Foundation aims to convert gentiles, save Judaism

JTA ^ | January 3, 2016 | Suzanne Pollak

[Read Write Repeat]

Maybe it's the centuries of living under Christian and Muslim rule. Maybe it's the history of forced conversion. Maybe it's that there's no religion requirement for the Jewish afterlife.

Whatever the reasons, Jews have traditionally been uncomfortable proselytizing.

But a Maryland foundation is flouting the taboo by funding outreach programs to non-Jews in an effort to bring them into the fold.

"Our primary purpose is to support programs that publicize Judaism to non-Jews," Ellen Gerecht, executive director of the National Center to Encourage Judaism, says from her second-floor office in Silver Spring, Maryland. "We think Judaism has a lot to offer."

Asked if the ultimate goal is to convert non-Jews, Gerecht says, "Yes, because we think so much of Judaism. That would be the goal down the line."

[jjotto]

Not news. This is the tactic adopted by the Reform Movement and dates to a time when secularized Jews believed traditional Judaism was doomed in the modern world. Their concern is the perpetuation of secular Jewish institutions that pay big salaries to people like them.

Non-Jews are expected to follow the Seven Laws of the Children of Noah and need not convert to Judaism in order to obey God’s will.

[Read Write Repeat]

That whole Ruth thing... ;)

[Jack Hydrazine]

Conservative Judaism Seeks to ‘Rebrand’ as Numbers Plummet
http://jewishvoiceny.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13273:conservative-judaism-seeks-to-rebrand-as-numbers-plummet&catid=114:parsha&Itemid=297

Don’t mistake Conservative Judaism with the word ‘conservative’ in a political, social, or economic sense. Just replace the word ‘Conservative’ with ‘Leftist Loony Liberal’ or ‘Not As Leftist Loony Liberal As Reform or Reconstructions Judaism.’

Can Reform Judaism Get Its Mojo Back?
http://www.jewishideasdaily.com/5332/features/can-reform-judaism-get-its-mojo-back/

[Jack Hydrazine]

Here’s a funny video about kiruv (Jewish outreach to bring other Jews back to the faith). Don’t be a Shmulkey!

Extreme kiruv
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOEt0AXb5X0

Extreme Kiruv Part 2: The Shmulkey Method
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBMq2tERU7Y

[chesley]

Then they shouldn’t mind Christian’ attempt to obey the Lord’s commands and convert all people, including Jews.

Actually, although they do, they shouldn’t, as long as persuasion only is used. After all, they are free to refuse to listen.

[Zionist Conspirator]

Judaism teaches that non-Jews are not required to convert to Judaism, which is the religion of the Chosen Nation. Instead non-Jews are required to observe the Seven Noachide Laws, and it is the duty of Jews to "compel" (Maimonides) them to observe them.

Judaism does accept converts but it doesn't encourage them simply because it's not necessary.

[delchiante]

Judaism is ‘antichrist’. They deny the Son. That is what the scriptures gives as one example of antichrist.

And the ironic and prophetic part about it is when Judaism is observing His Feasts in the Spring, they are being witnessed to with the ‘Two Fish’ (Fishers of Men) above their heads. And when the are observing His Feasts in the Fall, they are being witnessed to with the ‘Woman’ (Bride/Church) above their heads.

New testament up there in His Sky.

A couple thousand years ago, those signs were different at His Feasts (Ram(adult Lamb) in the spring and the scale(leveling Atonement)
The old testament in His Sky..

And the signs that come next at His Feasts are no less found in the old and new testaments..

Amazing if Christians knew this too. Judaism And Islam would have real problems explaining it all away..

His Heavens declare His Glory.and His Plan. All up there. Look up,our Redemption draws near!

[Read Write Repeat]

I’m very familiar with various Jewish movements. Free will is such a gift! :)

[Read Write Repeat]

I think we’re all familiar with Judaism’s tenets. :)

The issue is interfaith marriage, and I don’t have a problem with any Jewish outreach programs. There’s nothing wrong with more exposure to Judaism.

[jjotto]

What’s the issue with ‘interfaith marriage’?

And, no, everyone is not familiar with Judaism’s tenets.

[Read Write Repeat]

The context of this discussion was my meaning.

[onedoug]

If I recall correctly it is the duty of Rabbis to actually discourage conversion three times.

[Read Write Repeat]

I reflected on your post over Shabbat.

Who performs outreach to Jews married to non-Jews?

[Graybeard58]

Judaism does accept converts but it doesn’t encourage them simply because it’s not necessary.

******************************************************

Esther and her cousin Mordecai (cousin according to K.J.V.) had a way of converting people to Judaism. It was not her intent though.

Here it is from the K.J.V.:

Esther 8 v. 17

And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

[Read Write Repeat]

Not to be nitpicky, but that’s Esther 8.17. :)

Israel vanquishing those who seek to destroy us tends to attract people.

[Graybeard58]

That part stuck in my mind and I looked it up hurriedly, I’m sure you are right.

I’ve run across a lot of students in bible studies who took issue with my statement about Mordecai and Esther being cousins, with many thinking he was her uncle. The bible is very specific about their relationship though.

[Graybeard58]

Not to be nitpicky, but that’s Esther 8.17.

I went back and looked at my reply and I said it was "Esther 8 v. 17.

[Read Write Repeat]

Yeah, apologies. I read it as 18. :)