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Rabbi Asher Meza
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BeJewish.org’s main purpose on the internet is to reach out to the world with the message that was delivered to Israel at Mount Sinai. The later being a message of Hope, Peace and Love for our creator and for each other.
We believe that this message being the Torah itself does not nor has ever discriminated due to ones past or present, but rather has had the power to lighten ones future through the conversion into the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Repenting from ones past and setting sail into ones future through the connection one receives through Belief in G-d and the observances of his Holy Commandments (Mitzvot).
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BeJewish.org is website affiliated with Orthodox Judaism.

Jewish Proselytizing Sources

Jewish Proselytizing Sources

G-d gave Torah to Israel in order that they should bring it to the nations (Tanhuma Dt. 2).
Buber edition Dt p. 2; Midrash Tanhuma Hamfo’ar vol. 2, Jerusalem 5754 p. 250; cf. Testament of Levi 14:4.

Hillel said: ‘[love your fellow humans] and draw them close to Torah’. This teaches that one breaks into people [’s lives] and causes them to enter under the shekhinah’s wings just as our father Abraham would break into people [’s lives] and cause them to enter under the shekhinah’s wings. Nor was Abraham alone; Sarah did the same as it says [Gen 12:5] ‘... also the souls they made in Haran’. Now even the whole world in joint effort cannot create so much as a single gnat. So what does ‘the souls they made’ signify? It signifies that the holy One blessed be He reckoned it unto them as though they had created [those that they caused to enter under the shekhinah’s wings] (Aboth de R. Nathan A, 12 [p.53]; Cf. Gen. Rab. 39:21).

It says ‘If having knowledge he does not tell he shall bear his sin’ [Lev 5:1]. This means unless you preach me as G-d among the nations of the world, you shall have to bear the brunt (Lev. Rab. 6:5).

The prophet Obadiah was a ger according to the Talmud (San. 39b).

Yithra (also Yether) is portrayed as a ger who formed an important link in the transmission-chain of Oral Torah and played a major role in establishing halakhah (Yerushalmi Yeb. 8:3 [9c]).

To which category accepting gereem belongs as demonstrated by - among others - R. Shim‘on ben Semah Duran (d. 1444). “... accepting gereem is a misvah that devolves upon the religious courts to receive and not to turn them away. It is clearly implied by the statement in tractate Yebamot (47b) ‘[once his wholehearted commitment has been ascertained the male convert] shall be circumcised immediately because we have a rule that a misvah may not be postponed without good reason’. The same rule is invoked by the Talmud with regard to levirate marriage. In the event that the oldest surviving brother is abroad but a younger brother is to hand, although the senior brother normally takes precedence, so as not to postpone the misvah, the junior shall perform the levirate duty. Thus we see that accepting gereem is a misvah on a par [with yibboom] ... Moreover, in tractate Ketuboth it says that when the applicant for gerooth is a minor, the underage ger is immersed [i.e. undergoes the attendant rites of giyyoor] with the consent of the religious court. Why so? Because of the misvah that obligates us to accept gereem” (Sefer Zohar Ha-raqiy‘a, p.37).

On seeing a place from which idolatry has been uprooted one says: ‘Blessed be He who has uprooted idolatry from our land; just as it has been uprooted from this place so may it be uprooted from all places of Israel and may you turn the hearts of the idolaters to your worship’. This last clause ‘may you turn the hearts of the idolaters to your worship’ need not be recited outside the land [of Israel] because there a majority of the population is gentile. R. Shim‘on [var. R. Shim‘on b. El‘azar] says also outside the land one must say it because they are going to convert as it says [Zeph 3:9] Then will I give the nations pure lips so that all may invoke Hashem’s name and serve Him with one accord. (Mas. Brachos 57b)

(Melakhim 10:9) Rambam writes: ‘This is the general rule. They must not be allowed to invent a religion or their own man-made misvot. Their only choice is to become a righteous proselyte or else to stick with their own [Noahide] Torah. They shall neither add nor subtract’.

Timna‘ was of royal lineage ... She wished to be converted. So she approached Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but none accepted her. Thereupon she went and became a concubine to Esau’s son Eliphaz, declaring: ‘Better to be a servant in this nation than a mistress in any other’. From her came Amaleq, who was to be Israel’s nemesis. Why so? Because they [the patriarchs] were wrong to turn her away [14] (San. 99b; cited by Tos. at Yeb. 47b s.v. qasheem).

