Non-Jews Also Have Souls

Hello Honorable Rabbi. My name is Ruthie and I am currently undergoing the conversion process.

Lately, I have been feeling very frustrated and unsettled about a particular issue that I find difficult to agree with.

As part of my studies in this process, I have come to discover that the attitude of Judaism towards non-Jews is not always to my liking. For example, I was told that non-Jews do not have a soul as Jews do? I was also told that saving a life does not apply to non-Jews, that "love your neighbor as yourself" refers only to Jews and does not include non-Jews, and so on.

Since I am undergoing the conversion process, it is understandable why this topic is very sensitive to me. First of all, it is hard for me to think that my mother, the most important and beloved person in my life who has done so much for me and my siblings throughout her life

Isn't it true that Hashem created all humans in His image? I truly believe and am very at peace with the path I have chosen for myself, even if I do not agree with other ways of life.

I sincerely believe that every person is entitled to make their own choices as long as those choices are for their own good and the good of those around them, and that all their aspirations are to be good and do good.

I would very much appreciate if you could take the time to answer me and help me continue the process to complete it with Hashem's help soon, with a little more peace of mind. Thank you very much.

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Hello and blessings,

You must always remember that Judaism teaches "her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." This means that we love non-Jews who are good and upright.

The Torah does not suggest that non-Jews convert. Non-Jews are good as they are, as long as they observe the seven Noahide laws that apply to them.

You seem like a good person, but it seems you lack basic knowledge of Judaism. Unfortunately, there are many Jews who also lack important knowledge of Judaism, and they may mislead you without intending harm.

One basic thing you should know is that all humans are created in the image of God, and Judaism teaches that non-Jews also have souls. Non-Jews are indeed bound by the seven Noahide laws, and they will receive reward and punishment in the afterlife for their good and bad deeds. A righteous non-Jew has a portion in the World to Come, and they will also rise in the resurrection of the dead. After the redemption, all nations will serve Hashem together and ascend to the Temple to offer sacrifices.

It seems you've received misinformation about non-Jews. Halacha requires saving a resident alien (- meaning a non-Jew who observes the seven Noahide laws) and healing them for free.

On Shabbat, Jewish law states that we must save non-Jews for the sake of peace, and therefore Haredi rescue organizations save non-Jews on Shabbat.

""Love your neighbor as yourself" is not a simple commandment at all. Please see the explanation here.

However, you must definitely appreciate your mother who cared for you and loves you - because of gratitude and the commandment to honor parents. Our Sages taught that even non-Jews are obligated to honor their parents, and there are stories in the Talmud praising a non-Jew who honored his parents.

Definitely Hashem loves all His creatures greatly, as it is said in Psalms: "and His mercies are over all His works"!

However, it is also understood that Hashem is closer to those who engage with Him, think of Him, keep His Torah, and are committed to His commandments. A Buddhist wants to feel good about himself but does not think about Hashem or keep His commandments.

A Jew has a very important role in the world, like an emissary sent by the king on a significant mission - and therefore, if the Jew does not fulfill his role, he is punished because his responsibility in the world is much greater than that of the non-Jew (a non-Jew also has a mission to keep the seven Noahide laws, but the Jew is commanded with 613 commandments). The Jew's role gives him the spiritual potential and greater closeness to Hashem. With the greatness of the mission comes the greatness of the responsibility, reward, and punishment imposed on a person in this world. Sadly, there are Jews today who do not keep their Judaism, and you cannot learn from them, just as you cannot learn from soldiers who disobey orders or messengers who do not fulfill their roles.

The choice to convert is a very significant decision, because the responsibility of being a Jew is great and important. Once you convert, you cannot return to being a non-Jew.

Also, you should ensure that your conversion process is done with Haredi rabbis - in a serious religious institution. Unfortunately, there are institutions today that do not conduct serious conversions, and later you cannot rely on such a conversion according to halacha, leaving you in a situation of "doubtful non-Jew - doubtful Jewess".

I recommend you contact "Aish HaTorah" Yeshiva in Jerusalem to inquire about your conversion process and understand Judaism better: 02-6285666

Best regards,
Daniel Bels