Ger Toshav: The OG Expat

Alright, let’s take a deeper dive into the fascinating concept of minority rights in Judaism, all while keeping it light and relatable. We’ll explore the ancient yet incredibly relevant idea of the ger toshav—or as I like to call it, the original expat—living in ancient Israel.

Judaism has this unique ability to take what seems like a contradiction and turn it into a harmonious blend of opposites. One of the best examples of this is the concept of the ger toshav, the “resident alien” or the “stranger within your gates.” This wasn’t just someone passing through town; this was someone who, despite not being Jewish, chose to live among the Jewish people and abide by a certain moral code. Sounds simple, right? But hold on, it’s way more profound than that.

Let’s start by pointing out how many times the Torah emphasizes the importance of treating the stranger with kindness and respect. It’s not just a one-off suggestion; it’s a command that appears a whopping 36 times throughout the text. That’s right—36 times! Why so many? Because it’s a big deal. The Torah wants to ensure that we don’t forget how crucial it is to treat those who are different from us with dignity and love. It’s like your GPS repeating the same directions over and over—you just know it’s important if it keeps coming up.

Historically, humans have a tendency to be tribal. We stick to our own kind, and when we see someone who’s different, it can sometimes trigger a sense of unease. But here’s where Judaism flips the script. Instead of encouraging us to fear the stranger, the Torah commands us to love them. This isn’t just about being nice; it’s about recognizing our shared humanity. The Torah is essentially saying, “Don’t judge. Get to know them. They might just bring something incredible into your life.”

Now, who exactly is this ger or stranger? In Jewish terms, it’s not just any foreigner. It’s someone who, despite not being born Jewish, has chosen to live among the Jewish people. Whether they were one of the original Canaanite inhabitants, part of the mixed multitude that left Egypt, or just someone seeking refuge, their treatment was of utmost importance. The Israelites, having been strangers in Egypt themselves, were commanded to remember what it felt like to be the outsider and to use that empathy to guide their actions. It’s like the ultimate lesson in compassion.

This brings us to the ger toshav. This person wasn’t necessarily a convert but someone who chose to live according to a certain moral standard—specifically, the Noahide laws. These are like the basic rules of human decency that apply to everyone. And the Torah doesn’t just say, “Cool, you can hang with us.” It goes further, insisting that this person has the right to live in the Holy Land and even share in its welfare benefits. Talk about inclusivity before it was a trend!

Now, let’s get into some biblical drama because what’s a discussion about ancient times without a bit of intrigue? Remember King David? He’s one of the major figures in the Bible. Well, he had a bit of a scandal with Batsheva, but the twist here is that her husband, Uriah the Hittite, was a ger toshav. Despite not being Jewish, Uriah showed greater loyalty to Israel and its people than David did at that moment. The fact that the Bible doesn’t shy away from telling this story—where the resident alien is the hero and the king is the one who faltered—says a lot about the moral fabric of Judaism. It’s like the ultimate plot twist where the underdog comes out on top.

But why does any of this matter? Let’s zoom out to the bigger picture. Democracy is great, but it has its flaws. History has shown us that when the majority rules, minority rights can sometimes get trampled. Think of it like being at a concert where the loudest fans get all the attention while everyone else is just trying to enjoy the music. But the Torah, with its emphasis on the rights of the ger toshav, shows that a just society is one that looks out for everyone, especially the minority. It’s like making sure everyone at that concert gets to hear their favorite song, not just the people in the front row.

So, what’s the takeaway? Since the days of Moses, minority rights have been a core part of the society that Judaism envisions. It’s not just about forming a tight-knit group but also about balancing that with care for those who are different. It’s about recognizing that our common humanity comes first, even before religious differences. And that’s a pretty revolutionary idea, one that’s still as relevant today as it was back in the day.

In a world where it’s easy to stick to our own bubbles—whether those are cultural, social, or digital—the message of the ger toshav is a refreshing reminder that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental value that has the power to transform societies. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re meeting someone new at a party or thinking about global issues, the lesson is the same: We’re all in this together.

So next time you encounter someone who’s a little different from you, maybe instead of seeing them as an outsider, try seeing them as a potential ger toshav—someone who, despite being different, might just bring something amazing to your life. And who knows? You might end up learning something profound about yourself in the process.