On May 20, 2004, I officially converted to the Judaic faith, embracing the religion of my paternal ancestors. It felt like I was coming home. My Bet Din occurred in Birmingham, AL at Temple Emanu-El, and was presided over by two rabbis and a cantor. My own rabbi was Rabbi Mark Peilen. I went to Temple Beth-El, two blocks away, for the mikvah.
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| With my husband in the Birmingham Conservative temple, Temple Beth-El, before the ceremony. |
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| Holding the Torah during the ceremony at Temple Emanu-El, with Rabbi Mark Peilen. |
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| Standing with the Torah. |
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| With fellow convert Ron Wright. |
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| Enjoying dinner afterwards with members of the Temple B'nai Israel of Columbus, Mississippi. |