4460 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield, MI 48323 Phone: 248.683.1010 ofclOasicHoomfidd .F4 During that time of confusion she relied on the words of her grand- mother to begin the search that ulti- mately led her to convert to Judaism. "She told me that as long as I believed in a higher power, I would be fine. That advice led her 27 years later to the religion of her grandfather. The 50-year-old black actress, best known for her Tony Award-win- ning role in the musical Ain't Misbehavin' and in the TV sitcom Gimme a Break, often blends humor with her serious commitment to Judaism. She held back tears as she reflected on the pride of watching her two 9- year - old sons pray perfectly in Hebrew on the bima of their Beverly Hills, Calif., temple. "My son Joshua wants to be a rabbi," she reflected. And then, with a smirk and a twinkle in her eye she added, "So let's see, one of my sons is going to be the first black ... Jewish ... Republican ... president of the United States." But amidst her humor is an under- tone of anger, an anger for those in the Jewish community who, she claims, are unable to accept Jewish converts as "real Jews." "Back in '88 when I heard a rabbi in France announce to the world they would not accept converts, I was angry," she said with a stern look. And then her gaze softened as she retorted with a smile, "What do they think, you join Judaism to get a bet- ter job? What black fool would join to be persecuted?" And so she lectures endlessly on the role of the convert in Jewish her- itage. "Judaism has always welcomed converts," she told the audience of nearly 400 who had packed the lec- ture hall for Temple Israel's Speakers Forum event. "Sara and Jacob were converts. One out of every 37 American Jews is a Jew by choice. Ruth adopted Judaism," she said. "The entire fami- ly of Israelites became Jews by choice when they made the covenant with God at Mt. Sinai." And to those who would suggest that hers is not the face or the skin color of a Jewish person, she retorts, "Just go to Israel. Look at the faces there. They are every color, every race. Carter has been to Israel several times. While praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for the first time, she found reassurance that her faith " in Judaism was not misdirected. "The most beautiful thing at the Kotel, at the Wall, was to see all the religious people together. This is where I felt happy. This is where I felt free." But her indoctrination into Judaism did have its downside. "I had a near-drowning experience in the mikva," she told her audience in a story that brought them to tears of laughter. "I was wondering if this was one of God's tests for me," she remem- bered. "They told me to take my arms off the wall and I kept rolling, face down, into the water, like a little ball. They kept telling me the conver- sion process was a thing of beauty. But I kept thinking, 'Beauty? All they're seeing is my behind." It was on her way into surgery for a double aneurysm that Carter's com- mitment to her new religion was ulti- mately tested. "Before surgery, they said I proba- bly wouldn't come out. I asked for a Hebrew prayer book. And I was sud- denly at peace when I read the words of the 23rd Psalm. 'Yea, though I walk through the shadow of the val- ley of death I will fear no evil for God is with me.' "I went into the operating room," she recounted, and while I don't remember any of this, they told me later I kept singing Jewish songs. And apparently I told the doctor he could cut me while I was alive, but if it was over, I wanted a rabbi." Said 20-year-old Julie Kaplan, who remembered watching Carter's TV show as a child, "It's inspiring she has such a strong faith in Judaism." You learn from her that, for some, it's a challenge to be a Jew," said Temple Israel congregant Sandy Stark. "It just shows you that you can be successful as long as you believe." But Carter also reached those in the audience still looking for spiritual direction. "What suggestion do you have for a person currently looking at Judaism as an answer to that inner peace you have described?". asked Tracey Bradley, 31, of Royal Oak, who was one of the handful of blacks in the audience. "I suggest going to a rabbi who will try to dissuade you," said Carter. "It must be your decision, one that comes from inside you. "When it makes you so happy you want to cry, and it has nothing to do with a man, then do it." LI Assisted livin g , in Studios and suites with private baths Three well planned daily meals Emergency call systems with catered services Housekeeping and linen services Round the clock staffing Licensed Nurses 24 Hours Daily IDeaufiful surroundings Personal care assistance Medical supervision Spa with pool and exercise room created especially Scheduled activities Game room Library for older adults. Hair salon Sundries shop Transportation Valet parking for residents ,:f7 TOURS AVAILABLE DAILY call 248.683.1010 DWYER AND SONS COLLISION CENTER Collision Repair on All Makes and Models JOEL GOLDHABER, Mgr. (Formerly with Maxie Collision on Northwestern Hwy. is now serving all previous and new customers at Dwyer & Sons) • TOWING Service Available • TURNING IN A LEASE CAR? our Deductible Savings Program See me for a free pre-inspection • FREE Estimates • ALL INSURANCE companies accepted. • FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY Service available We are a direct repair for many. • FREE LOANER available or ask about (248) 624-0400 3055 West Maple Road • 1/4 mile West of Haggerty Road ALL NEW 2000 NEON NOW ON DISPLAY! COME IN & SEE IT! FOR YOUR BEST PRICE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE ON ALL DODGES, CALL MIKE SCIHXSMEL TAMAROFF DODGE 24625 West 12 Mile (Just west of Telegraph) • Southfield, MI (248) 354-6600 DIRECT: 223-8516