my three rabbis

In these past months, I've been talking with quite a few people about my conversion process. Friends, family, people I meet at temple and at social gatherings. Jews, Christians, Pagans, "spiritual but not religious" folks, atheists, pseudo-Buddhists... And three rabbis, none of whom know each other.

As I wrote previously, I've been talking with the rabbi at one of the synagogues where I've attended services. I've also been corresponding with my former dean from interfaith seminary, who is a rabbi. Just this past week, I caught up with an old friend from prep school who converted to Judaism and later became a rabbi.

Each of these men has provided helpful insight and good suggestions, recommending a full library of diverse reading material, helping me find out about classes and other congregations in my community, and patiently answering my many questions from his own perspective. On some points, they are in single-minded agreement; on others, not so much. Welcome to Judaism.

A few nights ago, I realized that I'd unintentionally convened my own beit din -- for the purpose of conversion, this is the court of three rabbis who question the potential convert and oversee the conversion mikvah (ritual bath). This is not a "real" beit din, of course, since these men are not in touch with each other, and I've got a good bit of work left to do before I'm ready to stand before such a court of three. There are classes to take, and holidays to observe for the first time. I've not gotten anywhere close to broaching the subject of an outdoor mikvah, and only yesterday finally found a pair of dedicated candlesticks for my own Friday night candle-lighting, rather than relying on whatever was on hand. I'm really hoping I don't have to learn how to make stuffed cabbage (though I make a mean cabbage soup). And, there are still all of these questions and concerns I have brewing.

Still, I'm struck by my unconscious maneuver to create this unofficial beit din for myself. I wonder what "my three rabbis" would think of this. Perhaps it's time I introduced them to one another.