Jews and Non Jews
Biblical and Rabbinic Attitudes Toward Non-Jews
Early Jewish texts affirmed the universal fraternity of humankind, while asserting the importance of Jewish distinctiveness.
The Non-Jew in Jewish Law
Rabbinic authorities have used different arguments to redress inequities in the way halakhah treats non-Jews.
Jewish Attitudes Toward Proselytes
At times, Jews have embraced large numbers of converts, but hostile relations with Gentile neighbors often led to suspicion of proselytes as well.
Israel and Anti-Gentile Traditions
Israel Shahak's theory that anti-Gentile traditions have influenced Israeli policy is well known in both Arab and anti-Semitic circles, but Jews have yet to properly confront it.
Traditional Views of Jewish Chosenness
The Bible implies that God's choice of the Jews was random; later traditions made the Jews seem deserving of this privilege.
Judaism and the Other
The various ways Jewish law distinguishes between Jews and gentiles.
Historic Jewish Views on Christianity
Theological attitudes toward Christianity have changed over time in response to social and political developments.
Overview: Attitudes Toward Non-Jews
What have Jews thought about non-Jews at various points in history?
Spinoza and the Philosophical Impossibility of a Chosen People
Jewish chosenness is not a metaphysical reality. It derives from the conditions of a particularly prosperous period in Israelite history.
What Is Idolatry?
Rejection of "foreign worship" is a primary commandment and central to the Jewish worldview.