What If?

What if it became popular to convert to Judaism? What if it became the newest wave and thousands would elect to become Jewish? I do not mean the once a year Yom Kippur Judaism but the all-in Judaism with all its restrictions and lifestyle. Now you will ask me why would anybody want to become Jewish and accept the burden of worldwide hatred against them. Further, why would anyone put upon themselves all the laws and limitations that come with a life of Jewish faith. Let me list a few possible reasons.

Our holidays are a time for commemorating, celebrating and reliving ancient events while your holidays are a time to go the mall and have a barbecue.

Our weekends include a day of rest where we turn off electronics and cannot drive which force us to bond with our families and community while on your weekends each member of the family goes there own way and does his/her own thing.

Our communities are places where families interact and support each other in good times and in bad. In your communities rarely does anyone even know their neighbor.

Charity is an integral part of our lives while amassing possessions is the definition of your lives.

The importance of education is stressed from early in life in our culture while the ability to chase, catch, throw, shoot or hit a ball is paramount in yours.

Our schools teach a balance of secular subjects along with religious texts and culture, while yours reject any mention or demonstration of religion.

We aim to love thy neighbor as thyself and to treat others as you would have them treat you. You look at neighbors with suspicion and distrust and seek personal success at anyone's cost.

We believe in individual responsibility regarding success and failure while so many are quick to blame anyone else but themselves.

We look at the almighty to grant us good health and a sustainable living while too many in society look to government for their sustenance.

We do not look to convert nonbelievers to our faith. In fact we attempt to dissuade those who demonstrate interest. What better way to attract people than to inform them they are not really wanted. Our difficulty is not with non-Jews but with so many born Jews who do not see the value of their own heritage. They follow the path of most in this society and get sucked in to the materialism, desiring wealth, possessions and fame. Ultimately, this path is not a recipe for happiness.

I do not suspect this mass conversion will happen anytime soon and I do not think disconnected Jews will suddenly awaken to their disregarded heritage. Yet it is interesting to note how this ancient culture has so many answers to the problems and shortcomings of modern society.