For Jews: If you converted to Judaism, is there a way to get out of it?

Question

I'm 34 years old and I converted to Judaism when I was 20 (Orthodox conversion from the RCC Beth Din in LA). I became interested in Judaism when I was 18 and studied for 2 years to convert when I was 20. I practiced Judaism for 8 years and then left the faith when I was 28. At this point, I still believe in Hashem as G-d, but I don't want to follow all the laws that Jews have to follow. Is there any chance that the Beth Din can make a non-Jew again so that I only have to follow the 7 Noahide Laws? A rabbi asked said it was unlikely they would annul the conversion because of the length of time I practiced Judaism after my conversion. What do you guys think? Thanks,
Luke

For the first two people that answered, I'm not really looking for hippie "follow your heart" answers that don't require thought. The question is specifically for religious Jews who are familiar with Jewish law. thanks.

Answer 1

The general principle is that once a person has gone through a proper conversion- nothing can remove that status from them. In the times of the Sanhedrin, it may have been annulled if the Rabbis involved chose to- since the conversion is done with their authority, they have the aurthority to state that a specific aspect of it is null and void. In the modern era, this principle is virtually never invoked, and very rarely to annul a conversion, esp[ecially 14 years down the road, of which 8 were observant.

The thinking goes that at the time of the conversion the person intended it and did not enter into it blindly- that is why the process of getting in is difficult and why people are educated before the conversion. As such, once the person is converted it is deemed a permanent status which cannot be revoked.

So, you can choose not to follow the halachah, but from the halachic perspective, you are Jewish and remain Jewish no matter what.

Answer 2

I would consider changing which part of the faith you practice. Contact a reform or conservative Rabbi and ask for guidance. The Orthodox wing of the faith has many more rules and restrictions which do not occur in other types. You will have to ask a Rabbi and I would start with a conservative temple which is kind of like a step down from what you are used to now. If you want nothing to do with the faith in general, you just have to stop going to services and davening. Bottom line: you will only get Jewish law answers from a Rabbi. Not someone on here.

Answer 3

Its an interesting question.

Of course like any person you can stop practicing a religion whenever you feel like.

But that is not what you are asking, What you want is to halachicly remove your Jewish status.

The only argument I think you could make is that you really did not know what you were getting into and that if you knew how difficult it would be to follow Halacha you would have stayed a ben Noach.

As the Rabbi said though it might be tough, but honestly you have nothing to lose, so I would go with it.

Best of Luck.

Answer 4

There are 4 sorts of Judaism *Orthodox *Conservative *Reform *Reconstructionist i might say the least perplexing to transform to could be Reform. It additionally has extra liberal of understandings than the different strikes. FYI, If the Rabbis show you how to already know Judaism won't be actual for you, don't be discouraged they're meant to coach you away a pair cases.

Answer 5

Mankind originated in africa and then traveled to other parts of the world these tribal africans had their rites and rituals :
(1) Chanting (singing)
(2) Fire worship
(3) Sacrifice of animals & birds on fire to please spiritual powers.
(4) Drinking

one more was also there - tribal dancing but let us limit to 4.
These 4 traits are found in ancient religions such as Judaism , Vedic hinduism, zoroastrianism(it became islam), ancient egyptian religion and religion of ancient europe. Most of these also had tribal laws such as eye for eye and tooth for tooth.

Buddha came and gave the world a new meaning to religion -- love , kindness , compassion.
Buddhism travelled to alexandria where many jews lived in 300 BC due to missionary efforts of Ashoka & stayed there for some time and created a breed of jewish buddhist monks called Theraputae. Jesus went there and learnt buddhist principles of kindness, love and non-violence which he tried to incorporate into judaism and reform it.
Jesus was executed for this but the mixed faith survived -
as Christianity.

African faiths need reform and change.

Answer 6

You dont need to do anything, you can just start following whatever you believe in. You dont need someone to give you permission to do that.

EDIT: I am a Jew and I was raised religious. And that is still my answer.

Answer 7

Gee this is a tough one Luke.

Try going to >my computer>network places>options>block>highlight Judaism>delete>re-instate>Noahide.

That should just about do it.

(but you might have to de-activate the fire & brimestone wall.)

Answer 8

I think thats between you and God only. No body can tell you what to believe. You can practice any religion how you want. Its your choice

Answer 9

Just denounce it.

It's too late to do anything about the foreskin, so you're SOL on that front. Sorry.

:-(

Answer 10

Have your freedom of choice and thanks to America:)