WHY JEWS DON'T TRY TO CONVERT PEOPLE

Shayn M. - I am Jewish: - Why don't Jews try to convert people to Judaism?

Because it wouldn't be doing them any favours.

Being Jewish is great but it's not for everyone. Unlike “universal” religions that claim to be “the one true faith” and promise “salvation” (whatever that is) to those who join up, Judaism is an ethnic religion that maintains a bargain allegedly struck between our ancestors and God to create a dwelling for the divine on earth.

Being Jewish won't get you “saved” or bring you a ticket to “heaven”, it just means you belong to s people with 613 obligations to fulfill.

If you aren't born Jewish, you have no such obligations- just be a good, ethical person and seek God as you please.

Still, if you really want to become one of us and are prepared to do what it takes to reinvent yourself as a member of our people, it is possible to convert but we do not make it easy.

This is because taking on Judaism is a huge thing and you need to know what it means. Many people hate us and joining us means pasnting a target on your back. You are consigning yourself to our common fate and pledging yourself to take on the mission we were allegedly chosen for.

You are “choosing to be chosen”- not for privilege, favour, or superiority but as a servant charged with a heavy and often difficult task.

This is not something you invite people to join, this is something you warn people away from unless it is clear they really want it and are sincerely prepared for what it means.

Those people can convert, anyone else should not.

You don't have to be Jewish to receive God's blessings, so why would we try to attract people to join us? What's in it for them?