Yesterday was the formal welcoming ceremony at the Temple.  Again, we got there early … I wish I could summon that sort of fire when getting my daughter to school — I don’t think we ever make there less than a 1/2 hour late.  We went into the Rabbi’s study and signed the beautiful certficate — I really hate the fact that I am so illiterate in Hebrew that I can’t even write my own name.  It is a strange feeling — since I am very literate in English — something to work on I guess.

My collection of friends and family atteneded (and still others brought food…) It was nice to see so many people there.  Jame, Suzanne and I went up on to the bimah for the ceremony.  The Rabbi said some very nice things about my being an enthusiastic person (although I think sometimes my serious California accent makes my sarcasm seem like enthusiasm …) He still pegged it when he said that I was very intersted in making a diference — I think that’s the most important thing we all do.  I answered questions and got to hold the torah (which was light but big).  I read more from the ceremony — I honestly don’t remember what I read — but my Dad said that I projected well…

Then it was over… I was officially a Jew.  The problem then was that we were using a new prayerbook so I felt so lost…(and a little guilty like I should know my way around the book — but I didn’t.  I was reassured later that *nobody* knew what was going.  My dear friend and mentor Judie got an aliyah which was very nice of the Rabbi to do.  All of my "peeps" seemed to enjoy the service and now I think Jame’s mom has put Albuquerque back on her list.

Lunch was lovely, lovely….we ate, helped clean up and then went home to get ready for my first officially Jewish seder.  I was so exhausted by all the emotion at that point that it went by in a blur — but I really enjoyed having friends and family over and celebrating together… Lesson to parents — do not sit all the kids together — oy!

Do I feel any different yes and no… after all I have been falling in love with Judaism for a long time.  This weekend was about formalizing the committment — I’ve grown a lot during this process both intellectually and spiritually — but I’m realizing how much I still have to learn.  I’m excited to keep learning and growing.