178. Copying Other Nations' Ways

Avodas Kochavim 10:6

All these things only apply when the Jews are exiled among the idolators or when the idolators are in power. When Israel is in power in the land, it is not allowed to permit idolatry among us. Even a temporary resident or a passing merchant should not be permitted to pass through the land unless he accepts the seven universal laws that were commanded to all descendants of Noah. Exodus 23:33 says, “They may not dwell in your land,” meaning not even temporarily.

A non-Jew who accepts the seven universal laws is called a ger toshav. A ger toshav may only be accepted at a time when the Jubilee year is observed. At times when the Jubilee year is not observed, we may only accept a complete conversion.

Avodas Kochavim 11:1

We may not emulate the ways of idolators or copy their manner of dress, hairstyle, etc., as per Leviticus 20:23 “(Do not follow the ways of the nation that I am driving out before you…”), Leviticus 18:3 (“Do not follow their ways”), and Deuteronomy 12:30 (“Be careful not to inquire after them”). All these verses warn us not to try to copy the other nations. Rather, the Jews should be separate and have a distinct manner of dress and behavior, just as we are unique in our ideologies. To this end, Leviticus 20:26 says, “I have set you apart from the nations to be Mine.” Therefore, one may not wear a garment that is unique to the other nations, nor wear his hair the way that they do, such as by shaving the sides and leaving the hair in the center (called a bloris), or by shaving in front from ear to ear, leaving the hair on the back of the head. We may not erect buildings like their temples to attract the masses. Whoever does one of these things is liable for the penalty of lashes.