Israel’s defense would benefit from converting 10 million people to Judaism

By Shmuley Boteach, JPOST

prayingThe world Jewish community has recently been shaken to its core by the tsunami of anti-Semitism that has broken out in the wake of Israel’s third Gaza war. We have been horror-stricken as the world media has condemned the Middle East’s only democracy for the simple act of defending itself against terror rockets and tunnels.

We have watched with mouths agape at the tens of thousands of people marching in the streets of London and Berlin chanting “Hitler should have finished off the Jews” and “Ham-As rhymes with poison gas.” We have been gob-smacked with scenes of pogroms against Jews hiding in synagogues in Paris. Most of all, we have wondered how could a civilized world with liberal humanistic values choose the women-honor-killing, gay-murdering, free-speech-suppressing Hamas terrorist death cult over democratic Israel.

Why isn’t this being effectively combated? Simply stated, there aren’t enough Jews in the world.

The greatest challenge facing the world Jewish community is its puny size. The number of Jews in the world has fallen below a critical mass and our scarcity raises the specter of unpleasant consequences.

Foremost among them is our inability to defend the State of Israel properly.

The point is easily demonstrated. In the United State where nearly 6 million Jews represent about 2 percent of the population, our large size and well-organized numbers enable us to create an effective political lobby that has yielded concrete positive results in the form of American support for Israel. Compare that to the 230,000 Jews of Britain who live in a population of 64 million, a minuscule percentage of the population. Such a paltry number has condemned the supporters of Israel to being virtually overwhelmed by the growing Muslim community of Britain, with support for Israel falling precipitously as a result.

Even in France, where there are 500,000 Jews, they are outnumbered by a Muslim population of 5 to 6 million representing about 10% of the population.

But security issues aside, we Jews, whose biblical mandate is to be a light unto the nations, are meant to leave a mark on the world. Real influence, to be sure, depends more on quality than quantity, but even as the smallest of nations, Jews have arguably been the most influential over the long term.

Yet numbers still matter greatly. Just look at the United Nations as an example of how Israel is treated with contempt mostly because we are too small to influence a world body.

Kicking up Jewish numbers isn’t going to be easy, and vastly increasing the Jewish birthrate, as well as reversing assimilation, is vital. With intermarriage in the United States at 50%, millions of offspring in the world who have a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother are not considered halachically Jewish. But even with one Jewish parent, the connection is strong.

Should we not be approaching these people and inspiring them to connect with their Jewish roots? The same applies to hundreds of thousands, and perhaps millions, of Europeans who stem from Jewish ancestry, like the growing community in Spain and Portugal of former Marranos. These people feel themselves to be partially ‘Jewish.’ but we allow them to founder and never connect them with the Jewish people, even though they have Jewish antecedents.

But it is high time we considered actively proselytizing non-Jews to Judaism. The number of people without any religion at all is a group to which we ought to offer Judaism as a monotheistic alternative and actively promote the Torah as the word of God.

Should they resist becoming Jewish because they are reluctant to embrace Judaism’s exacting standards of ritual observance, we can promote a confederation of Noachides, as the Bible calls them, men and women who identify with Jewish spirituality but do not embrace Judaism’s ritual tenets. In effect, these people would be explicitly adopting Jewish values without converting to Judaism.

We should fund billboards with Jewish teachings for non-Jews, offer classes in synagogues where gentiles can discover Jewish spiritual essentials, and engage in social media outreach to those unaffiliated with a faith.

There are likewise millions of Christians today who would be happy to discover the Jewishness of Jesus in order to better understand their own faith.

Two thousands years ago a still-mysterious man named Saul of Tarsus saw that the ideas and values behind Judaism were so rewarding that they could appeal to the entire world, if only they were stripped of Judaism’s tough ritual demands and embodied by a human god who was more comprehensible than Judaism’s invisible God. Thus, Christianity, and later Islam, was founded on Jewish spirituality. It’s time to facilitate access to the original source, not necessarily by converting others to Judaism – although this too must be a possibility – but also by reviving an ancient “associate” status that allows non- Jews to live lives deeply influenced by Jewish spiritually and values while retaining their own identity.

The American religious sociologist Rodney Stark explains in One True God, Historical Consequences of Monotheism that “Jews constituted 10% of the Roman world, and attracted many pagan God-fearers to their synagogues…. Jews in general and the synagogue in particular were attractive to non-Jews. The simplicity of Jewish theology (belief in the one God), the ethical standards (the Ten Commandments), and the many festivals exercised a certain fascination among many in the Greco-Roman world. Some made a full conversion to Judaism. Others remained in a kind of ‘associate’ status – what Luke in Acts refers to as ‘God-fearers’ – perhaps unwilling to take upon themselves the peculiarities of Judaism.

