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What is the difference between gerim, nochrim and zarim? Both halachicly and denotatively.

msh210
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הראל
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1 Answers1

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It depends on context, but in general there are two types of Gerim:

1) A Ger Tzedek (Righteous convert). That is a convert in the traditional sense.

2) A Ger Toshev (Dwelling convert). That category doesn't formally exist today, but the concept of it is a non-Jew who accepts the Seven Mitzvos of Noach. They have permission to live in Israel.

Typical usage of the word "Ger" denotes the former.

A Nochri would be a non-Jew. In some contexts it may seek to distinguish between a Ger Toshev and otherwise, but it means a foreigner.

A Zar (stranger) almost always means the term for a Jew who is not a Cohen.

Yishai
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