re: #422 SanFranciscoZionist

A patrilineal Jew who wants to be religiously Jewish can convert and make it official. I know a few who have, usually because they are marrying Jews, and want to make the kids’ status unambiguous. Especially if you were raised in the tradition, or in proximity to it, it’s not difficult.

If you don’t want a religious conversion, you can be a person of Jewish ancestry, family and culture just fine. Occasionally you may have to deal with some schmuck saying, “Oh, then you’re not really Jewish,” helpfully, but if you’re over sixteen, you should be able to explain that family and culture is not the same as halacha. And then wither them with a glance.

Or, you can join a Reform shul, which is what most people do.

There is an Israeli writer who wants to be officially listed as “Not Jewish.”

OK, I think he should get what he wants. Maybe he can even get a de-circumcision or whatever kind of operation where they sew the foreskin back on.