A vast movement existed in Rome before the birth of Christianity, based on an ancient concept called “Judaizers.” It is very likely that many of the non-Jews who embraced Christianity were first exposed to the Jewish scriptures and Judaism through their association with the urban Diaspora synagogues in the Roman Empire.”

Jewish values and spirituality can be integrated into their existing identities of practically all groups. Becoming a Judaizer would entail a seven-step program of living: 1. Observe Friday night as family night by tuning out all electronic interference and focusing on children, friends and community.

2. Eat kosher food (20% of Americans already look for kosher symbols as a symbol of cleanliness and purity) and separate milk from meat as a symbol of the affirmation of life and its negation of all forms of corrosion and death.

3. Celebrate the themes of the Jewish festivals. Passover Seders, which emphasize the human capacity to rise above material enslavement. (President Barack Obama already hosts his own annual Seder at The White House.) Dismissing material comforts by returning to the essentials of nature on Succot. Lighting lamps on Hanukka as a symbol of the human capacity of illuminate a dark earth and heal a painful life, etc.

4. Studying Judaism’s great texts, from the Torah portion of the week to selections of the Talmud to the epistles of Maimonides to mystical and kabbalistic works.

5. Observing the marriage laws, including the monthly barrier to sexual and erotic involvement, thereby enhancing desire and lust.

6. Appreciation of, and respect for, the feminine, including codes of alluring modesty for women and domesticity of men based on reinforcing marital commitment.

7. A commitment to acts of communal kindness like regular visits to hospitals and to homes for the elderly and giving 10% of one’s income to charity.

There is a definite need to offer Judaism as a religion to those who wish to become deeply committed, Torah-observant Jews.

If we could agree on moderate yet essential halachic norms of conversion that focus on observance of Shabbat and festivals, a kosher home, and the laws of Niddah (mikve and sexual purity), we could add millions to the Jewish people and strongly redress depleted Jewish numbers.

I envision a seven-week class offered every Wednesday night at 7 all over the world on the seven essential values and teachings of Judaism, a single curriculum that is promoted to non-Jews. The venues would be synagogues, schools, Jewish Community Centers and other Jewish educational centers.

A massive media campaign would be launched to promote Judaism as a way of life. Imagine billboards throughout the United States with a single teaching in one of four areas: child-rearing, happier marriages, spiritual purpose, and commercial and business ethics. The ads would be changed monthly and would be augmented by TV, radio and social media. People would get the message that Judaism has much wisdom to offer in the area of mastering life and finding purpose.

The campaign would funnel people into the weekly classes. From there people would decide which of the three categories most appeals to them: 1. Living a life of Jewish values as a non- Jew.

2. Being a Judaizer, an “associate Jew,” a practitioner of essential Jewish values and selected Jewish ritual, without becoming legally Jewish.

3. Formal conversion to Judaism.

It’s time for a true, worldwide push to offer the resources of Judaism as a religion to the world’s inhabitants that focuses not on heaven but on earth. Not on salvation but on redemption. Not on perfection but on spiritual struggle.

I believe that through this effort we could, in just 20 years, increase the number of Jews in the world from 14 million to 20 million, and push the number of fans of the Jewish people and Israel into the billions.

With Israel’s survival threatened on all sides, the time has come to promote a global Jewish spiritual effort that shuns Jewish insularity and promotes the Jewish people as a light unto the nations.

September 5, 2014 | 121 Comments »

Leave a Reply

50 Comments / 121 Comments

  1. @ yamit82:

    Now it’s Good Afternoon. Computer is acting up. Put the skin and face on my Angel. I have decieded to hide miss-spelled words in my post like Matos at Passover. see if dweller can find them.

  2. yamit82 Said:

    So they too were aesthetics and emotional, 40,000 years ago.

    Perhaps they were better the Homo-sapiens? Look at the time Darlin, its tuckin up time our weary brains need the rest.

  3. honeybee Said:

    flowers were place there as tribute.

    So they too were aesthetics and emotional, 40,000 years ago.

    Got to be a world record for continuous customs.

  4. @ honeybee:

    That kills the 6000 year creationist dogmas.

    Ever wonder why Dinosaurs were created? Was it an ontological error? Trial and error maybe?

