Reply To: Ger Disowns Pre-Conversion Family

Gerim do not have to disown their families. They are, however considered a the children of Avraham Avinu and Sara Imenu instead of their natural parents. It is about their halachic status and not about the family relationship. Since my geirus I’ve had to ask shailos regarding issues with my family. I’ve always recieved the psak I should be as accommodating as possible without violating halacha. In situations where keeping halacha puts me at an impasse with them, I should politely and respectfully explain why I can’t budge on the issue. It can be very challenging, like walking a tightrope. One one hand , you have to try as hard as possible to not to create a chillul Hash-m, or cause hurt feelings and to show hakarat ha tov to the people who raised you. One on the other hand, you have to make sure to never to compromise halacha in doing so and also to protect your Jewish family (spouse and children) from negative influences when you have to interact with non-Jewish relatives._