On August 22nd, 2025, we took our conversion candidates to Lake Michigan to immerse at the completion of a year of study and exploration. This ritual is the final step in joining the Jewish people. Mishkanite Judy Yacker served as one of our witnesses; this is a reflection on her experience.
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Today I chose to be Jewish. This is not something I do very often. I’ve always been Jewish. Being Jewish is just something I am. My parents were Jewish, my grandparents had to flee their homelands just because they were Jewish. Being Jewish is in my DNA. But once in a while, I’m called upon to perform a distinctly Jewish act, and then I get to choose. Today was one of those days.

The Jewish act I was called to do did not involve purifying a body for burial, giving tzedakah, or preparing an elaborate ritual meal — though I’ve done those things too.  Today, I came down to the beach on a glorious summer day and bore witness as a group of people completed the culminating activity for becoming full-fledged Jews. After a year of studying and learning and questioning, and frankly, I don’t even know what else, these people were going to immerse themselves in our beautiful Lake Michigan as non-Jews, and step out again as Jews. My job was to be a member of the community to oversee and welcome them into the fold. Along with the Rabbi and two other witnesses, I listened as each one recited a prayer sanctifying this ritual purification. We turned our backs on them to preserve their dignity and modesty, and once they were safely back on shore and wrapped in a towel, we turned toward them to witness their transformation. Each face radiated joy. Each heart full.

While they were in the water, I looked at the spectacular blue sky, noticed some butterflies flitting around, and stared in wonder at the trees perched precariously on the edge of a ravine – their roots exposed, but somehow, against all odds deep enough to withstand the elements and erosion. A miracle. Never one to let a good metaphor pass me by, I couldn’t help but think about the Jewish people.  It seems like it’s always a perilous time for Jews, but something about THIS particular time feels even more precarious. The roots of my Judaism run deep, but what of those exposed parts? Why would a tree grow on the very edge when one big storm could knock it right down? Why would a group of people choose to become Jews right now when it feels as if we could so easily be on the brink of catastrophe?

I don’t know the answer to those questions, and the fact is, it doesn’t matter. The trees, as well as our Jewish community, are growing. What a privilege to witness both miracles.  The rabbi said that Judaism had always been there for them, just waiting for them to step into it. I slip into my Judaism as easily as slipping into flip flops for a day on the sand. But maybe, no more. Witnessing has taught me that even for those of us born into it, being Jewish is a choice we make every day with every act. Today, I choose to be Jewish.