    Newly discovered dinosaur, Dreadnoughtus, takes title of largest terrestrial animal

    Scientists have discovered the fossilized remains of a new long-necked, long-tailed dinosaur that has taken the crown for largest terrestrial animal with a body mass that can be accurately determined.

    Measurements of bones from its hind leg and foreleg revealed that the animal was 65 tons, and still growing when it died in the Patagonian hills of Argentina about 77 million years ago.

    “To put this in perspective, an African elephant is about five tons, T. rex is eight tons, Diplodocus is 18 tons, and a Boeing 737 is around 50 tons,” said study author and paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara at Drexel University. “And then you have Dreadnoughtus at 65 tons.”

  5. yamit82 Said:

    Neanderthals were human

    Humans are Neanderthals. Neanderthals DNA has been found in Human DNA all about populations in Southern and Medterainian Europe, especially Calabria Italy and Southern Spain. Dyslexia strikes.

  6. honeybee Said:

    They migrated to Texas !!!!!!!!!!!

    I Thought it was So.Ca??? It’s a different planet. The automobile is a Ca deity. The only state where the natives never learned to walk. And every 5th male resident is named Jesus? Go figure?

  7. @ yamit82:

    “Anybody who can read can learn to spell — because once you’ve acquired the basic mechanics of it, the sheer act of reading will ITSELF reinforce the mechanics.”

    “Why should anyone take advice from…”

    Intelligent people consider the information or “advice” on its own merits, irrespective of its apparent source.

    “… a mutant who believes the earth and the world was really created some 6000 years ago.”

    Never said that. I said I don’t know when it was created.

    I also said that YOU don’t know either.

    Take your dumb-assed distortions and choke on ’em.

    “Can’t afford his own computer or much of anything else according to a previous comment of his…

    Identify the comment please.

    “… and from one who hates women…”

    Astounding just how high you can pile it, Pancho.

    My family has lots of women in it, and we all get along quite well and all thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. I spent the first nine months of my life as the constant companion of a woman 24/7. No reason I would hate women. Actually there are many who say I’m much tougher on MEN than on women. (And they may be right about that.)

    “… and bases his life choices on telepathic messages from Caper the Ghost…”

    So you’re NOT Casper? (good thing I don’t listen to him)

    “… and thinks the Flintstones was a documentary series?”

    Never had occasion to see a single episode, so how would I know?

    “… and like his screen name still dwell in caves.”

    No “cave” in my online handle.

  8. dweller Said:

    No complex. No delusions. Yes, haNitzri is an ORIGINAL. But the signal thing about him is that anybody who takes his path, metaphysically speaking (whether or not they are acquainted with the figure he represents), ultimately becomes an ORIGINAL too. The potential lies within everybody.

    Yadda Yadda dweller


    I saw your boy last week
    last week and haven’t stopped laughing since

  9. dweller Said:

    Anybody who can read can learn to spell

    — because once you’ve acquired the basic mechanics of it, the sheer act of reading will ITSELF reinforce the mechanics.

    Why should anyone take advice from a mutant who believes the earth and the world was really created some 6000 years ago.

    Can’t afford his own computer or much of anything else according to a previous comment of his, and from one who hates women and bases his life choices on telepathic messages from Caper the Ghost and thinks the Flintstones was a documentary series?

    He may or may not be intelligent but rational he ain’t and I leave it to others as to forming their own opinions as to his sanity, although I have stated mine openly that he is a real Looney Tune.

    Might I suggest the following: “Psychedelic Mushroom Compound Found to Grow and Repair Brain Cells“.

    Apparently some of these still walk among us and like his screen name still dwell in caves. 6000 years my ass. 🙂

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co62imB4Xvk

  10. @ honeybee:

    “They came out feet first”

    “I was born backside first, it laid the foundation for my whole life.”

    You sell yourself short, HB.

    Anybody who can read can learn to spell

    — because once you’ve acquired the basic mechanics of it, the sheer act of reading will ITSELF reinforce the mechanics.

  11. @ yamit82:

    “I have never hated anyone more than I have you.”

    “That’s because you’re hateful, Yamit, and most people are (to one degree or another) carbon copies. However, I’m an ORIGINAL, so your hatred is more focused on ME than on them. I understand that, so I’m always ready for it.”

    “That’s how you described yeshu. Seems you also are inflicted with a ‘Jesus’ complex dweller? More delusions?”

