While America is full of liberal Jews, Israel is not. If you convert in Israel, you have to go the entire route. Likewise in other countries, there is a far higher percentage of Orthodox Jews.

In South Africa, 85% of Jews are orthodox. In addition, you are not accepted as a Jew if you convert reform. I converted reform, even though my late father was Jewish (a secular orthodox Jew). I was told by Israelis (at the time) that I would never be accepted in Israel as being Jewish. When my daughter went to Israel, she discovered the same thing. (Although the law would accept me if I wanted to make Aliyah).

"As far as the whole Nobel prize winner thing, it is fine to think well of ourselves , but bragging isn’t a good look."

I have an aversion to that self-righteous phrase 'it isn't a good look.' What a gentle put-down. Live with it. I have been writing (and published) for 62 years, and I will continue to write what I feel needs to be written.

I'm curious to know where I triggered you.