Rabbi Ari Shvat
Question
hello. Thank You for your great and important work. I was wondering why is it not a form of racism that jews keep seperate from non jews. I understand that intermarriage can be problematic but then why isnt same gender freindships with gentiles approved of? If our mission in the world is to be a light unto the nations why are we told to keep seperate relashionships instead of being a good freind and influence on other nations. also I understand that the jews are a chosen nation and are special to god but why is it fair that its based on a mothers jewishness. Shouldnt it be that everyone has a equal chance to decide if theyd like to be jewish without having to go through the difficult path of converting? Looking forward to your reply.
Answer
In general, the natural situation clearly addressed in the Bible is geared for Jews, living in a Jewish State in the Jewish Land of Israel (as was the situation 3,000 and 2,000 years ago, and today is again predominant for most Jews live once again in the Land of Israel). Unfortunately, for the past 2,000 years Jews had been exiled and dispersed throughout the world, but all agree that this is not the natural situation, was not the original Judaism, and will not be Judaism in the future. The problem, during exile, of having a warm friendship with gentiles is that inevitably it leads to assimilation and being influenced by the gentile's values or religion. This is not racism but rather responsibility to the world to keep the Jewish people around (see the shrinking Jewish community in every country outside Israel, where instead of us influencing them, they influence us!). On the other hand, when living as a Jewish people in the Jewish Land, where we have the "home-court advantage", there's no worry of assimilation, for global correspondence or occasional short visits will not influence a person, his family or his nation to change their values or lifestyle. Every Jew should always be cordial, polite and friendly to everyone, but if a Jew is living outside of Israel, he should be careful not to befriend others too much (e.g. the prohibition of drinking wine together), even of the same gender and how much more so when intermarriage can arise, in a way that may influence his values and "water-down" his lifestyle or observance, to be like the rest of society. As opposed to Islam and Christianity, Judaism is totally tolerant and is not interested in the least in converting others to Judaism. The Torah does invite anyone who sincerely wishes to convert and join the Jews, but it's 100% fine, easier and even better for gentiles to be Noahides, "observe the seven and go to heaven".
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