The Torah, as explained in the Talmud, presents seven mitzvot for non-Jews to observe. These laws are the pillars of human civilization, and are named the "Seven Laws of Noah," since all humans are descended from Noah. They include the prohibition against murder, theft, idolatry, cursing God, sexual immorality, and eating the limb of a live animal. The seventh law is a positive obligation to set up a system of justice.
Today, there is a growing worldwide movement called B'nai Noach or Noachides – non-Jews who accept the truth of Torah and faithfully observe the Seven Laws of Noah. Maimonides explains that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven.
Aish.com spoke with Jim Long, a prominent member of the Noachide movement, whose Lightcatcher Productions creates books and documentaries on Torah themes.
Q1: How did you get involved with becoming a Noachide?
In the early 1990s I was working in talk radio in Dallas. One day we had a last-minute hole in the schedule and I had to find a guest to fill it. I’ve always been interested in archeology and I’d heard of a Texan named Vendyl Jones who had conducted excavations in Israel searching for biblical artifacts such as the Ark of the Covenant. What I hadn’t know was that Vendyl was an avowed Noachide. He came on our show and I was so impressed with his scholarship and unique perspective on archaeology and the Bible that I began attending his study groups on the weekly Torah portion.
Torah really impressed me as being not just rational, but also true!
I began learning about the basic tenets of Judaism like free will and Divine providence, and the more I studied the more I became convinced that Torah is true. I have spent my whole life in search of the Creator and an understanding of what He wants from us, trying out various Christian denominations. But Torah really impressed me as being not just rational, but also true! Before long I was working with Vendyl on archaeological digs in Israel and filming his documentaries, Digging Up the Future and Return to Gilgal. In 1995, I married my wife Carol, also a Noachide, on a dig near Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
Q2: In practical terms, what does it mean to be a practicing Noachide?
The basic seven laws are actually “root concepts” of a total life outlook. These are outlined in the many Noachide “guidebooks” that have been published, for example, Path of the Righteous Gentile by Chaim Clorfene and Yaakov Rogalsky. In fact, we just published a new book called Guide for the Noahide by Rabbi Michael Shelomo Bar-Ron. When someone reaches a stage of commitment, there is a standard Noachide pledge – a public declaration stating belief in One God, recognizing the authority of Torah, and agreeing to uphold the seven laws.
Beyond that, it’s pretty much up to the individual to do what is meaningful to him. For example, I eat cheeseburgers, but not pork or shellfish. I observe a day of rest on Shabbat (certainly not on Sunday, which is a Christian innovation); I don’t work, but I do drive a car. I’ve been learning how to pray in Hebrew, which I feel will get me closer to God. So like I said – aside from the seven laws, it’s pretty much a personal thing.
The one place we draw the line is that we’re careful not to give a false impression of being Jewish. For me that means I wouldn’t wear a kippah or tzitzit in public, although I am aware of Noachides who do. If I want to put a mezuzah on my door, I would put it on the inside of the doorpost, not the outside facing the street. And of course we are careful not to do anything that smacks of starting a new religion; historically that’s been tried many times before with damaging results.
Q3: If you believe in the truth of Torah, why don’t you convert to Judaism?
That’s a question that every Noachide faces at some point in his journey. And many do wind up converting. Personally I’ve wrestled with this issue for many years. But since my wife does not want to convert, I’ve put it on hold. She loves Torah, but is simply not ready for that step. I still feel a bit “left out” sometimes when I visit a synagogue or am in Israel. But her instincts have always been on target, and I trust that being a Noachide is what God wants from me.
Q4: How many practicing Noachides are there today?
That’s a very difficult question to answer, because Noachides are typically very iconoclastic. They’ve seen how the core values of monotheism have become twisted by some religions, and that’s often what spurred their decision to break away from organized religion. So they are very hesitant to get back in. But in answer to your question, there are thousands of practicing Noachides.
Noachides want a fellowship with other Torah-believers, both Jewish and Noachide. Yet because they resist becoming part of an organized movement, most of that Noachide “community” takes place online. For example, the Internet is where you’ll find curriculums for parents who want to teach their children in the Noachide ways. We annually attend national and regional gatherings like the Noachide conference in Florida last year. In Israel, there was a stir when Salim Jaber, the mayor of the Arab village of Abu Gosh near Jerusalem, made a public declaration accepting to observe the seven Noachide laws. So we are out there in various forms.
