Apostasy in Judaism

Apostasy in Judaism refers to the rejection of Judaism and possible conversion to another religion by a Jew.Apostasy is defined as "renunciation of a religious faith", in this case, Judaism. See apostasy for further clarification.The term apostasy is derived from Greek (Greek: "Political Rebel"), as applied to rebellion against God and JudaismMerriam Webster: Apostasy (Hebrew מרד). Expressions for apostate that are used by rabbinical scholars include mumar (Hebrew: "The one that changes"), Poshea Yisrael (Hebrew: "Transgressor of Israel"), and kofer (Hebrew: "Denier").Kaufmann Kohler and Richard Gottheil. "Apostasy and Apostates from Judaism." Jewish Encyclopedia. Similar terms are meshumad (Hebrew: "Destroyed one") and min (Hebrew: מין) or Epikorus (Hebrew: אפיקורוס), which denote heresy and the negation of God and Judaism, implying atheism.
==Examples==
===In the Hebrew Bible===
The first recorded reference to apostasy from Judaism is in the words of the prophet Ezekiel (), thought to be prophetic of the High Priests Jason and Menelaus, who deserted their religion and their nation to the horror and hatred of their contemporaries.
===In the Talmud===
In the Talmud, Rabbi Elisha ben Abuyah, who was referred to as Acher, (Hebrew: "The Other One") was singled out as an Apostate Jew by the rabbis.
===Medieval Spain===
In Medieval Spain, a systematic conversion of Jews to Christianity took place, largely under threats and force.Figures of Conversion: The Jewish Question and English National Identity - By Michael Ragussis - Duke University Press, 1995, Page 128, Quote: "The persecutions of the Jews that dominated fifteenth-century Spain, including 
the forced conversion of masses of Spanish Jews" The apostasy of these conversions provoked the indignation of some Jews in Spain and it was made illegal to call a convert a by the epithet, tornadizo (Spanish: "renegade").A Social and Religious History of the Jews - By Salo Wittmayer Baron - Columbia University Press
Several inquisitors of the Spanish Inquisition, such as Tomas de Torquemada, and Francis Quinones the Bishop of Coria, are thought to be descendants of Apostate Jews. Known apostates who made their mark in history by attempting to convert other Jews in the 1300s and 1400s include Juan de Valladolid and Astruc Remoch. 
Some Spanish Jews remained Crypto Jews - the secret adherence to Judaism - despite being forced to convert to Christianity. They are also called Marranos.Joseph Jacobs and Meyer Kayserling. "Marano." Jewish Encyclopedia. JewishEncyclopedia.com.
===Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank===
In 1648, Sabbatai Zevi presented himself as the Jewish Messiah, and his Jewish followers were known as Sabbateans. Under the threat of death by the Ottoman Sultan, he and many of his followers converted to Islam in 1666.God-Optional Judaism: Alternatives for Cultural Jews Who Love Their History By Judith Seid, Published 2001, Citadel Press: Quote: "Sabbatai Zevi converted to Islam under threat of death"
In the 1750s, Jacob Frank presented himself as the successor of Zevi and attracted many followers in Poland, known as Frankists. In 1759, with Frank's encouragement, more than 500 Frankists were baptized as Catholics. Frank himself was also baptized, with the King of Poland as his godfather.Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions - By Wendy Doniger - Page 358 - Published by Merriam-Webster
==Notes and references==
==See also==
*Conversion to Judaism
*Heresy in Orthodox Judaism
*Yetzia bish'eila
*Schisms among the Jews
*Who is a Jew?
*Halakha
==External links==
* Jewish Encyclopedia: Apostasy and Apostates from Judaism
Category:Apostasy
Category:Jews and Judaism-related controversies
 
Category:Jewish law
he:משומד