Thoughts on an article in Asian Jewish Life: The endless Jewish audience

There's a great article in this fall's issue of Asian Jewish Life about one man's experience as a Japanese-American convert.

I especially like how he compared his experience to Coleridge's Ancient Mariner, in that he might have to repeat, yet again, his conversion story for a new audience.

What particularly struck me was how, early on, he and his wife used to state up front that he's a ger, specifically to avoid the questions. I see where he's coming from. It's annoying (and tiresome, even) to have to tell someone for the tenth time that no, I don't look like a "typical" Jew, yes, I converted, yes, I'm Jewish too, despite what your eyes might think.

The thing is, if we Jews and "Jews" of color don't get out there, participate in Jewish life, and tell our stories, we always will have to deal with those questions.

Check it out. Let me know your take in the comments.

Tagged acceptance conversion
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