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Gittin 57: Titus, Balaam, Jesus, and Rome

On Onkelos -- the famous translator, who converted to Judaism. The Gemara here presents his investigations prior to conversion, wherein he consults some dead and ostensibly wicked non-Jews: Titus, Balaam, Jesus. Titus advises him to fight the Jews, not join them. Also, concern about the small size of the Land of Israel, and the way it's going to expand as needed. Plus, other famous converts - Na'aman, Nevuzadran, Haman's descendants, Sisera's descendants, Sennacharib's descendants... Shmaya and Avtalyon, from the "Zugot." Also, reading Rome into the Genesis narrative, with Jacob and Esau…

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