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- Conversion
Question
Shalom,
My understanding is that the Gemara strictly prohibits teaching Torah and similar texts to the non-Jew. This makes sense, as the Torah is the exclusive inheritance of the Jewish people, and a gentile who takes it for themselves is liable of theft. How then it is possible for a person who is attempting to convert to become fully versed in the divine law whilst keeping the prohibition against learning Torah? Is this ruling null for all gentiles who want to convert, or just those who are actively in discussion with a Rabbi and Beit Din? If the prospecting convert is unable to presently convert (perhaps they are in an oppressive political regime, or under the age of majority), then are they expressly prohibited from learning the Torah beyond the selection afforded to B’nei Noach? This may seem banal, but given the influx in conversion prospects it seems now more than ever that a clear and unambiguous, not to mention halachically correct and Orthodox interpretation of conversion laws be made available for those who need them.
Thank you for your time and dedication
Answer
Yes, one who is in the process of conversion is obviously allowed to learn Torah.
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