Is Judaism a Race? The Truth About Conversion and Jewish Identity, Part III

Or asks: “I do not understand what the nations of the world are guilty of if they were born non-Jewish and did not merit conversion. After all, it is not easy to join the Jewish people. And why do we not call on everyone to convert?”

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Hello Or, and thank you for your questions.

In previous articles we learned that racism is based on the idea of an innate race that cannot be chosen or changed. Judaism, however, allows any person who truly desires it to convert and join the Jewish people, regardless of origin or ancestry. This proves that Judaism is not based on race but on a mission and a role. Jewish identity is founded on accepting the Torah and its commandments, and through this elevated role the people of Israel are granted a very high spiritual soul.

This role is described as essential to the existence of the world itself: “So says the Lord: If not for My covenant day and night, I would not have set the laws of heaven and earth” (Yirmiyahu 33:25).

A Special Role, Not Superiority

This can be compared to the difference between a bank clerk and a bank manager. The greater the responsibility, the greater the reward. Unlike in ordinary life, however, anyone may choose this elevated role if they truly wish.

Just as every bank needs clerks, the world also needs non-Jews. There is nothing lacking in them. Our sages taught: “Beloved is man, for he was created in the image of God… for in the image of God He made man” (Pirkei Avot 3:14). This means that God loves all human beings.

God created the world like a kingdom with many roles: citizens and ministers, farmers and princes. There are more citizens than princes, and each has a different responsibility. Thus God said to Israel: “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Shemot 19:6).

The Spiritual Path of the Nations

The nations of the world, when they fulfill God’s will, are part of the divine kingdom as His good creations. They were commanded to keep the Seven Noahide Laws, universal moral principles such as refraining from murder, theft, and immorality. Through these, they too merit a share in the World to Come.

Most people in the world do not murder or steal, and many observe these ethical foundations within their own traditions. God does not withhold reward from any creature. The sages even praised a non-Jew, Dama ben Netina, who showed extraordinary honor to his parents and was rewarded greatly for his righteousness.

Why Judaism Does Not Actively Seek Converts

This answers both of your questions. A non-Jew is not commanded to convert, and there is no flaw in remaining non-Jewish. Therefore, Judaism does not seek converts proactively.

At the same time, the door remains open to anyone who sincerely seeks closeness to God. As the sages said: “In the path a person wishes to go, he is led” and “One who comes to purify himself is assisted from above.” History is filled with examples of sincere converts whose love of truth led them to join Israel.

The Universal Influence of Torah

God publicized His Torah so that humanity could attach itself to Him. The Torah became one of the most influential texts in human history, shaping major world religions and introducing monotheism to the world. Anyone searching for spiritual truth inevitably encounters its teachings.

The sages taught that one purpose of exile itself was that sincere converts would join Israel: “The Holy One did not exile Israel among the nations except so that converts might be added to them.”

True Conversion Requires Sincerity

We accept anyone who genuinely wishes to convert, but it would be a mistake to convert someone who seeks only personal benefit without true commitment to Torah. Such insincere conversion harms both the individual and the community.

A strict opinion in the sages states that one who converts for marriage, love, fear, or ulterior motives is not considered a true convert. While not always applied as law, it highlights the importance of pure intention. Rabbinical courts therefore examine carefully whether a candidate seeks conversion for the sake of Heaven.

Righteous Converts

Thankfully, every generation has been blessed with righteous converts who embraced the covenant through great personal sacrifice. We are commanded to love them deeply and draw them close, for they chose a difficult path in order to serve God.