Judaism offers to everyone the unique opportunity to be an integral part of building upon and continuing a tradition that goes back to the days of Abraham and Sarah–a tradition unparalleled in the history of the world.

That tradition is open to all–not just born Jews. The biblical prophet, Isaiah, fervently believed in Israel’s mission as a universal faith. He looked to the day when the House of God would be called "a house of prayer for all peoples."

During the Talmudic period, commencing approximately 2,200 years ago, Jewish missionary efforts were so successful that in the First Century the world Jewish population increased to between two and five million. However, in the Fourth Century the Edict of Constantine established Christianity as the official state religion and made conversion to Judaism a capital offense. Conversion efforts therefore ceased but resumed to some degree in medieval times. Then, in the late Fifteenth Century when the Spanish Inquisition reinstituted capital punishment for the "crime" of conversion to Judaism, together with a doctrine of "heresy," Jewish conversion efforts ceased and the rabbis developed a tradition of discouraging converts. This post-Inquisition development has led many Jews to assume erroneously that Judaism does not welcome converts, when in fact there have been long periods in Jewish history when Jews actively sought proselytes. In its truest ideals, Judaism is a loving, meaningful religion that welcomes all.

Many Jews believe that if there were a visitor from another planet who was seeking the kind of religious identification that would make the most sense from a rational standpoint and would have the most positive impact on civilization, she or he would find that Judaism would be the most appealing. If you were to add to this the emotional satisfaction, warmth, and support that come from being a part of the Jewish family–the Jewish community–with its religious traditions, culture, and history unique among all peoples of the earth–there is little doubt among most Jews who have experienced these feelings that Judaism is very special and there is nothing else like it in our world.

Obviously, the warmth and emotional attachments underlying these feelings cannot be gained overnight. Like most good things, it takes time and effort, but the rewards of personal satisfaction and growth can be great.

If these few pages have whetted your appetite to learn more about Judaism–the religion and the culture–and what it can mean for you; if, on the basis of what you have read, you believe that there is much about Judaism that is compatible with your own personal philosophy; then, seek to learn more. The more you learn about Judaism, the more appealing it will be and the more it can contribute to your life and to your personal search for happiness. This booklet has just begun to touch on the many possibilities of what Judaism offers for you.

You have an opportunity to be part of the continuance of a remarkable tradition that is 4,000 years old but is yet so relevant and meaningful to modem times. You have an opportunity to know the fullness of the love, compassion and understanding that are an integral part of Judaism. You have an opportunity to be part of a unique religion, culture and community of people that emphasizes this world, rather than the next, that pursues social justice and freedom for all as part of the Jewish tradition of universalism.

There is a story drawn from Jewish literature about a cynic who approached a learned rabbi with a closed fist. "Rabbi, you are supposed to be a great sage. I have a question for you. In my hand, I hold a small bird. Is it dead or alive?"

The rabbi knew that if he said the bird was alive, the cynic would crush it and then open his hand and show a dead bird. If, however, the rabbi said the bird was dead, the cynic would open up his hand and let the bird fly away. "Dear friend," said the rabbi, "the answer lies in your hand."

For those who are considering the possibility of choosing Judaism and ask, "Why should I choose Judaism?" or "What can Judaism do for me?" the more you investigate, the more you study and learn, the more you will find. Ultimately, "the answer lies in your hand."

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