Mishneh Torah, Human Dispositions 6-7

Hook

Embarking on the journey of exploring conversion to Judaism – gerut – is a courageous and profound step, a sincere seeking of a deeper connection to the Divine and a desire to join a people bound by an ancient covenant. It’s a path rich with learning, self-discovery, and the embracing of a vibrant way of life. As you consider this momentous journey, the words of our Sages, preserved in texts like the Mishneh Torah, serve as an invaluable guide, illuminating the commitments and the beauty that lie ahead. Today, we'll delve into a powerful passage from Maimonides, the Rambam, that speaks directly to the heart of what it means to build a Jewish life: the transformative power of community, responsibility, and the profound love that binds us. This text isn't just about rules; it’s about shaping your very essence and finding your place within the tapestry of Klal Yisrael.

Context

As you explore the possibility of gerut, it's helpful to understand the multifaceted nature of this path:

• A Journey of Deepening Commitment: Converting to Judaism is not merely adopting a new religion; it is an act of joining a covenantal people, taking on the unique responsibilities and privileges that have defined the Jewish nation for millennia. It's a conscious choice to align your destiny with that of the Jewish people, embracing its history, its future, and its divine mission.
• Embracing a Holistic Life: This journey involves a comprehensive transformation, impacting not just your beliefs, but your actions, your relationships, and your entire way of life. It calls for a commitment to Torah and mitzvot (commandments) as the blueprint for living a meaningful and holy existence, intertwining the spiritual with the mundane in every aspect.
• Culmination in Ritual, Rooted in Sincerity: While the formal stages of gerut culminate in a beit din (rabbinic court) and immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath), these sacred rituals are the public affirmation of a sincere, internal process. They signify the community's recognition of your genuine commitment and your readiness to wholeheartedly embrace Jewish life, rather than being the starting point of your dedication. Your journey of learning, practice, and sincere intention is the bedrock upon which these ritual acts stand.

Text Snapshot

Let's turn to a profound teaching from the Rambam's Mishneh Torah, from the Laws of Human Dispositions, Chapters 6 and 7, which offers us a glimpse into the foundational ethics of Jewish life:

It is natural for a man's character and actions to be influenced by his friends and associates and for him to follow the local norms of behavior. Therefore, he should associate with the righteous and be constantly in the company of the wise, so as to learn from their deeds...

It is a positive commandment to cleave unto the wise and their disciples in order to learn from their deeds as [Deuteronomy 10:20] states: "and you will cling to Him." Our Sages [resolved the difficulty,] explaining this commandment to mean: Cleave unto the wise and their disciples.

Each man is commanded to love each and every one of Israel as himself as [Leviticus 19:18] states: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Loving a convert who has come to nestle under the wings of the Shechinah [fulfills] two positive commandments: one for he is [also] included among the "neighbors" [whom we are commanded to love] and one because he is a convert and the Torah (Deuteronomy 10:19) states: "and you shall love the converts." [Thus, God] has commanded us concerning the love of a convert just as He has commanded us concerning loving Himself.

Close Reading

This passage from the Rambam offers profound insights into what it means to belong to the Jewish people and the responsibilities that come with that belonging, particularly for someone considering gerut. It paints a picture of a life lived in conscious community, guided by deep ethical principles and divine love.

Insight 1: The Transformative Power of Community and "Clinging to God"

The Rambam begins with a fundamental truth of human nature: "It is natural for a man's character and actions to be influenced by his friends and associates and for him to follow the local norms of behavior." Steinsaltz's commentary clarifies that this "natural tendency" (derekh briyato shel adam) is ingrained in our very being; our environment inherently shapes who we become. This isn't just a suggestion; it’s a candid recognition of our vulnerability to influence. For someone exploring gerut, this insight is paramount. You are not just adopting a set of beliefs, but entering a living, breathing culture and community. The Rambam immediately follows this observation with a powerful directive: "Therefore, he should associate with the righteous and be constantly in the company of the wise, so as to learn from their deeds." This is a call to active, intentional community building. You are encouraged to seek out environments and relationships that elevate you spiritually and ethically.

The passage then elevates this idea from a moral imperative to a mitzvah – a divine commandment: "It is a positive commandment to cleave unto the wise and their disciples in order to learn from their deeds as [Deuteronomy 10:20] states: 'and you will cling to Him.'" The Sages' interpretation is breathtaking: we "cling to God" by cleaving to the wise. This is not to say that the Sages are God, but rather that by connecting with those who embody the Torah and its values, who live lives dedicated to God's will, we come closer to understanding and connecting with the Divine Presence (Shechinah) itself. For you, as someone seeking to align your life with Jewish values, this provides a clear, actionable path: actively seek out teachers, mentors, and communities where the wisdom of Torah is lived and breathed. This "cleaving" is not passive; it involves "learning from their deeds," observing their practices, absorbing their values, and integrating them into your own life. The Rambam further elaborates on practical ways to cleave: marrying into scholarly families, eating and drinking with Sages, even doing business on their behalf. These seemingly mundane actions are reframed as pathways to spiritual elevation, demonstrating that your commitment to Jewish life is meant to permeate every facet of your existence, transforming your social, familial, and even economic interactions into opportunities for holiness. This deep connection to a righteous community ensures that the spiritual and ethical framework you are building is supported, nurtured, and lived authentically.

