(Horror) stories
I've become quite interested in reading blog entries and articles about attitudes of born Jews toward Jews-by-choice. While my own current experience would lump me, currently, with the more-or-less insecure (but not insincere!) lot of proselytes--I don't think I'd ever be mistaken for a Jew based on looks and I have a less-than-rudimentary Jewish education--I do think it's perfectly natural to feel this way at this point. I'm realizing that time, commitment and action are the only answers--if you want to be Jewish, do Jewish. Thick skin probably helps, too. In fact, it's required.
- Jewcy article from earlier this year, "The Etiquette of Welcoming Converts." The comments at the bottom are more fascinating than the article itself: it starts off with a rather well-known (and controversial) LA Jew-by-choice who says, quit whining -- "Jews have a long proud history and to think that anyone who converts can immediately appropriate this and walk around proclaiming his Jewishness is disconcerting. A convert has to earn his stripes. If he's not strong enough to deal with some skepticism and rudeness, then he's a wimp and the Jews don't need him." While that may seem harsh, there's some truth in there.
- One of these Jews is not like the other (again, Jewcy.com)
- Jewish Attitudes Toward Non-Jews from the ever-useful Jewfaq.com
- Recent article from the Just Making It Up blog
- Posts from Jews-by-Choice: Leah and an inspiring entry from Tikkun Ger
My new favorite response to the "Funny, you don't look Jewish!" comment is (thanks, Jewcy) -- "Well, I was born Jewish, but unfortunately my parents were Protestant."