"He has commanded us to sanctify the name of G-d . . . to proclaim (le-farsem) this true faith to the world."
Rambam 'Sefer ha-Mitsvot'

It is permitted (muttar) to teach the commandments to Christians (notsrim) and draw them to our law (datenu).
Rambam 'Teshuvot ha-Rambam'

R. Hunia in the Midrash on Bereshet 12:5 comments,
Abraham converted the men and Sarah the women. Jacob too made converts: Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, 'Put away the strange gods that are among you.…And they gave unto Jacob all the foreign gods.r> The commentary goes on to demonstrate that Isaac was a missionary as well. This theme of seeking converts and impressing the gentiles runs through the whole of the Hebrew Scripture.

Rabbi Johanan, and agreed with by Rabbi Eleazar ben Pedat, in which it is asserted that God exiled Jews from their homeland for only one reason, to increase the number of converts. ~Pesachim 87b

Be of the Sons of Aaron.....Bringing Humanity closer to Torah!
Pirke Avot

Abraham is described was so successful in Bringing in Non-Believers that G-d became known as King of the earth as well as King of heaven.
Sifre Deuteronomy, 313, on Deuteronomy 32:10

Jews are urged to bring people "beneath the wings of the Divine Presence" exactly as Abraham had done.
Avot de-Rabbi Nathan, 23a

Rabbi Hoshaya believed that Isaac sought converts.
Midrash Hagadol

Yaacov used to proselytize.
Genesis Rabbah 84:4

Joseph would not distribute food to the Egyptians unless they became circumcised
Rabbi Samuel ben Nahman Genesis Rabbah 90:6 and 91:5

Moses expounded the Torah in seventy languages, according to one midrash, because the Torah was meant to be heard and embraced by all humans.
Midrash Hagadol

Prior to slaying the Egyptian taskmaster, Moses foresaw that there would not be a single convert from the among the taskmaster's posterity; it was this perception that justified the death.
Exodus Rabbah 1:29

Historical Sources
Claudio Expelled Jews over proselytizing ~Josephus Antiquities

Cicero, a lawyer, and Juvenal, a satirist, are bitter and serious about denouncing Jewish proselytizing activities.. ~Tacitus

Horace (in Satires 1.4 142-143) makes fun of Jewish proselytizing efforts

The story of Titus Flavius Clemens

R. Elazar said again: "The Holy One, blessed be He, sent the children of Israel into exile among the heathens only for the purpose of acquiring more converts,
Pesachim 87b

The greatness of the Holy One, blessed be He, is primarily revealed when the non-Jewish nations, too, come to know that there is a Divine Authority. As the Zohar states: When the idolatrous priest Jethro decided to serve God and declared, "Now I know that God is greater than all powers," the Divine name was glorified and exalted from every aspect (Zohar II, Yisro, 69a, citing Exodus 18:11) (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan I, 10:1).

*

"And Jethro the Priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel, His people…" (Exodus 18:1). Because he was the father-in-law of Moses, he heard and converted. For everything Moses worked to accomplish, during his life and now, after his death, was only to make converts [and bring all humanity back to God] (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan 1:215).

*

Through converts (geirim) and penitents (baalei teshuvah), the Oneness of God is revealed through the very multiplicity of creation. Since they, too, come forth in order to become incorporated into His absolute Oneness, this is most precious to God. Therefore, the Torah stresses that one should love and encourage the proselyte. Similarly, our Sages greatly praised the spiritual levels attained by penitents, who, after having distanced themselves, strive to return to God (Rabbi Noson Sternhartz, Likutei Halachos, Prika Ute'ina, 4:3).

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"Peace, peace, to the far and the near" (Isaiah 57:19). Converts and penitents often feel the pain of their distance from holiness, due to their past sins and the extent to which they have not yet purified their bodies. Nevertheless, they must also realize how close they really are to God - just as they are right now - for God's love and mercy is limitless. When they grasp this, they can truly draw close to God. These two seemingly opposite perceptions are implied by the verse, "Peace, peace to the far and the near."

This principle is also reflected by the tradition that when a non-Jew comes to convert, he is initially discouraged (Yevamos 47a). This is a consequence of his distance from holiness. However, the entire purpose of this initial discouragement is only to strengthen his resolve and draw him closer. For if after everything, he says, "I know that I am unworthy," that is, he recognizes his distance from holiness, then he is immediately accepted (Rabbi Noson Sternhartz, Likutei Halachos, Shilu'ach HaKan 5:17).

