A Jewish evangelist. Oy. Just what we needed.

[Ian David]

Wanted: Jews-to-be
Solano rabbi campaigns for converts

by alexandra j. wall
staff writer

“What are we, chopped liver?”

That was Rabbi Steve Vale’s halfway serious response when asked about his expansive — some might call it proselytizing — campaign to get non-Jews in Solano County interested in Judaism.

Vale, the spiritual leader of the 30-family Congregation HaMakom in Vacaville, is on a mission to get more congregants to join his synagogue. But he’s doing it in an unlikely fashion. He’s hoping non-Jews will find Judaism so appealing that they’ll convert.

<snip>

In a telephone interview, Vale stressed that he was not going door to door. And he was not standing on street corners. Yet he was having the flier translated into Spanish, to reach Latinos who are lapsed Catholics and who might be receptive to another faith, and more specifically, to Judaism.

<snip>


More:
http://topix.net/r/0G3UF8Xfk0N0K2FaUJHRPryaf24DDTR4KU9uwgkQ3xcfWui96b=2FqLkKMFMhF9w4x0Rxp8gdsTXHYCnLCzkMfUEW9UNXfqUIRz=2Fraxl0QJpyccwC2i5PgWPTBLmBip250hBFx9GXxGJBcNFHHdttlAew=3D=3D



Congregation HaMakom’s panel on “Choosing Judaism” will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at the Saturday Club, 125 W. Kendal, Vacaville. Information: [phone] or email [e-mail].

[IndianaGreen]

1. Hmmm, this is quite different from what the Lubbavitch been doing

It is one thing to reach non-observant Jews and try to get them to reacquaint themselves with Judaism, it is quite another thing to have a proselytizing program for the goyim.

As I understand it, at one time Judaism was quite successful in getting converts, but due to a backlash from Christians it was decided that proselytizing was a no-no. Anyone has an insight on this?

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Interesting article

I found this when I did a search on "proselytizing and Jewish Law." Here is an exceprt...First, conversion in the minimal sense of seeking to bring others around to your religious convictions is indeed advocated and practiced by a great many Jews. In the days of Philo Judaeus (which was also the time of Christ), there were a great many non-Jewish adherents of what we now call Judaism, along with a good many others who admired Jewish thought and customs and followed them in part. Today, however, the primary focus of the conversion efforts undertaken by believing Jews is other Jews. The lost sheep, so to speak, need to be rounded up. Found this at: There Shall Be One Law.

It seems you were right about "once upon a time..." in regards to proselytizing. I had never heard about that, so I found that very interesting. I am glad, as a religion, that we have moved away from that practice! :)

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Sgent]

4. Reform Judaism

Is expected to vote at their next committee on a proposal to actively outreach to mixed couples and the children of such.

I still think this is a long way from prosteltizing the general public, but personally I'm glad to see this type of thought.

[Ian David]

5. As long as they're not preaching on sidewalks or going door-to-door

I'd prefer my fellow-Jews not engage in the same tactics the Evangelical Christians use.

Here is what I DO NOT want to see:

1) Door-to-door rabbis.
2) Sidewalk Rabbis.
3) Little Jewish cartoon books left on windshields.
4) Brochures at the supermarket that ask, "Are you desperate and confused? Boy, do we want to talk to YOU!"
5) Latest tactic: Stealth evangelism. For example, spending the day making "casual conversation" at the laundromat and steering it toward religion.
6) Going on television and begging for money.
7) Sneaking "motivational speakers" and "educational programs" into public schools to recruit children.

That said, I have no problem with:

1) Direct mail pieces
2) Media ads- Television, Newspaper, Radio, etc.
3) Outreach to mixed-religion couples and "lapsed Jews"
4) Little mini-Synagogues at county fairs where you watch a movie and get a free sticker.
5) Being invited as a guest speaker to things that aren't tax-payer supported.

[Colorado Blue]

7. Sidewalk Rabbis? Oi.

Begging for money, that I could understand:)

[asthmaticeog]

8. 3) Little Jewish cartoon books left on windshields.

I might actually embrace that, if they were as brain meltingly goodbad as the Jack Chick stuff. Imagine the possibilities:

"He Never Called, He Never Wrote..."

"Bubbie and the Goy Doctor: A Cautionary Tale"

"Murray Coulda Got It For You Wholesale"

"True, You're Self-Deprecating, But Are You Self-Deprecating Enough?"

"Why Mamma Cries"

"For THIS, You Paid Good Money?"

"When a Shiksa Calls"

"YOU ARE CHOPPED LIVER!"

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[asthmaticeog]

11. Circumcision? He's got a Ken-doll crotch and his freakin' leg's off!

That's one pisspoor mohel, right there.

[elshiva]

6. That is such a depressing sign!

Is it for real? I've seen some terrible ones in my neighborhood.

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[elshiva]

12. Thank you! I'm at a lose for words.