This afternoon marked her religious conversion to Judaism through the process known as "tevillah," performed by Sari immersing her three times in the mikvah with accompanying prayers. Depending on your frame of reference, the mikvah is either a very small swimming pool or a very large bathtub--a "Jewcuzzi," if you will.* The ceremony was supervised by the bet din (a triumverate of clergy).

We had various discussions with our synagogue's rabbis about the process. The first question posed to us was which of us would do the dunking? We decided that it would probably be best if Sari did the honors. We based that decision largely because at the time (long before this week's PLG Day), we didn't think the plausible perception of attempting to drown Zoe would have particularly helped endear her to me.

The rabbi was, of course, delighted to perform the ceremony, but I think he wanted to save us all the trouble and asked if we were certain Zoe wasn't already Jewish (i.e. had a Jewish birthmother). We frankly don't know, but with the overall Jewish population of Russia at perhaps 1/10th of one percent, we felt this probably didn't warrant additional investigation.

Then there's the issue of nudity. Zoe would have to be au naturel, while Sari had the option of a bathing suit. Would Zoe be comfortable with everyone (clergy, brother, parents, grandparents, an aunt and uncle) watching? When you consider that running around the house naked fresh out of the tub seems to be one of her favorite pastimes, we weren't overly concerned. Sari, on the other hand, is a little more modest and opted for a one-piece.

Zoe had no clue as to what was about to happen and became visibly more upset with each dunk. There are very specific rules--she couldn't be held against Sari while dipped and we couldn't cover up her mouth and nose. And, as great as our communication is with each other, we couldn't convey to her that holding her breath wouldn't be a bad idea. So Sari's only strategy was to dip as quickly as possible. Zoe cried for about a minute when all was said and done, concluding "I don't like that bathtub."

The celebration moved from the mikvah to another institution for the area's Jewish community, with a family luncheon at the Parkway Deli. Faced with traditional choices such as matzo ball soup, corned beef and knishes, Zoe of course opted for her own traditional fare of applesauce, mac & cheese and chocolate milk.

Zoe's Russian Orthodox past is now forever part of our family's history; the inexpensive crucifix she received upon leaving the orphanage one of our most treasured pieces of jewelry. The blessings she received from a priest in Yekaterinburg have served us all well over the last five months.

Dos vidanya. And shalom.

*For my friend Michael Levy, an occasional contributor to neologism competitions worldwide: take that!

¶ 3:02 PM