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In the Ultimate Future, speech will be perfected. Even the non-Jewish nations will use their power of speech to call out to God, as it is written, "For then I will convert the nations to a pure speech, that they shall all call upon the name of God" (Zephaniah 3:9). Thus, speech will be perfected.

At present, speech is lacking and incomplete, for the whole world is not using the power of speech to call out to God. However, in the Ultimate Future, they will all use the power of speech to call out to God, even the non-Jewish nations. Then speech will be perfected. This is the aspect of "a pure speech," since everyone will use speech to call out to God (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan I, 66:3)

Why Did Missionary Activity Stop?

There were many impediments and obstacles to Jews seeking proselytes, including external pressures. At best, Jews lived in gentile communities at the suffrage of the people and rulers. The Jewish way of life was one of anxiously watching events in the dominant culture, ready to leave as soon as the tenuous welcome was withdrawn.

The Roman Empire seemed to favor the Jewish people over other conquered people; however, that tolerance was always precarious. The Roman leaders realized that Jewish people had a loyalty to their own identity that was far stronger than any allegiance to Rome. They also realized that a convert to Judaism was not merely voicing a change in his or her religious opinion:

The Romans knew that conversion to Judaism meant adherence not merely to a religion but also to a political state; hence, once Judaea was annexed, conversion had dangerous political overtones the Romans could hardly tolerate.?"8

Roman intolerance took two forms, the first of which was simply to expel Jewish people from certain provinces. However the Romans rethought that strategy, inasmuch as they did not necessarily wish to lose the benefits that Jewish people normally bring to society. Rather than expulsion, a more workable strategy was to prohibit Jews from making converts.

The first specific ban on proselytizing was by the Emperor Septimius Severus in 198/199 C.E. Severus gave no reason for the edict, and the ban was not effective. Jewish missionary endeavors were specifically banned when Rome adopted Christianity as the official state religion. In 329, a law was passed that Christians who joined the "nefarious sect" were to suffer the same "deserved" punishment as those responsible for the conversion. The punishment was not spelled out, but apparently left to the discretion of individual judges.

Constantius II was more specific in meting out punishment. In edicts beginning in 339, Jewish men were prohibited from marrying non-Jewish women. In 353 Constantius specified that all Christians who converted to Judaism would have all their property confiscated. Thirty years later, Gratian made it illegal to bequeath anything to converts to Judaism. In 388 it became a crime punishable by death for Christian men to marry Jewish women.

Several of the early church leaders seemed determined to prevent the spread of Judaism. Though they could not pass laws, their anti-Jewish propaganda was used to justify ill treatment of Jews and presumably of Jewish proselytes. The vitriolic anti-Jewish diatribes of some of the early church fathers might well have been, in part, a reaction to the success that Judaism enjoyed in making converts of people who formerly professed to be Christians.

The rise of Islam in the seventh century added other obstacles to the missionizing efforts of Jews. In 624 Mohammed began his persecution of the Arabian Jews. By 628, the death sentence was decreed for those Jews who accepted a Moslem convert to Judaism. Moslems who converted on their own would have their earthly possessions confiscated.

The Jewish religion did not respond immediately to these measures; however, centuries of suffering and persecution took their toll. Proselytizing was "dangerous." It was not something done by a Jew who wanted to survive. And the Jewish people are survivors.

Once our leadership saw the high cost of proselytizing, we began to acquire a nonproselytizing stance. We started boasting that we do not proselytize and it became part of our identity. Today we see the internalization of the once external prohibitions in a comment like this:

But just because Jews actively proselytized long ago does not mean it is correct to do so now. The times are obviously different, and?hopefully?religious "etiquette" also is different.9

Is it really a matter of religious etiquette or concern for Christians who might abandon their roots? The underlying supposition is that if we don't missionize gentiles, they won't missionize us. The converse of that supposition is that if we invite gentiles to become Jews, we will be inviting either (1) their anger and a backlash of anti-Semitism or (2) their enthusiasm as we enter a playing field of proselytizing on which they have the bigger team.

Either way, there is the idea that if Jews do not proselytize, others won't either. And if they try, they can be shamed by a cry of "Unfair! You are doing something we would never do to you!"

But why would anyone think that non-Jews would follow the example of Jews in not proselytizing? More likely they would conclude that Jews simply didn't have anything to offer. Rabbi Schindler advocates that after centuries of barely missionizing and persuading ourselves that it is un-Jewish to seek converts, we need to focus once again on reaching out.

