Though it seems like a stereotype, all teenagers, at some point, choose to rebel against authority figures or conform with their Part of growing up means becoming the person God intends you to be and finding out how to survive, or be independent, on your own. Conformity and rebellion, two issues that each human being has experienced, have great effects not only on the conformist and rebel, but on the people around them as well. In Conversion of the Jews, Ozzie rebels against the religious complacency that he sees in his Hebrew school, and his friend, Itzie, projects an example of religious complacency and conformity. Ozzie, a thirteen-year-old boy born into the Jewish faith, has spent his short life conforming to what his single mother, his religion, and Rabbi Binder wanted him to be and believe. Judaism means everything to Ozzies mother, Mrs. Freedman. The importance of her religion, expressed through her actions as Ozzie states that she didnt look like a chosen person. But when she lit candles she looked like something better; like a woman who knew momentarily that God could do anything (1103). Judaism defines who she is as an individual and who she is as a member of society as well. Ozzie has many questions about Judaism and Mrs. Freedman and Rabbi Binder feel he does not need to ask them, but just have faith. It becomes clear throughout the story that Rabbi Binder wants Ozzie to behave. By behave, Rabbi Binder means conform to his way of thinking. The rabbi dodges his questions and Ozzie says that he kept explaining about Jesus being historical, and so I kept asking! him. No kidding, Itz, he was trying to make me look stupid (1103). The rabbi uses his position of authority to regulate conversation, appearances, and even thoughts. When Ozzie is on the roof, his own form of rebellion affects his mother and the rabbi greatly. His mother feels ashamed and confused. The rabbi feels more worried about how Ozzies ac...
