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The differing approaches may depend on how one views the connections between our pasuk’s parts. After commanding to love the ger, the Torah apparently provides a reason: "for you were strangers..." In other words, we should be sensitive to difficult situations similar to the one we experienced. This fits well with the Ibn Ezra and Chinuch.
The Rambam may focus on the earlier part of the pasuk. Torat Kohanim (ad loc.) learns from the words, "as a citizen of yours he shall be," not to treat him as other Jews, but as a directive to accept a ger only if he accepts all of a Jew’s obligations. If the pasuk stresses the serious religious commitment required, we understand the connection to the commandment to love him. After all, one who embraces Hashem in a dedicated manner deserves it more than the average Jew, who is simply born into Judaism.
This understanding of the Rambam explains an apparent contradiction. The Rambam (Issurei Bi’ah 13: 15,17) talks about gerim who were accepted when it is unclear whether their motivation was noble or self-serving. In one place he says that we wait to see how they turn out before deciding whether to push them away or embrace them. In another place he says that even if their secret is uncovered, we consider them to be valid converts. While some Acharonim view the statements as referring to the conversion’s status, our mentor, Rav Yisraeli (Chavot Binyamin 67) explains that the conversion even with questionable intentions is valid. The issue is whether we should embrace and love the convert as the Torah usually requires, or whether we should give him a cold shoulder due to his insincere motives. Since the Rambam views the reason to love converts as their willingness to embrace Hashem, not their difficult situation, it makes full sense that when a conversion was self-serving, the ger does not deserve our affection.
The existence of converts with questionable motives has caused some to generally look askance on gerim. However, we should be careful not to throw out the baby with the bath water.
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The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
