Tomorrow Chad will go to the Mikvah. First he will meet with the Bet Din. This is a panel of Rabbis and scholars that will talk to him about his intentions. It is not a quiz so much as it is a group to make sure he is doing the right thing and for the right reason. After they agree that he is, Chad goes into the Mikvah. This is a cleansing process and almost like a re-birth. After the Mikvah, some prayers are said, and the Jewish population will grow by one.

I am getting emotional writing this. To some, it may seem like not a big deal. But it is a big deal... a HUGE deal. To find a religion, and a spiritual connection that finally gives you meaning and the desire to belong is an incredible thing that not all people find. Watching Chad continue on his journey is a true pleasure. Chad wants to make sure he is doing things because it makes sense for him, not because it is how I do it, or how my family does it. I love watching him and seeing him grow.

As I said, I am so proud of him for all he has accomplished so far, and all that he will continue to accomplish. I am proud to be marrying my b'sheret in 180 days, and I am thrilled to continue our Jewish Journey together for years to come.

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