The Encyclopaedia Judaica 13:1182 contains a fascinating analysis that provides extensive evidence of an increasingly common trend towards the conversion to Judaism during the Second Temple period. This period, especially in its later stages, witnessed a marked rise in the use of the term “ger”, previously reserved for referring to strangers or aliens, to denote proselytes. Further evidence of proselytization activity is documented in “Strangers and Gentiles”, contradicting claims that this practice was limited. Although Matthew 23:15’s claim that the Pharisees “compass sea and land to make one proselyte” may appear exaggerated, a significant spike in conversion cannot be denied. Fascinatingly, some of the most esteemed Jewish leaders were descendants of proselytes, exposing a welcoming attitude. The enthusiastic approaches of Shammai and Hillel in teaching prospective proselytes about Judaism, as recorded in Shabbat 31a, offer an example of differing acceptance methods. This intricate dynamic presents both welcoming and dissemination of Jewish beliefs.
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