    No complex. No delusions. Yes, haNitzri is an ORIGINAL. But the signal thing about him is that anybody who takes his path, metaphysically speaking (whether or not they are acquainted with the figure he represents), ultimately becomes an ORIGINAL too. The potential lies within everybody.

    “But you will live under a curse (a very real one, I quite assure you) till you give up your hatred. It will dog your steps (to the grave) till you do.”

    “Wrong, I will shit on yours Barbie.”

    Not wrong. Metaphysical law. What you do or don’t do with my grave has no bearing on your subjection to the curse — which is something you do to yourself. And I repeat: it will dog your steps to the grave — your OWN grave. I have nothing to do with that.

    “I normally don’t hate just disdain.”

    Not so. You normally DO hate (not that there’s anything ‘normal’ about it).

    You may not always be rip-roaring mad, 24/7 — but there is most surely an enormous operative reservoir of hate inside you. The fact that you keep it under wraps more often than not is quite beside the point. It’s not going anywhere, it’s constantly making its influence known, and continues to grow in volume.

    “You couldn’t dog a bitch in heat, eunuch.”

    What I said was NOT that YoursEverTruly would dog you to the grave — but that the CURSE you’ve saddled yourself with would dog you to the grave.

    “The boys must have had a good time with you every time you bent over while in prison.”

    I think you’re expressing a secret personal wish in re your sexual
    proclivities:

    First, bitches in heat. Then, me. Are you turned on by powdered sugar donuts too? Or do you prefer the ones with the jelly center? (a nice reward if you’re willing to make your own hole)

    “…from the LIAR!”

    What ‘lie’?

    “It is only your own ignorance that makes you so vulnerable to Yamit’s massive snowjob.”

    “Could very well be Sweetie, but you scold more then teach!”

    “I do neither. I just say what I see — without sugar-coating it.”

    “If it is true then explain why same ignorant people reading your massive snow jobs reject everything you write. Conclusion: My snow job is better than yours and more convincing??? Or is it that mine rings true and your lies and psychobabble are seen by all for what they are….

    “Broad is the road and wide the gate. . . .
    Yet narrow is the way and strait the gate. . . ‘.”

    “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Mat 7:23

    Yes, I see you took the hint. And by so doing, you’ve answered your own [above] question. . . .

  12. honeybee Said:

    Proverbs????????????

    “Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; but folly is the chastisement of fools.” Prov 16:22

    grande mas.??? Hmmmm

    Qué tan grande??

  13. dweller Said:

    “… are seen by all for what they are…”

    “Broad is the road and wide the gate. . . .

    Yet narrow is the way and strait the gate. . . “.”

    “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Mat 7:23 🙂

    “…folly is the chastisement of fools.”

  14. honeybee Said:

    Doyou have any thing of value that would interest me ????

    Leading question but I would need to know first what might interest you then I can say if I have it or not.

    One thing I can promise, it won’t be boring.

    honeybee Said:

    me hago aficionada a ti, solo.

    Bueno saber que, creo que sabes lo que siento por ti también

  15. dweller Said:

    However, I’m an ORIGINAL, so your hatred is more focused on me than on them. I understand that, so I’m always ready for it.

    That’s how you described yeshu. Seems you also are inflicted with a ‘Jesus’ complex dweller? More delusions??? 😛

  16. honeybee Said:

    Dear Yamit82, I must take credit for that piece of nonsense. What I wrote that is REALLY important is ,” I don’t do boring”.

    If I had read your comment first I would have ignored it and would not have commented because I know it is not you.

  17. yamit82 Said:

    body who can read doesn’t need a teacher, Sweetie.”

    Dear Yamit82, I must take credit for that piece of nonsense. What I wrote that is REALLY important is ,” I don’t do boring”.

  18. dweller Said:

    Maybe so, but you should take it up with HB.

    I didn’t read HB’s comment but it conforms to many of your verbal ejaculations regarding book knowledge in favor of intuitive reception of knowledge.

    I see you play both sides of any subject. I have a near photographic memory dweller. I would say you agree with HB and my comment stands on it’s merit as it applies to you in particular.

  19. dweller Said:

    But you will live under a curse (a very real one, I quite assure you) till you give up your hatred. It will dog your steps (to the grave) till you do.

    Wrong, I will shit on yours Barbie.

    I normally don’t hate just disdain. Hate is not a sustainable emotion but in your case I will make an exception. You couldn’t dog a bitch in heat, eunuch.

    Curse? At least I can afford my own computer and service.

    The boys must have had a good time with you every time you bent over while in prison. Cursed? Pot kettle black.

    More delusion from the LIAR!