Question Q-I was wondering..
is it forbidden for a non-jew, a messianic non-jew that is to:
-wear a tallit
-A kippah
-be called to the bimah
-be counted among a minyan
-read from the Torah
-teach Torah unqualified
Can you explain why this is forbidden and provide Torah/Talmudic references if any. Can this be compared to Nadav and Abihu?
Answer R,
Thank you for the kind questions! Halakhah prohibits #2,3,4 and 6 above. Any one may cover their head in respect of G-d and indeed any visitor to a Synagogue is expected to cover his/her head while inside. #5 would also be prohibited if you are referring to a kosher Torah scroll, but certainly not to the family or personal Bible.
The sin of the sons of Aaron was that they tried to do what they were not qualified or authorized to do. I would consider the comparison more with a regular Israelite trying to perform the functions of a Priest or Levite. A non-Jew who, for example wanted to learn Torah might be shown a Scroll and if their Hebrew permitted even to read from it for practice. Remember that the sons of Aaron broke Torah Law, not Jewish Common Law (Halakhah), so I would be hesitant to extrapolate it to your questions. Hope this helps! Shalom!
