A "few" years ago, in Portugal, all jews were asked to convert or get out.
This gave rise to the so-called New christians.
Obviously, many faked the conversion. Many kept observing their traditions, specially the "do not eat pork" one.
But Portugal is very rich in pork sausages, so it would have been very strange for a family to not have such sausages in their homes.
So the resourceful jews came up with something similar, which used poultry or rabbit, called alheira. It looks a lot like a normal pork-based farinheira and the texture is similar, too. So they got a free pass.
Nowadays, everyone in Portugal knows the difference and uses each in its special way. Farinheiras go in the pot, while alheiras are better roasted.
Eventually, in Portugal, the old jews died and their children became christian... if not the first generation, then the next or the one after... but they did.
All this to say that the OP is not the first person in the world to be under this kind of predicament.
Faking works for a while.
It becomes troublesome if you need to fake it to your own children, who will not see that you are faking it and will come to believe "as yourself".
If you know you can fake it easily, then go for it. It's easier for an atheist to fake being a christian, than for a jew.
If you have a place to stay, then shove history up their noses and show them that people don't convert like that. It's impossible.
Also, let them know that this attitude of theirs will keep their future grandchildren from any contact... that should shake things up a little bit!
Also, how does your wife feel about this whole thing?
This gave rise to the so-called New christians.
Obviously, many faked the conversion. Many kept observing their traditions, specially the "do not eat pork" one.
But Portugal is very rich in pork sausages, so it would have been very strange for a family to not have such sausages in their homes.
So the resourceful jews came up with something similar, which used poultry or rabbit, called alheira. It looks a lot like a normal pork-based farinheira and the texture is similar, too. So they got a free pass.
Nowadays, everyone in Portugal knows the difference and uses each in its special way. Farinheiras go in the pot, while alheiras are better roasted.
Eventually, in Portugal, the old jews died and their children became christian... if not the first generation, then the next or the one after... but they did.
All this to say that the OP is not the first person in the world to be under this kind of predicament.
Faking works for a while.
It becomes troublesome if you need to fake it to your own children, who will not see that you are faking it and will come to believe "as yourself".
If you know you can fake it easily, then go for it. It's easier for an atheist to fake being a christian, than for a jew.
If you have a place to stay, then shove history up their noses and show them that people don't convert like that. It's impossible.
Also, let them know that this attitude of theirs will keep their future grandchildren from any contact... that should shake things up a little bit!
Also, how does your wife feel about this whole thing?
