Stop obstructing the road to Judaism

While the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee was busy approving the new conversion bill in its second and third readings, former Big Brother contestant Alin Levy was being "dismissed" from the conversion process.

The coincidence of these two events achieved something more profound than even Shas' scandalous election campaign could -- it showed the draconian nature of the conversion process, in all its ugliness. Levy claims she was rejected because of her acting studies. She was told her behavior was immodest. She was accused of lying about her boyfriend.

But none of that matters. The fact is, Levy won't be able to join the exclusive club known as "being a Jew in Israel," at least until she refines her etiquette, according to standards dictated by the Chief Rabbinate.

It's important to understand that applicants for conversion must dedicate themselves to keeping Shabbat, follow the laws of kashrut, wear a kippah (for men) or modest clothing, and much more. Individuals must face a rabbinical evaluation, answering truly complex questions about faith and mitzvot (the commandments). It's as if Conservative, Reform, secular or other types of Jews do not exist. It's as if Judaism was entirely Orthodox, and every Jew must submit to its laws.

As the daughter of a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother, during the conversion process I used to think about how in no other place on the planet would anybody question my Jewishness. But in Israel, neither my roots nor my educational background mattered. The thought was mind-boggling. Here, to become Jewish, one must be strictly religious. Being haredi is advisable, too.

So, left with no choice, one lies. Most converts in Israel are not completing the process to adopt a religious way of life. Most probably do it to maintain family tradition, to realize a sense of belonging, in the way that they know. In all likelihood, many individuals opt for this approach hoping to reap the benefits that come with the title, such as the ability to marry in Israel -- and since those circumstances are dictated from above, there's nothing wrong in that, either.

I didn't enjoy lying for months on end, and I'm sure Levy doesn't either, but in the absence of any other possible way to complete the process -- that's what happens. The system doesn't just need to be adjusted, it must undergo fundamental change. Because of that, despite Hatnuah MK Elazar Stern's bill, which provides a relatively easier process allowing local rabbis to perform conversions, it's not enough. The fate of conversions cannot rest in Orthodoxy's hands alone; Judaism is not their exclusive property. If Reform and Conservative conversions are accepted, then people can choose and stop lying. Whoever decides to undertake the process can do so wholeheartedly, according to the approach he or she finds most suitable.

The current method not only reeks of unfairness, but cruelty. It's an invasion of every part of one's life, damages the soul, perhaps the very foundations of one's faith. It triggers anger and antagonism, isolating not only the Chief Rabbinate, but all of Judaism. Moreover, it does Israelis a great injustice, myself as an example -- my family was persecuted in the Diaspora and now we are being persecuted in Israel.

Outside Israel, we were too Jewish; now, inside the country, we're not Jewish enough.