Converting

When people aks me why I decided to convert to Judaism I give them an array of answers. For love. It feels right. I’ve always felt an affinity with the religion. Like believe in the values. I feel closer to it… etc, etc. Truth is, all are true and none are 100% true. Or should I rephrase, none are 100% more true than the other. Two years after I decided to convert I still do not have one solid reason for it. Be that bad or good, that is the way it is.

At the time, I wanted to (note: wanted to and not asked) to convert for my ex. The relationship did not work out but just because I was no longer committed to her does not mean that I shouldn’t be committed to the religion. And so I kept my promise (to whoever) and continued with finding out more about Judaism. I then moved to Manchester where I went to Temple and began converting although I had to stop it short as I return to Cyprus.

Reactions have ranged between full on support, to people asking why and grimacing to out and out hatred of my decision, not because of Judaism but because they disagree with ‘betraying’ your religion. I explain that God transcends religion so as long as your are religious that is all that matters but they insist with the firm belief of a Priest that I should remain part of the Greek Orthodox Church. My favourite reactions from non-Jews has been ‘so if your converting to Judaism does that mean you’re going to be a Jew?’ and also ‘are you going to Bethlehem… is Jordan in Bethlehem.’ Καμία σχέση.

The reaction from Jews has been extremely positive. Apart from one man who asked ‘why bother?’ (there always is one who ruins it isn’t there?) I have had 99.9% positive feedback. So much so, that Jews and Israelis have actually taken me under their wing at community events, invited me to Yom Kippur dinner and labeled me ‘mishelanu’ meaning ‘of us’ with one of my Orthodox Jewish friends saying that I look ‘more shelanu every day’.

But then again I did immerse myself not only in Jewish culture but Israeli culture. Today I’d call Israel my second home, after Cyprus. My relations with the UK are based on social links, such as with family and friends and my relationship with Greece is merely a cultural affiliation. Cyprus and Israel; my island and the Holy Land. When I went to Israel the people were much more embracing than in Cyprus. ‘To me you are Israeli’ I was told by my new friend Nava. Or I’d hear ‘aval ata medaber yvrit?’ they say surprised when I told them I speak Hebrew and come from CY. Whereas in Cyprus they insist I am foreign calling me ‘Charlie’ or English and not always in a joking manner. Ironically when I ask them ‘do I look English?’ they say ‘no, you look Jewish’ to which I always smile, and accept as an unintentional compliment.