Embracing Converts
R. Eliezer says: This was said to Moses by God: “I, I who said the word by which the world came into being, I am One who welcomes, not One who repels.” As it is said: Behold, I am a god that brings near, says the Lord, and not a God that repels” (Jeremiah 23:23). “I am He that brought Jethro near, not keeping him at a distance. So also you, when a…
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Engage with this Source
Most rabbinic texts maintain a positive stance toward gentiles who take on Jewish identity. This passage from Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael takes a warm view of the convert, who must be brought near with one hand even while being pushed away with the other. (See also The Talmud on Conversion.)
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Related Guide
Real and Imagined "Others" in Ancient Jewish Literature
4th Century BCE–6th Century CE
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An Ammonite Convert
m. Yadayim 4:4
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The Talmud on Conversion
b. Yevamot 47a–b
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