[Robin in Mesa]

Hi,

I converted in adulthood (combined Reform/Conservative conversion-- beit din, mikveh, classes) because, although our family history is that my mother's mother's family was Jewish, my grandmother was orphaned at a very young age and there is no evidence to confirm. She was raised in a Mennonite orphange, my mother was not raised in any religion, my dad was a non-practicing Catholic... :-)

Anyway, I am adopting from Ethiopia and plan to raise my daughter Jewish. It is highly unlikely I will be matched with an Ethiopian Jew, although wouldn't that be lovely?

There are other people-of-color in my (Reform) temple, including children... but I have the same worries for her that I had for myself when I converted...

I knew I would not keep kosher, etc. and that it would be deceitful to go through with an Orthodox conversion. I understand, my legitimacy as a Jew is questioned by some as a result. While that was/is fine with me, now I feel concerned that I will raise her as a Jew, only to have her discover later in life that a significant part of our people do not accept her.

I am seeking others' input-- what do you think? Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Robin