You Don't Have to be Jewish to be Good

In parashas Lech Lecha we read about the first Jew, Abraham. However, before coming to grips with the meaning of being Jewish, it is worth comprehending the Torah's view of non-Jews.

In last week's parasha, Noah, a non-Jew is called a Tzaddik (righteous man) and perfect. Furthermore, at the end of the parasha of Bereishis it is stated, "And Noah found favour in G-d's eyes."

Clearly, being Jewish is not a prerequisite for either being good or close to G-d. Indeed all non-Jews are expected to observe the seven laws that G-d gave to Noah, and upon doing so in the belief that G-d has so commanded them, and monitors their observance, they too have a portion in the World to Come.

Indeed we were taught by Elijah the Prophet: "Every person, man or woman, freeman or slave, Jew or non-Jew - the Divine Spirit rests upon him according to his actions."

So while it is certainly true that G-d has given us as Jews a specific mission, and has a special relationship with us, we do not share the belief of other religions that only by doing as we do can all human beings be saved.

The corollary of this is that it is not necessary, or even desirable, for a non-Jew to convert to Judaism unless they are prepared to be fully committed to all of the extra obligations that G-d has placed upon the Jewish people. Why accept a responsibility that you are unable to commit to, spoiling what would otherwise have been a perfectly good relationship with G-d?

The attitude of Judaism towards non-Jews who act according to the Seven Noachide Principles is one of utmost respect. Conversion should therefore only be encouraged when there exists a deep yearning on the part of the convert to unite with G-d with mind, heart, soul and most importantly action in the special manner of His relationship with the Jewish People.

The fact that many Jews don't act in accordance with this is no reason to compound the problem with yet another person who will not act appropriately. Furthermore, when it comes to a born Jew, although he may not act in full accordance with the Divine Will, he comes from parents, grandparents or great grandparents who did. This meant that deep down in his spiritual psyche, his neshomo, he is in spiritual alignment and it is therefore just a matter of time until either he or his progeny get back to where they were originally. A person who has converted inappropriately doesn't have this special relationship, and by being rushed to conversion, is unlikely to develop it in the present or future either.