Q5: Historically, why is it only in recent decades that we’ve seen the start of a Noachide movement?
There have been smatterings over the centuries. For example, some documents of the founding father of the United States mention the Seven laws of Noah. There is also evidence that Sir Isaac Newton was a “closet Noachide.” In his manuscripts he wrote extensively on Torah topics, even writing phrases in Hebrew. He believed (as the Talmud says) that the Tabernacle mirrored the arrangement of the cosmos, and he sketched the Jewish Temple according to precise dimensions. He accepted the Bible as the word of God and rejected Jesus as a deity. But in his day, it was not politically correct to come out publicly against the Anglican Church. Had he done so, it might have influenced the course of history. Then there was John Selden, a brilliant jurist who lived in the 1600's wrote extensively on the Sanhedrin. He impacted international law, basing his concepts on the Seven Laws of Noach.
Q6: So what changed today?
There is a path that God’s plan takes through history, and it’s all a matter of timing. Torah flows directly from the Jews to the non-Jews, so given the founding of the State of Israel, the mass Aliyah to Israel, and the Baal Teshuva movement of Jews returning to Torah – that is why we’re seeing Noachides emerge. If you look in Mishneh Torah where Maimonides discusses the topic of the Jewish Messiah, that is immediately followed by a discussion of the seven Noachide laws. That juxtaposition indicates that as we get closer to the Messianic era, more and more non-Jews will respond to the truth of Torah. But a mass movement of Noachides can’t happen until the Jews are ready. The Jewish people are to be the teachers of Torah to humanity, and until the Jewish community is committed to taking on that role, the real revolution can’t happen. So it’s all a matter of timing.
Q7: As a Noachide, who is your biblical role model?
You might think it’s Noah, but actually it’s not. There was a shortcoming with Noah in that he believed in God but didn’t reach out to bring others to that belief. So this may sound funny – because he was the prototype Jew – but my role model is Abraham. He had a tent open on all four sides to welcome travelers, where he would teach them about the One God. It’s accurate to say that Abraham was a Noachide for the first 75 years of his life, until God came and told him that he’d become the father of the Jewish people. I’ve dedicated my life to producing documentaries and books that are Torah-based, and I’d like to think that is continuing Abraham’s tradition of moving people closer to Torah.
Ironically, I’ve seen how my work can affect Jews as well. I wrote a book and accompanying documentary called, The Riddle of the Exodus, which explores historical and archaeological proof of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. I’ve presented this talk to Jewish groups around the world and it always gets a great reaction. The audience loves hearing a non-Jew present a compelling argument for the veracity of Torah. For me, it’s another facet of an amazing and a very very rewarding journey.
(43) Chad, January 7, 2021 7:30 PM
Lonesome Noahide
Hi, are there any Noahides in Cape Town? I'm looking to hook up with like-minded people. Please don't hesitate to email if you of Noahides living in Cape Town. Toda Rabah
(42) Cory Lemmon, October 23, 2017 4:33 PM
Thank you for giving me (a fellow noahide) hope!.
My back ground...nearly 50 years in Christian service, including 6 years as an ordained Pastor, including stints in 4 different Christian denominations and start up pastor of HEBREW ROOTS fellowship, Add to that a short time as layman in Two House congregation.
I now know only a couple other Noahides and my wife and I attend and support several different Jewish congregations. Yes we have always felt welcome there, but no one seems to be reaching out to Noahides. We remain isolated.
Anonymous, April 19, 2018 6:17 PM
I do not believe in Christianity but one God of Israel
I Live in a remote suburb in Cape Town South Africa. I did everything that a converted Christian should do within the Church. However, for some or other reason the concept of Jesus and all else became weaker to me but the love of God became stronger and stronger. I have searched far and wide for an alternative and eventually found the Noahides but only online. Nobody in my church is aware as well as my wife and children. I attend church for the sake of my wife. I do not know of anybody else in my area who believe in the Noahide laws and Torah. I too feel extremely isolated. But my LOVE FOR GOD and the old testament gives me strength daily as he leads me in the right direction which is quite evident. I sometimes get the feeling that I should start on my own but need guidance.
