Deterring potential converts
Question:
Why are the rabbis so formidable when it comes to conversion? Why are potential converts spurned? And in most cases, the conversion process isn’t completed. -- Avi, New York
Answer:
Unlike other religions, Judaism does not seek proselytes. Moreover, those who do not follow Judaism’s path are not deemed to be deserving of punishment.
Although Judaism does have a message for all of humanity, non-Jews are not obligated to observe all 613 mitzvot (Torah commandments). Instead, they are required to keep a mere seven laws.
Yet, Judaism is neither racist nor does it rule that no outsiders may join. In fact, even a descendent of Amalek may convert and become a full-fledged Jew for all intents and purposes.
Nevertheless, Judaism is more than simply a religion; it’s a nation as well. Thus, the conversion process must include both elements contained in Ruth’s eloquent statement to her mother-in-law Naomi, “your people shall be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
In other words, a potential convert must want to join both the People of Israel – as well as the Torah of Israel. A person who is interested in only one dimension (ie either the Jewish people or the Torah, but not both) may not become a member of the Jewish faith – which, as we’ve noted, is comprised of both elements.
Ironically, one who is born Jewish doesn’t have to be religiously observant and doesn’t even have to feel as if he’s a part of the Jewish people. The abovementioned requirements only apply to those who choose to become Jews.
However, this apparent incongruity is far from unique. For example, you live in New York. Despite America’s liberal policies, immigrants to the United States must meet the conditions set by the American government.
In order to become an American citizen, an immigrant must pass a test on American history and government – among other requirements. But anyone born in the United States automatically becomes a citizen – even if he or she never learns this material.
Being a Jew is certainly no less than being an American citizen.
Naturally, when a person honestly and sincerely declares that he intends to join the Jewish people and to accept the Torah, he must be accepted with open arms. Nevertheless, our Sages’ experiences led them to state that “converts are as harmful to Israel as 'sapachat' (a skin-condition).” (BT Kiddushin 70b)
Many times over the generations, accepting proselytes led to significant problems. As a result, those professing a desire to convert were generally viewed with suspicion. In fact, the Sages ruled that during periods when Israel flourished and prospered, converts were not to be accepted. The rabbis were concerned that – in benevolent times - the converts’ motives would be less than pure.
I’m not really all that familiar with American conversions, but I can attest that Israel’s policy is to be very open and accommodating. Once a potential convert jumps through the bureaucratic hoops endemic to any large institution and proves that his or her intentions are honest – meaning that the goal isn’t just to get a certificate or to be allowed to marry or to become an Israeli citizen, etc – the rabbis are particularly accepting and aren’t intimidating.
Yes, there are exceptions to every rule. But I’ve been involved in many conversion cases, and my distinct impression is that the aforementioned is the general policy.
In any event, I’m not aware of any cases where converts were treated with contempt, and most of the time, those who persevere are permitted to convert in the end.
But even if potential converts are initially treated with hostility, they should be aware that they are most likely encountering an attempt at filtering out those who are not truly serious proselytes.
Those who surmount the hurdles and finally convert are rewarded greatly. The Torah even established specific prohibitions relating to the treatment of converts.
For example, we are obligated to love each and every person because of the well-known mitzvah (Torah commandment): “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Yet, when it comes to converts, our obligation is derived from an additional mitzvah: “you shall love the convert.” (Deuteronomy 10:19)
Similarly, one may not cheat anyone, but there is a specific prohibition against cheating a convert. Analogous examples abound.
All the best to you.
(Rabbi Yaron Ben David)
