My Big Gay Jewish Conversion

“My Big Gay Jewish Conversion” is an engaging and touching British television documentary from 2017 starring Simon Atkins. This film stands out for its unique blend of personal journey, social commentary, and cultural and religious exploration which ultimately makes for a refreshing narrative.

The film sets off as Atkins decides to embark on a self-discovery journey that takes him far outside his comfort zones, crossing borders of sexuality, faith, and ethnicity. Atkins, who is openly gay and a devout Catholic, candidly talks about his internal struggles with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Particularly, he wrestles with the Church’s less-than-accepting stance on homosexuality. He begins to question his own faith and examines whether his deep-seated religious beliefs can live in harmony with his identity as a gay man.

With this backdrop, Atkins wonders if Judaism, a religion that he perceives as more accepting towards homosexuality, might offer him the spiritual home he's yearning for. An idea further fueled by the fact that his partner, an Israeli citizen, is Jewish. Thus, he sets out on his extraordinary journey to convert to Judaism.

During his journey, Atkins delves into the many aspects of Judaism. From learning traditions and cultural norms to understanding the sacred texts and attending Friday night Shabbat dinners, he explores the religion with a wide-eyed curiosity and sincerity that is immediately endearing to the audience. The film gives extensive attention to Jewish rituals, its rich history, and fundamental beliefs, offering viewers an informative glimpse into the depth and complexity of this religion.

As the narrative progresses, it morphs into something beyond just a religious quest. The film effectively uses the medium of Atkins’ conversion story to discuss broader issues of spirituality, identity, acceptance, and love. It calls viewers to introspect their own values, beliefs, and tolerance.

Beyond just a journey of self-discovery, Atkins’ transformation in the film serves as a conduit to discuss some very sensitive subjects. Issues of homophobia, religious intolerance, and social acceptance are smoothly intertwined with his personal journey. While it does this, it doesn’t shy away from pointing out the contradictions in religious texts and their interpretations. This documentary also exemplifies how an individual’s sexuality and faith can coexist without creating internal conflict.

Atkins is an engaging and relatable protagonist. His honesty about his own insecurities, fears, and excitement captivates audiences. His sheer determination to follow his heart and find his place in the world is both commendable and inspiring. His encounters with rabbis, friends, and family members lend authenticity and depth to his journey, while his love and respect for both his Catholic past and Jewish aspiration shine through in every frame. Atkins effortlessly immerses us into his world, making us participants, rather than mere spectators.

The film goes on to pose some poignant questions about faith and its role in defining our identity. It also explores what it means to be a minority within a minority - a gay in the Jewish community. Through Atkins' perspective we see how he grapples with societal expectations, religious norms, and personal convictions.

The documentary does an excellent job of mixing the serious with the light-hearted. There are moments of sincere contemplation and introspection, coupled with scenes filled with humor and charm. The candid chats Atkins has with rabbis, the genuine awe and amusement he gets from Jewish customs, and his clumsy attempts at learning Hebrew provide a good dose of humor and lighten the mood while maintaining the underlying seriousness.

In conclusion, “My Big Gay Jewish Conversion” is an enlightening, compelling, and entertaining documentary. It is unique notably for its balanced point of view, expressing the challenges of an individual’s spiritual journey as a gay man in the modern world. At the heart of this narrative is a universally relatable search for acceptance, love, and a place to call home. It is a film that demands reflection, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in exploring issues of faith, identity, and love across societal and religious boundaries.