Renouncing Judaism?

Question

I converted at 14, yes Bet Din, Mikveh and all.

Now I want to renounce my religion. I have not been observant for 3 years and classify my belief as "Agnostic" or "Pagan". I have a 4 month old son that my father is pressuring me to circumcise, and I do not want to be Jewish, do not believe in Judaism or circumcision, and do not want to subject my son to a religion, I would rather let him choose. I know the renouncement is merely a social step not so much a mental or spiritual one, it is for the benefit of others.

Now, How would I go about doing this? Is it even possible? I have heard "once a jew, always a jew" one too many times, I don't think it's right to be trapped in a religion you don't believe in... But anyway, what needs to be done, to un-convert and remove my son from this religion-by-birth thing?

I mean, you can't be born a religion, in my opinion. That's a state of mind, not a race/genetic thing. And since I CONVERTED as a child, I'm not even carrying "genes".

And one more thing:

I converted as a child, not so much a mature decision of my own free will, more to appease my fanatic parents. So I don't think that was fair to begin with and as soon as I moved out (17) I Stopped observing.

Answer 1

Well, as an atheist raised as a Christian with a small portion of my heritage being Jewish, I think I might be able to give a little insight.

First off, religions don't like the idea of apostasy (leaving their religion, whether for another or for none), and some religions even believe it's a crime worthy of a death sentence, so of course you can count on believers trying to tell you that you cannot convert, are not allowed to, are forbidden to, etc. It's all a load of crap, as fictitious as the deity they believe in - don't buy it for a second.

Second, as far as the "once a Jew, always a Jew" thing goes, this is not true in the religious sense. Many people identify themselves as being Jewish by virtue of their ethnic/cultural/ancestral heritage, despite not adhering to Judaism.

Third, I think you need to know that there is a HUGE difference between "pagan" and "agnostic." Agnostic = don't know whether any deities exist or not, and some would argue that it's impossible to know one way or the other. It's possible to be an agnostic Jew, or an agnostic Christian, etc - in that sense, it just means you believe despite being convinced. "Pagan" has positive and negative connotations. Negatively, it is synonymous with "heathen," and used as a derogatory term for anyone not belonging to a given religion. Positively, it implies a generally pre-Christian religion such as worship of Norse, Celtic, or Native American/American Indian gods, or similar beliefs in polytheistic, pantheistic, or earth-based religions, such as Wicca.

As for your son, it is NOT up to your father whether he is circumcised or not. It is up to whoever has legal custody of your child, and I gather that that is you.

It's possible to formally renounce your religion, but it's not necessary by any means. If you do, you might need to clarify that there is a difference between your heritage and your personal beliefs. Mention that your conversion to Judaism was coerced and insincere. Assert that you have the right, as a human being, to do this, whether they like it or not, and if they become belligerent, manipulative or abusive, LEAVE and don't look back.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

If you were converted by an Orthodox bet din, go back to them.

They will very likely tell you that your conversion has become invalid because of your failure to observe the commandments, and that you are not presently Jewish.

But that is just my guess, and you must hear it from them, or ask their advice.

On another note, you just might present your doubts to a wise rabbi, and he just might be able to answer your doubts.

Answer 3

Well from what it sounds like you were never Jewish to begin with.

What it sounds like you had was "forced" or manipulated conversion which is not valid.

The proof of that is that once you were out of the enviorment that you stopped observing.

What I suggest is going to your parents Rabbi and tell them what you said here.

And I am pretty sure he will say your conversion was invalid.
And then they will be off your case

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Whatever you do, Jews will recognize that you are no longer Jewish. However, it's the Christians who impose their beliefs on others and will tell you whether or not you are still a Jew. If you are comfortable with your beliefs (or non-belief) why worry about what others believe about you?
.

Answer 5

Go to the bet din that converted you and discuss it with them

Answer 6

Since it was forced it was pretty much invalid already. Mazel tov, you're not a Jew. If you want to make sure sure, call the rabbi that converted you and explain the situation, I'm sure he'll say it wasn't valid either.

Although it is none of my business, circumcision has many health benefits not at all related to religion. But of course it is your choice, and not your father's.

Answer 7

go to the beit din and ask them to retroactively invalidate your conversion due to dishonest motives and insincerity.

Answer 8

I think renouncing Judaism is the best decision you will ever make. But why are you so obsessed about what others think that you feel it necessary to make a formal event out of it?

Answer 9

Sounds like you just did it.

Answer 10

renouncing Judaism is one of the greatest things you will do, excellent choice!!!
peace