Pyka Family ‎משפחת פיקה Judaism A Reason Why Jews Does Not Proselytize

A Reason Why Jews Does Not Proselytize

We do not try to convert non-Jews to Judaism. The reason is simple: there is no need for a non-Jew to be a Jew.

The Talmud tells us that there are 70 families (biblical nations) with 70 paths within humanity. The 70 nations of the world came from and are named after the 70 descendants of the three sons of Noah which are listed in B’rsheit / Genesis 10:1-32. During Sukkot, in the days of the Temple, 70 bull offerings were brought — each sacrifice corresponding to each of the 70 nations of the world.

Each human being has his or her path within a path. Yet, there is one universal basis for us all. The role of a Jew is as a nation of priests to the other nations — a “light unto the nations” leading by example and by teaching those who want to learn. . .

If a person truly feels that in their soul they are Jewish there are paths to conversion. We do not seek out converts, but those who do convert are as Jewish as any born Jew. Think of Rut (Ruth) who was the ancestress to King David himself — she was a convert.

A convert, first and foremost, must accept the responsibility of the 613 mitzvot (קבלת מצוות / kabbalat mitzvot). This means living as a Jew in a Jewish community — keeping kosher, dressing properly, and so on. . . Eventually (after a year or more) the potential convert goes before a Jewish court of law and the court decides if they may undergo conversion. . .

This is obviously a very brief overview but the key “take away” is to realize that G-d created all human beings and we are all beloved by Him. Conversion is unnecessary and should only be considered if one can see no other path. . .