The Ancient Jewish Proselytism and Its Rituals

The history of Jewish proselytism is intertwined with the very origins of the Jewish faith itself, rooted deeply in the covenant established between God and the Hebrew patriarchs, as depicted in the Hebrew Bible. Jewish proselytism, or the process of welcoming Gentiles into the Jewish faith through conversion, has been a central yet often contentious aspect of Jewish history. While conversion to Judaism was neither as common nor as formalized in ancient times as it has become in later periods, it played an essential role in the evolution of Jewish communities, especially in their interactions with other peoples and cultures, in the Diaspora and beyond. Understanding the complex rituals and philosophical underpinnings of Jewish proselytism requires careful examination of the relevant texts, historical developments, and theological ideas that shaped this practice.