Q&A: Matchmaking with a Convert
Matchmaking with a Convert
Question
Would the Rabbi go on a date for the sake of a match with a female convert, or with the daughter of converts, if she sounds like a good girl? (Not necessarily the very most “outstanding” in character traits, and everything relative to others.)
What about “lineage” on the one hand, and the prohibition of oppressing a convert on the other?
Answer
I didn’t understand this strange question. Of course yes. Is there even another side to it?
Discussion on Answer
Isn’t there anyone who says that if this side didn’t disclose it, then the match can be called off?..
As the Rebbe of Sanz said, I prefer someone who starts a match rather than someone who finishes it. Lineage is nonsense. Those who don’t want it—ask them. It goes against reason and against Jewish law.
All kinds of people say all kinds of things. So what? Besides, calling off a match depends on what the parties think, not on the objective facts. If it matters very much to someone that his spouse not be a convert, he’ll probably call off the match. That has nothing to do with whether he’s right.
But isn’t there something that, from the standpoint of lineage, makes this a problem and things like that, you know.
There are sectors where this isn’t common…. And if so, according to your view, why…