10 Inspiring Converts to Judaism Who Changed Jewish History

Throughout Jewish history, tens of thousands of individuals from across the globe have chosen to join the Jewish people with deep sincerity. These geirei tzedek (righteous converts) left behind their native cultures to embrace Judaism and became powerful contributors to Jewish tradition and heritage. Here are ten extraordinary converts whose stories continue to inspire generations.

1. Ruth the Moabite

Ruth is perhaps the most well-known convert in Jewish history. After the death of her husband, she chose to remain with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and join the Jewish people, declaring the timeless words: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, and according to tradition, Mashiach ben David will descend from her.

2. Onkelos the Convert

Onkelos, a nephew of the Roman emperor Titus, converted to Judaism and became a foundational figure in Torah study. His Targum Onkelos, a translation of the Torah into Aramaic, remains a standard companion to the Hebrew text and is studied worldwide to this day.

3. Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura

A prominent 15th-century convert, Rabbi Ovadiah of Bartenura is best known for his commentary on the Mishnah. His clear and accessible explanations continue to be studied in yeshivot and homes around the world.

4. Avraham ben Avraham

Known as “the righteous convert of Poland,” Avraham ben Avraham was born into Polish nobility and converted to Judaism in secret. He was ultimately executed by the Church for his beliefs and is remembered as a Jewish hero and martyr.

5. Bitya, Daughter of Pharaoh

Bitya, Pharaoh’s daughter, defied her father’s rule when she rescued baby Moshe from the Nile. According to rabbinic tradition, she converted and joined the Jewish people, earning eternal merit. Her courage and compassion shaped the course of Jewish history.

6. Ovadiah the Prophet

According to Midrash, Ovadiah was an Edomite by birth, a descendant of Esav, who converted and became a prophet in Israel. While serving in the royal court of the wicked Queen Jezebel, he risked his life to hide and sustain Jewish prophets. His short prophetic book remains part of the Tanach and symbolizes unwavering loyalty to Hashem.

7. Shemaya and Avtalyon

Shemaya and Avtalyon were great Sages who descended from converts, possibly from the Assyrian King Sennacherib’s line. Despite their origins, they rose to lead the Sanhedrin and became central figures in the development of Jewish law.

8. Yitro

Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law and priest of Midian, left his idolatrous past to join the Jewish people after hearing of the Exodus. He advised Moshe on establishing a system of judges and has a Torah portion named after him, reflecting the deep respect for his wisdom and spiritual transformation.

9. Rachav of Jericho

Rachav was an innkeeper in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies during Joshua’s conquest of the land. Her courageous choice to align herself with the Israelites led to her conversion and marriage to Yehoshua. The Talmud teaches that many great prophets and priests, including Yirmiyahu, descended from her.

10. Nero Caesar

Perhaps the most unexpected convert of all was the Roman emperor Nero. According to the Talmud, Nero was sent to destroy Jerusalem but fled when he realized that Hashem was guiding the events. He converted, and his descendants included none other than Rabbi Meir, one of the greatest Tannaim. Nero’s transformation is a striking example of redemption and the power of sincere repentance.

Conclusion

Each of these figures demonstrates the profound impact that sincere converts have had on Jewish life and thought. Their decisions to embrace Judaism, often at great personal risk, reshaped their destinies and enriched the Jewish people for generations.