In Parsha Lech Lecha we read about the first Jew, Abraham. However, before coming to grips with the meaning of being Jewish, it is worth considering 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 commanded Noah. If they fulfil these commandments in the belief that they originate from G-d, non-Jews receive  a portion in the World to Come (Maimonides - Laws of Kings).

Indeed we were taught by Elijah the Prophet: "In the case of 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 Jews a specific mission, and that He has a special relationship with us, Jews do not share the belief of other religions that only by doing as we do can a human being 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 fully commit to all 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 the Torah is no reason to compound the problem with yet another person who will not act appropriately. Furthermore, although a born Jew may not act in full accord with the Divine Will, he comes from parents, grandparents or great grandparents who did. This means that deep down in his spiritual psyche - his neshomo - he is in full spiritual alignment. It is only a matter of time - sometimes a very long time! - until either he or his progeny get back to where they were originally. However a person who converts inappropriately doesn't have this special relationship to fall back on. If rushed into conversion, she is unlikely to develop it in the present or future either.

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM