Ask the Author: Joshua Isard
Answered Questions (1)
Joshua Isard
I definitely would not call one who converts to Judaism "laughable." I think it's important to take my comments in the context of the self-deprecating tone of Jacobson's novel, and the humor of the Book Fight podcast. In that respect, there is a certain absurdity in choosing to join arguably the most hated and persecuted group of people in the history of human civilization.
In a more general context, there are lots of people who convert to Judaism for excellent and genuine reasons—they are and should be welcome as members of the culture. And, of course, there's a lot more to Judaism than only the history of persecution, a lot that I'm proud of as someone born into Judaism, and which any convert can also be proud of.
So, yes, please take the comments in the context of a commentary on the novel, and the tone of a funny and entertaining podcast.
In a more general context, there are lots of people who convert to Judaism for excellent and genuine reasons—they are and should be welcome as members of the culture. And, of course, there's a lot more to Judaism than only the history of persecution, a lot that I'm proud of as someone born into Judaism, and which any convert can also be proud of.
So, yes, please take the comments in the context of a commentary on the novel, and the tone of a funny and entertaining podcast.
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