Insight 2: The Radical Love and Responsibility of Klal Yisrael

The text then shifts to the profound ethical foundation of Jewish communal life: "Each man is commanded to love each and every one of Israel as himself as [Leviticus 19:18] states: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This is one of the most fundamental mitzvot in the Torah, a cornerstone of Jewish ethics. It demands a radical empathy, a genuine concern for the well-being, honor, and financial interests of every fellow Jew, mirroring the concern we naturally have for ourselves. This principle establishes a high ethical bar for all members of the community, fostering a sense of shared destiny and mutual responsibility.

Crucially, the Rambam immediately applies this principle to you, the prospective convert, with an incredibly encouraging and powerful statement: "Loving a convert who has come to nestle under the wings of the Shechinah [fulfills] two positive commandments." This is not a mere inclusion; it's an amplification of the commandment. You are loved not only as a "neighbor" (a full member of the Jewish people) but specifically as a convert, a testament to God's special affection for those who choose to join His covenant. The phrase "nestle under the wings of the Shechinah" (borrowed from Boaz's blessing to Ruth) beautifully conveys a sense of divine embrace and protection for those who choose this path. The Rambam goes so far as to say that "God has commanded us concerning the love of a convert just as He has commanded us concerning loving Himself." This comparison is staggering, elevating the love for a convert to the same boundless standard as the love for God. This demonstrates the immense value and reverence accorded to those who embrace Judaism, recognizing the sacrifices and sincerity inherent in their choice.

However, this radical love is balanced by profound responsibilities. The subsequent sections of the Rambam's text, which speak of the prohibitions against hatred, lashon horah (gossip), revenge, and grudges, and the mitzvah of admonishment, are all extensions of "love your neighbor." To love your neighbor is to protect their reputation, to seek reconciliation rather than holding onto anger, and to gently guide them from wrongdoing. It is also to extend special care to the vulnerable, like orphans and widows, for whom God Himself acts as a direct advocate. (Nachal Eitan 6:10:1 highlights the multi-layered nature of the prohibition against mistreating them, emphasizing the severity.) This comprehensive ethical framework defines the covenant you are considering. It outlines not just what you will receive (love and belonging) but also what you will be responsible for: actively participating in building a community founded on justice, compassion, and truth. This demanding yet beautiful commitment is the essence of Jewish living, promising a stable and holy environment where individuals strive to uplift one another and, through their actions, truly "cling to God."

Lived Rhythm

As you continue your exploration of gerut, the Rambam's words offer a potent, practical framework for your daily life. A concrete next step is to actively seek and immerse yourself in the living rhythm of a Jewish community, observing and engaging with the very principles we've discussed.

Seek Out the "Wise" and Observe Community: Attend a Shabbat service or a communal meal at a synagogue. Don't just be a spectator; consciously observe how people interact. Do you see the values of mutual respect, gentle admonishment, and concern for others in action? Look for opportunities to engage in a Torah study class, even a beginner's one. This is a direct fulfillment of "cleaving unto the wise and their disciples," allowing you to learn not just facts, but also deeds – how Jewish life is actually lived. Pay attention to how people speak about one another, how they offer support, and how they embody the spirit of "love your neighbor as yourself." This active observation and engagement will begin to shape your own character and actions, aligning them with the "norms of behavior" that lead to wisdom and closeness to God.

Community

Your journey of gerut is deeply communal, and finding the right connections is essential. The Rambam's emphasis on "cleaving to the wise" directly points to the importance of guidance and mentorship.

Connect with a Rabbi and Explore Study Groups: Reach out to a rabbi whose community resonates with you. Share your aspirations and ask if they are open to guiding you. A rabbi can serve as a primary "wise" figure, offering personalized learning, answering your questions with honesty and insight, and helping you navigate the complexities of Jewish law and life. Additionally, inquire about conversion study groups or introductory classes at synagogues in your area. These environments provide structured learning and, critically, a supportive peer group of others on a similar path. Sharing your journey, questions, and discoveries with fellow seekers can be incredibly enriching, fostering a sense of shared belonging and reinforcing the communal aspects of gerut. These connections are not just for information; they are for forming the foundational relationships that will help you "nestle under the wings of the Shechinah" within Klal Yisrael.

Takeaway

The Rambam’s teachings reveal that exploring gerut is an invitation into a dynamic, covenantal life defined by profound ethical commitments and boundless love. It is a journey of consciously shaping your character by choosing to "cleave unto the wise," seeking out environments that uplift your spirit and align your actions with divine will. You are not just joining a faith, but a people, where the directive to "love your neighbor as yourself" is not an abstract ideal, but a living practice that underpins every interaction. Most powerfully, this text offers a profound message of welcome: that God Himself, and by extension the Jewish people, extends a special, amplified love to the convert who comes to "nestle under the wings of the Shechinah." This path is challenging, demanding sincere intention and consistent effort in building a life of mitzvot and ethical responsibility, but it is also one of immense beauty, deep belonging, and an everlasting connection to a divine legacy. As you continue to discern, remember that your sincerity, your quest for wisdom, and your desire to embrace this covenant are deeply valued and celebrated.