Originally posted by molly bloom
Although clearly given the conversion of the Khazars (and large numbers of Ashkenazim) this can't have been rigidly adhered to.
From what I recall of early Christian history, the split occurred when gentile converts to what was then still a sect of Judaism tried to control synagogues in various areas- or at least that's what I seem to recall from reading Karen Armstrong's excellent 'A History of God'.
She had a very good piece in yesterday's Guardian about the rise of casual anti-semitism in modern politics and society.
Although clearly given the conversion of the Khazars (and large numbers of Ashkenazim) this can't have been rigidly adhered to.
From what I recall of early Christian history, the split occurred when gentile converts to what was then still a sect of Judaism tried to control synagogues in various areas- or at least that's what I seem to recall from reading Karen Armstrong's excellent 'A History of God'.
She had a very good piece in yesterday's Guardian about the rise of casual anti-semitism in modern politics and society.
Conversion was, (at least according to the "official" viewpoint) always initiated by the would be convert - its pretty clear consensus viewpoint that proselytizing is unacceptable. during the mishnaic era there was debate about whether it was even ok to accept converts - there were halachik issues, but also a concern about informers and the like. The consensus was to accept, but only after initial discouragement. There is still a notion that gentiles who are not prospective converts are not supposed to learn torah, but I dont think that was held universally even premodern times.
Havent read KA. I will look for the Guardian article.
Comment