However, after the destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people, the Sages were concerned that converts may be motivated by ulterior motives, such as financial gain or political advantage. Therefore, they instituted a more rigorous process for conversion, requiring that prospective converts demonstrate a sincere and unwavering commitment to Judaism before being accepted into the community.”
So, in conclusion, while there is a historical precedent for proactive outreach to non-Jews for conversion, the current approach of Judaism is one of caution and discernment, ensuring that those who seek to join the Jewish people do so for the right reasons and with a true commitment to the faith.
According to my uncle, proselytes were once welcomed and beloved by G-d, as seen in various Jewish texts. The idea of winning over converts was viewed positively, with figures like Yitro and Ruth encouraging the acceptance of new members into the Jewish faith.
Historically, there were instances of prominent individuals, such as the emperor Antoninus, embracing Judaism. However, after the destruction of the Second Temple, the treatment of proselytes became more complicated due to political tensions and the actions of some converts who betrayed the Jewish community.
During the Middle Ages, proselytizing became rare, and some Jewish communities even forbade the acceptance of new converts due to fear of persecution. Despite these challenges, there were still brave individuals who chose to convert to Judaism, often facing hardships and discrimination.
One notable example is Valentin Potocki, a Polish nobleman who died as a martyr for Judaism in the 18th century. The Khazar ruling family also converted to Judaism, leading to the establishment of a predominantly Jewish state in southeast Russia for several centuries.
However, with the rise of the Christian church and its aggressive conversion tactics, the Jewish community became wary of proselytizing. Today, Judaism does not actively seek out converts, but individuals who genuinely wish to join the faith are accepted if their intentions are sincere and not influenced by external factors.