CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
161. Gentiles in a Jewish
Congregation
QUESTION: Can a Gentile who has lived a basically
Jewish life, and is married to a Jewess, join a congregation in his own right? (Rabbi J. Edelstein,
Monroeville, PA)ANSWER: This Gentile would be considered a ger toshav,
or a follower of the Noahide laws, but of course, we could not consider him to be a ger
tzedek, or a convert to Judaism. Christians and Muslims, as monotheists, have been
classified as gerei toshav since the Middle Ages (Meir of Rothenburg Responsa
#386; Yad Hil. M’lakhim 8.11, Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 148.2, etc.) rather than
idolaters. The status of a ger toshav is rather clear. A ger toshav is considered
equal to a Jew in all legal matters, but he has no status in connection with ritual obligations, for
they are not incumbent upon him. He would, therefore, not be considered part of the quota for a
minyan or for m’zuman, nor could he lead a worship service, etc. (Shulhan
Arukh Orah Hayim 199.4). We can not include such an individual in our
synagogue membership. This would, after all, entail their participation in every aspect of
synagogue life, the right to lead services, the right to help determine policy or synagogue
members. It would be inappropriate to have unconverted Gentiles participate in these aspects of
congregational life. If this individual feels close to the congregation and wishes to help it, then he
should feel free to contribute to it, attend its services and functions; perhaps later that individual
will convert and join the congregation.July 1977
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.