Standing before the court

In two days, I'm going to face the rabbinical court and present evidence which will, hopefully, prove beyond doubt that I'm a part of the Jewish people. Because religion in general and Jews in particular were oppressed in the USSR, the Jewish community dwindled almost completely. The rates of intermarriage and assimilation skyrocketed. Thus, we have come to the situation when just about every "Russian Jew" needs to trace his or her ancestry back to the maternal grandmother, to be able to bring some evidence of being Jewish. I know and God knows I'm Jewish, of course, but I need the rabbinical court to recognize me as such, too. I need it to be able to get married by Jewish Law, to have my future children considered Jewish, and to be buried as a Jew.

I spent the last few weeks collecting various documents and family photographs, and talking to my grandmother, helping her revive in her memory childhood events of Jewish life in her community. Grandma's evidence might be of crucial significance in the rabbinical court. I think I did all I could. All that remains now is to pray.

I pray for God to give wisdom to the man who will examine our documents and question us, so he can see that the young woman standing in front of him isn't some sort of impostor; I pray that I can humbly show the sincerity of my soul, that desires nothing but to reconnect with its people and build a faithful home in Israel.

I pray that Grandma feels her best, and that her memory is clear, so she can tell enough to make it impossible for anyone to doubt what she has to say. I also pray that she will be questioned gently and patiently, because often it takes some time and effort for her to remember important details. 92 years isn't a trifle. I hope the expert of the rabbinical court will take this into consideration.

I'm not asking for a favor. I want to claim what's rightfully mine, my heritage. And thus, I pray to be judged justly. But I also ask God for mercy, because I know nothing and no one is perfect on this earth, and I need to remember I'll be in His hands the whole time I stand before the court.

And finally, I pray for a yielding, humble heart that will embrace whatever trials God might have in store for me. I pray to be freed from rebellion, bitterness, quick temper, foolishness and frustration, and to dwell in His house, always.