"I began attending the classes. My “baby bear” was beginning to say “just right” but I didn’t understand why. I had never said that aloud to anyone before. It was time. It was time to outwardly show what I had always been inside.

And then I got scared again. I hadn't even told Herb that I wanted to convert! Charlie didn't push. He gently suggested that I watch some videos with other congregants who were converting, and I did. My fear was beginning to go away. We started going to services again...when we could. (We owned a retail store that was open 7 days a week and we were there every day.)

We had plans to go to services that day. I had arranged for employees to be there so that Herb and I didn't have to. But something happened...I don't remember what it was...and we didn't go. I hate to say it, but I'm glad we didn't go.

The day we didn't go to services was January 15, 2022...the day a man took four of my friends hostage at our Synagogue. I cried. I yelled. I prayed. I finally understood. My fears were gone. I knew, on that day, that converting was the right thing to do and I couldn't do it soon enough.

I am Jewish. This is my heart, my soul, my faith, my people. In a previous lifetime I’m certain I was Jewish...my soul is at peace and happy there. This is who I am, and I am proud to proclaim it out loud."