11-11-2019, 04:44 PM
Gosh, that's really tough. I'm Catholic, so I don't know much about this, but I know the bare basics. Children can convert when they're older, yes, but I think your husband's struggle is with the idea that his own children would be considered converts rather than as Jews by birth. That can raise issues because, although the Talmud thrice forbids the mistreatment of converts, there are some ultra-Orthodox communities that would not recognise their conversion.
Let me tell you a story that underscores this point: I myself am currently considering conversion, and I asked to go to an Orthodox synagogue (I asked the rabbi if I could attend) and another rabbi who was there--rather than the rabbi of the schul--told me to (and I quote), "go to a reform synagogue. They're all basically Christians, anyway."
So there are a lot of . . . let's say, religious politics that can go along with this question which is why for your current boyfriend there's so much riding on the question as to whether his children will be considered gers (converts) or not.
Someone with a better understanding should reply, but for now, I hope this helps to open up some clarification.
Let me tell you a story that underscores this point: I myself am currently considering conversion, and I asked to go to an Orthodox synagogue (I asked the rabbi if I could attend) and another rabbi who was there--rather than the rabbi of the schul--told me to (and I quote), "go to a reform synagogue. They're all basically Christians, anyway."
So there are a lot of . . . let's say, religious politics that can go along with this question which is why for your current boyfriend there's so much riding on the question as to whether his children will be considered gers (converts) or not.
Someone with a better understanding should reply, but for now, I hope this helps to open up some clarification.