Refunds for false Jews

I converted to Judaism in 1988. My reasons for doing so are private and have nothing to do with anyone, but is choosing to join a religion that outlasted the roman empire and 5000 years of abuse not reason enough? The bottom line is that as a young man I chose to become Jewish and joined a tribe of people that I admire and aspire to understand better. Ten years later I moved to Israel and became an Israeli citizen. In Jewish circles this used to be considered a very positive move as it shows support for the base of Judaism, Israel. The only place in the world where being Jewish is not an exception.

Did I convert to orthodox Judaism, conservative Judaism or reform Judaism? Aha .. now the cracks are beginning to show. Many Christians may not understand where this is leading as the very essence of Christianity is not to pass judgement on your fellow worshipers. In Israel however, the chief rabbinate has a problem with people converting to Judaism. They claim that most conversion process's are not challenging enough and that too many people are becoming Jews and are not taking it seriously enough. I quite understand their complaint - I am a prime example.

I spent only a year doing my conversion to Judaism. I financially supported the Synagogue and attended Synagogue every Sabbath as well as on the high holy days. I have no aspirations to become a Rabbi or be any more religious than I am. Essentially, I am no more Jewish, than I was Christian. In orthodox Jewish terms, I am not trying to be more Jewish than I am, so I am not Jewish enough.

I have lived in Israel for the past 12 years, learned the language, paid my taxes and adjusted to suit a whole new lifestyle. I don't go to Synagogue like the majority a Israeli's. I don't wear a yarmulke, like the majority of Israelis. I don't observe the Sabbath, like the majority of Israeli's.

I do however believe there is only one God. I don't have any idols at home, unless you include the TV or PC. I respect my parents, I do not sleep around, steal, kill or lie.

But the chief Rabbinate says I am not Jewish enough so here is my proposal:

- refund the 1 year of expenses I incurred during my conversion

- supply me and my family with return tickets home to South Africa

- finance my moving all my belongings home

- refund the 12 years of taxes that I've paid to the Israel tax authorities

- refund the 12 years of taxes that I've paid to Israeli national insurance

- release my 15 year old son from any military obligations to the state of Israel

- notify all anti-semitic groups that I've changed my mind

If all these conditions are met, I will gladly pack my things and return to being a Christian in a Christian country where nobody hates me.

Until then, I choose to continue being as Jewish as I feel comfortable with.