Schindler rightly asserts that the external pressures of persecution doesn't exist in our pluralistic society. Yet those who oppose this view seem unwilling to invest in outreach. Why?

Perhaps some of us stopped caring about what G-d wants for others, reducing religion to a matter of human preference.

Have we accepted a "to each his own" mentality? Could it be that the real reason Jewish people resist being proselytizers is that we stopped thinking about what G-d wants for us and for others?

The original Jewish missionaries were prophets who knew they were sent by G-d and that their fate was in G-d's hands. Whether or not their message brought earthly retribution, keeping silent was not a real option; it was a rebellion. They feared (in the biblical sense), trusted and loved G-d. They simply cared far too much to be silent.

Some, like the prophet Jonah, might have preferred to be insulated from the outer world. He had no reason, humanly speaking, to care what the people of Nineveh knew or believed about G-d. But apparently, G-d cared. And if Jonah had cared a little bit more about G-d, he would been motivated by G-d's concern for Nineveh. Jonah, the lapsed prophet, needed a nudge to get back on track.

Elijah, one of the greatest prophets, also had moments of uncertainty when he felt that all he had to show for his efforts was persecution. He, too, was a lapsed prophet who needed a nudge from G-d.

Is it possible that we have become a nation of lapsed prophets who need to get reacquainted with G-d in order to get back on track?

If we could know that G-d truly cares for all people and has a very specific plan for world reconciliation in which we have a key role, how could we possibly advocate that everyone mind their own spiritual business? Wouldn't it be logical for us to want to reach out?

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Days come and go, we search for meaning and purpose and end up empty. You feel as though you have failed and spend your time in walking in hopeless apathy looking for what might put your soul at peace.

G-d thinks your special and he has a great plan for your life.

  The first reason we can know that G-d loves us individually, is because He says so in His Word.

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn thee."
(Jeremiah 31:3)
"Since you are precious in my sight...and I have loved thee...Fear not: for I am with you."
(Isaiah 43:4-5)

An example of G-d's Love

Let me share a beautiful example of someone who learned not only how much G-d loved her, but also went on to experiencing G-d loving others through her.

      Linda was brought up in broken home, she was taught that G-d was a G-d of Righteousness, Justice and Judgment - not a G-d of Love, but One to be feared. (The truth is, of course, that G -d is a G-d not only of Righteousness, Justice and Judgment, but also of Love, Mercy and Compassion.)

   "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13


      Therefore, when Linda's personal life began to fall apart, she found no consolation from a G-d of Justice and Holiness. She needed Someone who personally loved her and cared for her. Finally, one of her Jewish friends showed her from Scripture, that G-d is a G-d not only of Holiness, Justice and Righteousness, but also a G-d of Love, Compassion, Forgiveness and Mercy. He told her that G-d not only loved her and would forgive her for all her previous transgressions, but that He also wanted to heal her broken heart and fill her with His Love so that she could pass it on to others.

  "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

Her Jewish friend told her about how Abraham first embraced the oneness of G-d and the true eternal Justice that only G-d could establish, and how G-d credited him with being the father of Jewish people and that through his descendants all the world would be blessed. Her friend told her that she also could reach out to G-d and convert and be a part of his holy lineage.

  "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3

      Linda could hardly believe what she heard; it was too wonderful to even comprehend. Was G-d really like this? Did He really love her like that? Could she really learn to love others with His Love?

      The first few weeks after that conversation, Linda tried to believe in a G-d who loved her. Each time she was confronted by a situation she acted like she had every-time before.

She slowly began to feel life's problems begin to overwhelm her again, she began to lose the connection she had first felt. Linda later learned that G-d in his immaculate love for us had given us commandments contained in the bible by which to connected to him and others on a daily basis.

  I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants. Deuteronomy 30:19

   "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8

Linda chose to seek G-d just as Abraham did, she went to her local synagogue and asked the Rabbi to tell her more:

  Would you be interested in hearing more, visit our website BeJewish.org

Over 3000 years ago our father Abraham embraced the oneness of our creator, He choose G-d and by doing so became the first Hebrew and the father of the Jewish people.

Today his legacy lives on through his descendants, the People of Israel, you too can be Jewish and be one of his descendants though conversion.

According to the Talmud, the souls of all converts were actually present at Mount Sinai when the Torah was given (Talmud - Shavuot 39a).

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Welcome to BeJewish.org

Jewish Proselytizing Sources

Why Did Missionary Activity Stop?

New Beginnings