|
Reading Room
ViewPoint
Why Don't You Convert?
November 1998
The following ViewPoint
was intended to provoke thought and discussion.
This is one of
the most often-asked questions put to me by Jews and non-Jews alike.
The answer is not so simple. There is not just one answer to the question.
In fact, I quickly see at least five distinct (and brief) answers which
B'nei Noach can use to answer the question, "Why don't you convert?"
- I am
already considered a convert
A ger toshav (a stranger in the gate) is halachically
considered to be a half-convert, or a half-proselyte. Currently, B'nei
Noach in general are considered to be half-converts, but not according
to halacha. If the Temple was standing, and if the Sanhedrin
was convened (may it happen speedily in our day), we could undergo
a process similar to that of today's ger tzedek (full-convert),
be questioned and tested by the Beis Din, and if successful,
attain the halachic status of the ger toshav, the resident
alien. I understand the fact that my bris, my covenant with
G-d, is the Covenant of the Rainbow, and not the Abrahamitic covenant.
I understand that my covenant is not the covenant G-d made with Moshe
Rabbeinu (Moses or Teacher) and Yisrael at Har Sinai.
I also understand that Moshe ben Amram reiterated the Sheva Mitzvot
to the non-Jews at Har Sinai as G-d commanded him, and that
it is only from that point in the Torah where B'nei Noach can trace
our halachic obligations.
- Full
conversion is not required by the Torah
Chazal, the Sages of blessed memory, have shown us [in the Torah] that
there are two paths: the Path of the Jew (observing the 613 mitzvot)
and the Path of the Non-Jew (observing the 7 mitzvot). By choosing
and carefully observing the Sheva Mitzvot B'nei Noach, the
Seven Laws of the Children of Noah, we show Yisrael and the
world that we have completely rejected idolatry and have turned to
the G-d of Yisrael. The Path of the Non-Jew is being observant
B'nei Noach, completely recognizing G-d, Torah and Israel.
- I am
not interested in full conversion
Although I recognize G-d, Torah and Israel, I am not interested in
full conversion. G-d created me as a non-Jew for a very special reason,
and I want to fulfill my role as a non-Jew on this earth in this lifetime.
As B'nei Noach, we can make this world an ethical and moral dwelling
place in which to dwell. We can create a moral society, one in which
we completely recognize and affirm the Unity and Oneness of G-d. We
can create an environment of peace and harmony for the Jewish people,
allowing them to study the Torah in complete safety, thereby allowing
(and encouraging) them to fulfill their obligations and mitzvot
as Priests to the nations. Together, we will be partners in the the
Redemption, and will make this world a dwelling place for G-d. My
soul will be knit with that of a Jew in the Olam Haba, the
World to Come.
- I want
to keep peace in my home
I am interested in becoming a full-convert, but my spouse (husband
or wife) does not want to. It is my understanding that I am not permitted
to entice, coerce, or in anyway overtly or covertly force my spouse
to become a ger tzedek against his or her will. Such actions
are a violation of the Sheva Mitzvot, destroy the peace in
the home and are not permitted. Therefore, because I want to keep
the Seven Laws, because I love my spouse, and for the sake of keeping
peace in the home, I am content to remain an observant half-convert.
- I'll
become a full convert in the future
As a non-Jew and as a half-convert, I am currently obligated to observe
the Sheva Mitzvot to the best of my ability. This is the absolute
obligation of B'nei Noach. At some point in the future, G-d willing,
I will choose the additional responsibility of the entire 613 mitzvot,
and will observe all the mitzvot I can possibly observe today with
the Beis HaMikdash, the Holy Temple, not standing (may it be
rebuilt speedily in our day). According to some sources, when a Ben
or a Bas Noach (a son or a daughter of Noah) is so driven to
become a ger tzedek, a full or righteous proselyte, it means
that they quite possibly have a Jewish soul held captive in their
non-Jewish body. This explains the overwhelming desire one has to
observe the entire mitzvot and to become "Jewish."
I realize these five answers are simplistic, but they more than answer
the question, "Why don't you convert?" They are a means by
which B'nei Noach can educate both Jews and non-Jews concerning the
Path of the Righteous Gentile and the observance by the non-Jew of the
Sheva Mitzvot B'nei Noach.
Back to the Reading
Room
|
