Breslov Teachings on Conversion to JudaismFrom David Sears' book: Compassion for Humanity in the Jewish Tradition
The greatness of the Holy One, blessed be He, is primarily revealed when the
non-Jewish nations, too, come to know that there is a Divine Authority. As the Zohar
states: When the idolatrous priest Jethro decided to serve God and declared, "Now I
know that God is greater than all powers," the Divine name was glorified and exalted
from every aspect (Zohar II, Yisro, 69a, citing Exodus 18:11) (Rabbi Nachman of
Breslov, Likutei Moharan I, 10:1).
*
"And Jethro the Priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, heard of all that God
had done for Moses and for Israel, His people…" (Exodus 18:1). Because he was the
father-in-law of Moses, he heard and converted. For everything Moses worked to
accomplish, during his life and now, after his death, was only to make converts [and
bring all humanity back to God] (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan 1:215).
*
Through converts (geirim) and penitents (baalei teshuvah), the Oneness of
God is revealed through the very multiplicity of creation. Since they, too, come forth
in order to become incorporated into His absolute Oneness, this is most precious to
God. Therefore, the Torah stresses that one should love and encourage the
proselyte. Similarly, our Sages greatly praised the spiritual levels attained by
penitents, who, after having distanced themselves, strive to return to God (Rabbi
Noson Sternhartz, Likutei Halachos, Prika Ute'ina, 4:3).
*
"Peace, peace, to the far and the near" (Isaiah 57:19). Converts and penitents
often feel the pain of their distance from holiness, due to their past sins and the
extent to which they have not yet purified their bodies. Nevertheless, they must also
realize how close they really are to God - just as they are right now - for God's love
and mercy is limitless. When they grasp this, they can truly draw close to God.
These two seemingly opposite perceptions are implied by the verse, "Peace, peace
to the far and the near."
This principle is also reflected by the tradition that when a non-Jew comes to
convert, he is initially discouraged (Yevamos 47a). This is a consequence of his
distance from holiness. However, the entire purpose of this initial discouragement is
only to strengthen his resolve and draw him closer. For if after everything, he says, "I
know that I am unworthy," that is, he recognizes his distance from holiness, then he
is immediately accepted (Rabbi Noson Sternhartz, Likutei Halachos, Shilu'ach HaKan
5:17).
*
In the Ultimate Future, speech will be perfected. Even the non-Jewish nations
will use their power of speech to call out to God, as it is written, "For then I will
convert the nations to a pure speech, that they shall all call upon the name of God"
(Zephaniah 3:9). Thus, speech will be perfected.
At present, speech is lacking and incomplete, for the whole world is not using
the power of speech to call out to God. However, in the Ultimate Future, they will all
use the power of speech to call out to God, even the non-Jewish nations. Then
speech will be perfected. This is the aspect of "a pure speech," since everyone will
use speech to call out to God (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan I, 66:3)
|
|