Torah...for the Nations? Part 10

Back when I was in college, I met many people my age who had grown up in Orthodox homes. and had gone to Orthodox Day Schools Upon learning that I had a connection (at that time) with Chabad, I was informed that their parents disliked Chabad, as they felt that Chabad's efforts in "kiruv" ("bringing near" those Jews who had little or no connection with Torah), was causing the dilution of Jewish identity and values in the Orthodox community. I was very surprised at this, as I had learned of the preciousness in the Eyes of G-d of each person; especially of those children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who had strayed. I came to realize that there were two undercurrents in this area; do we exist to be inclusive in this wonderful world of Torah, or are we to keep to the shadows, preserving ourselves and our families, hoping to remain invisible to the world? This is especially true of bringing Torah to the Nations. We have ample proof from Greek and Roman sources that Jews maintained an active missionizing effort in the ancient world. In fact, Jews had even forged parts of the Greek Sibylline Oracles, in order to have Apollo appear to instruct the pagans to become Jews. (This device was late taken up by Christians as well.) Even the Christian Scriptures make note that "the Pharisees travel over land and sea to win a single convert" (Matthew 23:15).. But there were already then voices in opposition. The Maccabean rulers of Judea had forcibly converted the Edumeans, who lived just East of the Dead Sea (c. 140 BCE). Rather than being a blessing, the Edumeans took over control of the country, "giving us" King Herod, who killed the last of the Maccabean family, as well as many rabbis, and promoted paganism, immorality, and general debauchery. Yes, he had the Temple rebuilt to an architectural standard hitherto unknown, He also built pagan temples all over the Holy Land. Especially under Roman domination, and even more under Byzantine rule, being Jewish was a dangerous affair. Could a recent convert be trusted to not betray his fellow Jews, when faced with torture? It was during this period that some rabbis changed their attitude towards converts. The Torah is the "Betrothed" of Israel, and must remain a secret. To be sure, there were always rabbis who maintained a liberal conversion policy. But Judaism had effectively encircled itself in a cocoon. The question arises if this applies today, when, at least in Western Society, religious fanaticism is rare. In fact, religion is almost irrelevant. Is it time to open the gates of Torah for all who wish; whether as Noachides or converts? The Talmud repeatedly warns against "locking the gates" before converts. Now, putting double locks on the gates has become fashionable. We carry a great treasure, and a golden tradition. In my opinion at least, it's high time to share what billions yearn to hear. It's time to emerge from the cocoon, and spread our wings.