[Ancesthntr]

Gaarder seems to think the Jewish people are spiritual "snobs" who hold themselves above others, but it's common knowledge that anybody can be Jewish if he wants to. While Jews don't seek out converts as we Christians do, they do accept them into their fold.

The rule is that a convert not only cannot be sought out, but must be strongly discouraged at least 3 times from converting - that's how you make certain that the conversion is legit.

Had Gaarder read his Bible...

He probably doesn't even have one, and I rather doubt that he believes in anything higher than man, government or race.

[Bonaparte]

"... must be strongly discouraged at least 3 times from converting..."

Aha, there's that number 3 again!

3 discouragements

3 rabbis

3 things the convert must do