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Samaritans

Should Jews volunteer for Samaritans

Answer:

If you mean a group that performs charity and good deeds, without any religious affiliation, then there is nothing wrong with volunteering, provided everything is done according to the precepts of Jewish law. Note that one ought to give preferance to Jews in matters of charity and kind deeds.

If you mean the religious sect (Shomronim), then the answer is no. Rabbinic Judaism does not affirm Samaritan beliefs (see Bereishit Rabba 94, which quotes a discussion between R. Meir and a Samaritan), and the origin of their religious beliefs, such as the holiness of Har Gerizin, is in idolatry.

According to rabbinic tradition, the Samaritans are converts who were forcefully converted to Judaism (Kuthim). See, concerning their origins, II Kings chap. 17, which describes the exiling of the Jews from Shomron, and the introduction of Gentiles from surrounding nations. These Gentiles worshiped their idols, upon which Hashem sent lions upon them, and they converted out of fear.

There is no need for a Jew, who has a rich and intricate legacy of law and custom, to search for alternatives.


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