Is Judaism A Proselytising Religion?

[Theland]

I was surprised to read a comment on a Jewish web site, from a religious Jew who said quite simply, "We are not looking for converts."
Was he expressing a personal opinion, or is Judaism indeed content to simply pass on its teachings to Jews only?
I would have thought that apart from being guardians of the Law, they would also wish to see God worshipped correctly, as the see correct worship.

[naomi24]

My Jewish friends have always told me they don't want converts, so it seems that's the norm.

[beryllium]

Well I'm guessing that if you would like to convert to Judaism you would approach.
They don't do door to door like Jehovahs.......

[naomi24]

I might be wrong, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am, but I think the point is although Judaism is their religion, they consider all Jews, regardless of nationality, to be members of one nation, and therefore they make it quite difficult for outsiders to convert. Whenever I've been to Jewish celebrations, they've always offered a toast of allegiance to Israel. They're not interested in how anyone else chooses to worship, and they have no wish to convert them.

[beryllium]

I do love to listen to Rabbis, and the word Schmuck. Fantastic.
If one likes the teachings of Judaism then take them.
You don't need the label.

[Theland]

I find that strange. If they have a handle on the truth, why wouldn't they want to share it I wonder. More to the point, if I asked them how my sins could be forgiven by God, and as I'm not Jewish, what would be the action plan?

[naomi24]

IDo they need an action plan? Surely If god wants to forgive you, he can. Isn't he all powerful?

[Theland]

Yes He is. I just thought that Judaism would say, "This is the true way. Follow us." Or something like that anyway.

[naomi24]

I'm not an expert, but I've never heard them mention anything like 'the true way'. In my experience their lives revolve around their festivals, the sabbath, kosher food, their families and their community. Judaism is a complete way of life - it isn't just for the sabbath - and they don't seem to mind that others believe differently. They have always welcomed me with open arms, and I have always asked questions which they've answered openly and honestly without the slightest attempt to tell me their way is the only way. They have often joined our family events - in fact one of them was one of my bridesmaids - and I was married in church! Also, I've been to their weddings and although it's a little odd in that the men don't sit with the women for the ceremony, the thing that struck me most about it is that it seems so ancient - which I suppose it is. Lonnie is really the man who'll know all about it.

[beryllium]

I too was welcomed with open arms. I'm guessing the same as if someone of a different 'faith' was welcomed into yours Theland?
I stayed with a family in Israel. Loved the chicken soup and the fact that Sunday was in fact a Monday in our ways. In other words, the first day of the working week lol......
They dont preach 'their way is the best way'.
I love Israel and would quite happily live there.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Judaism is centred on a belief of being God's chosen people; i.e. that as a distinct race they have been chosen by God, thus unless you are of that race, you are not chosen.

It's all fairly straightforward when you consider that you're talking about some minor regional deity.

[naomi24]

Exactly.

[Lonnie]

Judaism, in its imperialistic days, converted some conquered peoples by the sword, but latterly, they don't take converts, because Jewish blood was being watered down, and there was a scare, that too many converts would mean the end of Judaism, by that, I mean Orthodox Judaism, as they don't class any of the others as true Jews. so they now make it very hard for anyone wanting to, to convert.

[naomi24]

I knew you'd come up with the answer Lonnie.

[Theland]

Thanks Lonnie. Are you a Jew? Don't mind me asking? I am very worried at the rise of anti semitism in the world, especially in France. Any way, I know where to come with my Judaism questions.

[Lonnie]

Hi Theland,
In answer, yes, but I don't now practice, although my wife still keeps it up, and I keep Kosha at home, but I won't go into my beliefs or non beliefs on this thread.

As for Anti-Semitism, yes, it is very worrying, although Anti-Semitism is the wrong phrase, its really Anti-Jewish, and its on the rise here in Britain as well.

And yes, your welcome to ask anything you like, a pleasure.

[Theland]

Lonnie - Sorry for the delay getting back to you. I'm delighted to be posting to a Jewish person. And an obviously knowlegeable one at that - a true resource.

Berryllium - I'm extremely jealous - you have been to Israel! I would love to go there, but realistically, probably never will. But, I dream on.
I'm a regular reader of the Jerusalem Post, that's as close as I can get!