Editing Anusim (section)

==In rabbinic literature==
The subject of anusim has a special place in [[rabbinic literature]]. In normal circumstances, a person who abandons [[Mitzvot|Jewish observance]], or part of it, is classified as a ''meshumad''. Such a person is still counted as a Jew for purposes of lineage, but is under a disability to claim any privilege pertaining to Jewish status: for example, he should not be counted in a [[minyan]], that is, a [[quorum]] for religious services.

''Anusim'', by contrast, not only remain Jews by lineage but continue to count as fully qualified Jews for all purposes. Since the act of the original abandonment of the religion was done against the Jew's will, the Jew under force may remain a kosher Jew, as long as the ''anús'' keeps practising Jewish law to the best of his/her abilities under the coerced condition. In this sense, "kosher" is the rabbinic legal term applied to a Jew who adheres to rabbinic tradition and is accordingly not subject to any disqualification.