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Difference between Jew and gentile & Conversion
Question
Dear Rabbi,
Please could you tell me the difference between Jews and gentiles? I am one myself but I’m beginning to see how wrong us gentiles live; our priorities are all wrong and we are materialistic to the point of madness. I personally don’t know any Jews but I would love to see if there is a difference in the way both parties live.
Thanks,
Answer
Please allow me first to admire your idealism! But as opposed to Christianity and Islam who both want to convert everyone, Judaism is contrarily extremely tolerant towards other monotheists in general and aren’t interested in the least in converting anyone to Judaism! The reason is simply that every group is important in the harmony of the world. Just as Kohens can’t be Levites, and also regular Jews (Yisraelim) should be satisfied with their important role, similarly there is a beauty in manliness, as there is in femininity, and each role is unique and necessary. There is a necessity for gentiles and they have an important role, and that’s why we aren’t interested in them converting to Judaism and even try to persuade them to change their mind. When a gentile observes the 7 Noachide mitzvot, s/he should already be idealistic and not materialistic, and there's no need to undergo the significant difficulty in observing the demanding 613 mitzvot.
Only if one is really adamant in their sincerity we would allow them to convert, and they are 100% Jewish, because Free-Will is also an ideal!

GOD
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 3, 5784

GOY TZNIUS
Rabbi Ari Shvat |

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Havdalah on Chol Hamoed
Various Rabbis | 18 Nisan 5767

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

A Day is a thousand years
Adar I 23, 5771

Yericho conquest by Yehoshua
Tevet 28, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit 2
Adar I 23, 5771

Davening if Hashem knows future
Adar II 25, 5771

Jews and Santa Claus
Rabbi David Samson | 3 Shevat 5763

The Jews and the land of Israel as God’s promise to Abraham
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Elul 13, 5773

On which day may one start wishing "Shabbat Shalom"?
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 9, 5780

Mezuzah for a Catholic Family?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 15, 5779

Must I Delete Photos About Other Religions?
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Kislev 8, 5784

Hugging a woman without sexual connotations
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 15, 5784

Livelihood Prayer for Women
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Kislev 6, 5784
