Conversion and Parsha Korach

I read an interesting article on Parsha Korach, written by Rabbi Noson Weisz in which he refers to the Laws of Torah relative to Marriage, Divorce and Conversion. You can read the entire article at:

[ http://www.aish.com/torahportion/mayanot/Merchants_of_Sinai.asp ].

Here is a portion of what he had to say (italics mine):
Both (marriage and divorce) pale into relative insignificance when compared to conversion. Conversion is the severance of human life itself from its old bonds, and its rededication to a new context, in this case the Jewish community. Such a solemn occasion definitely requires the powerful symbolism of a religious ceremony to give it expression. Under the laws of the Torah as we understand them religious ceremonies have nothing to do with devotion or emotions. They are all about bringing back the merchandise.
Thus in conversion the convert is the equivalent of a new born child...Talmud Yevomat 48b. He is no longer related to his parents or to his children. He begins his life anew as a child of Abraham and Sarah. He hasn't only made a mental trip of dedication. He has altered the merchandise.

What strikes me are the following statements:
--Conversion is the severance of human life itself from its old bonds...
--Thus in conversion the convert is the equivalent of a new born child...Talmud Yevomat 48b
--He is no longer related to his parents or to his children.
--He begins his life anew as a child of Abraham and Sarah.

Anyone entertaining the idea of conversion should read these sentences over and over and over again. Too many people think of conversion as a "whim" or a "feeling" or even as "something to do". Wrong! Converts become one with the Jewish people and as such are under obligation to observe the same laws and mitzvot (as in the 613). Unless you are prepared to take on this obligation--for the rest of your life--stop now! You have other alternatives to conversion--for instance, check out the Noachide Laws at this link: [ http://www.aish.com/wallcam/7_Noachide_Laws.asp ]

One of the biggest hurdles converts face is "all those that came before". Every day I see people who have gone throught the process, been to the mikva, and haven't changed a thing in their life. The modest dress, keeping kosher, keeping Shabbat have all vanished.

These people are not only putting their own souls at risk, they are also putting all the rabbis who helped them at risk. When a rabbi accepts a convert, he in effect is taking responsibility for that person's future behaviour, regarding the laws and mitzvot. If he has made a mistake, than he will be held accountable for allowing someone who is unable (or unwilling) to follow the laws, to take the burden. This is not a joke. Other religions may not care what happens after you "join" but Judaism does!

The laws and mitzvot for an observant Jew are not just a long list of "don'ts". Rather, they are the guidelines for a full and happy life both now and in the hereafter. The whole purpose of being a Jew is to become closer to Hashem and in order to do that we must follow His "guidebook". When we do then we are on the path to true joy in our lives.