Based on my understanding of Judiasm (very limited), since Jews are God's "chosen people" the only way to be a "real" Jew is by birth. You can convert to follow the Jewish faith/beliefs/customs, but that doesn't mean that every denomination of Jews have to "accept" you as a Jew.
Jon will most likely flame me for this response, at which I just simply bend over and take it like a man.
Now that I understand. I'd assume that many hardcore Muslims wouldn't totally accept a random "John Smith" that converted to Islam either. To be fully accepted by anyone in any religious group, you'd better be born as one of them right from the start. That's the "tribal" instinct that comes with every religion.
However, Jon was referring to some "hazing process" and having to "prove yourself" to become a member of "their clan". I'm eager to hear about that. Is it as hard as applying to Harvard's med school?
Muslims will take anyone that believes Mohammad is the final prophet, and Allah is the only god, and Muslims have been actively trying to convert the masses throughout history. Christians will take anyone that belives jesus is son of god and savior, and they have actively been trying to convert the masses throughout history. Both religions have brought the sword against non-believers (of their faith) throughout history and as recent as today Muslims still do. Jews do not to actively try to convert. And if people want to convert it is very very difficult, sometimes can take years. Most people who try to convert are persuaded by rabbi's not to convert even before they start, because they simply will not make the cut. It is like the special forces of religion. Many of the principles of conversion can be found in the book of ruth. I need to brush up on it, but basically Jews ask converts "why the hell would you want to be a part of a nation, where every where we go people despise us?" & "even to the point of them killing us because of what we belive" - Mind you that book was written thousands of years ago . Also Jews are extremely disciplined. JUst the laws of Shabbat and Kosher will make most people say that is not for them. And their are a bunch more that many people think are crazy, but jews dont give a fuck.