(41) Anonymous, February 16, 2015 1:42 PM
asknoah.org
asknoah.org Also, the book, The Divine Code
(40) Emmanuel Villegas, September 1, 2014 11:22 PM
Qehilat Chasidei Umot Ha-Olam, Inc.
B"H
Very will said Jim Long, Mazal Tov.
I would like also to share in the aish.com and to all people reading this site that there is a Noahide Community in the Philippines, whose membership reach even a thousand all over Visayas and Mindanao, with 14 Noahide Synagogue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDujPQtHfZc.
You can see them in the youtuve just type QCHU a lot of video lectures and pictures.
We embraced Torah (Seven Laws) as will as some part of Jewish Torah allowed to non Jewish and we are mentored by Asknoah Intl.
Best Regards
Emmanuel
(39) gloria, June 17, 2014 1:30 PM
I am just leaving christianity am happy to see this site
I have been confused on what path to follow when I discovered that christianity is a religion of deception.but the God of isreal lead me to discover that something like Noachide is in existence.Am really happy
Daria, August 24, 2015 3:50 PM
nice to meet you
I am in the same process like you. It is such a relief to meet other people leaving christinity because they discover the truth about the One God, the God of Israel.
(38) Anonymous, March 26, 2014 5:45 AM
Wow, I am learning that I am not alone!!!
I am just discovering that there is a Noahide community out there. Each of us is facing isolation and struggles. It brings tears to my eyes to know that others are struggling with the same things I have. I remember the day in the 1980's that I stopping being a Christian. I asked my brother, "Who am I?” He answered wisely, "That's silly you are who you are?” But it is a question that I struggle with from that day to this. I find myself neither Christian nor Jew. Yet!! I am both. I was born a 4th generation 7th Day Adventist and have kept a form of 7th day Sabbath from the womb. I was married to a man that was adopted and found out that his bloodline was Jewish. He began the study and I followed him. I studied with a Reformed, a Conservative, and an Orthodox Rabbi (from Aish). I studied Orthodoxy for 3 1/2 years. It is what I accept as the original and correct Judaism. With the process of much pain, I have concluded that I am a Noahide. I am a child of Japheth. It is written, my blessing is to live in the tents of Shem. Even as the Jews are to accept the 613 Torah Laws and be servants to G-d; We need to accept that we are the servants of the Jewish Nation and the Jewish Nation is to be our King and our priests. G-d bless the Chabad community for its help and kindness to us!!!
(37) Anonymous, November 22, 2013 1:19 AM
Thanks for your wonderful informative site.
Experiensing isolation as the only Jew in a large area, and a very Christian one, I am faced with various anti Semitic expressions, let alone utter ignorance as to what Judaism is. I am faced with having to explain, and sometimes debate with Christian pastors. I think they feel threatened by Noachide laws "replacing" their money making venture. Noachide laws are the basis fo social justice and freedom from religion. Thanks!
(36) David, March 2, 2013 5:47 PM
To convert or not to convert
To be a Noahide makes sense to me, for the last decade or so I've been trying to keep the Feasts and "new laws" (to me) as they become revealed- Chabad has been very helpful to me, yet I'm realizing the distinct difference between Jew and Noahides - when trying to keep Torah as a Jew (with love as I originally set out),it "feels forced" and has become a burden mainly because I feel so inadequate, in the morning before I pray now, I shower, put on a kippa, tefillam and tsitsi - prayer shawl( which ive learned helps to keep me more aware of Hashem )yet each day feel more entangled (trying to loop tefillim according to a youtube video) while usually finding out a new prayer (to me) that I was supposed to be saying all along (like the 13 attributes of mercy) and 100 blessings that I try to look up- ( only to find out i should say 101 :) reciting in Hebrew which.to Hashem probably sounds like my first piano lesson at age 7- the point is, I used to pour my heart out to Hashem at the drop of a hat and with enthusiasm and tremendous appreciation- there was a time when I danced like David before the Ark spontaneously, while I wanted( and I believe with all my heart)- to be a Jew- it doesn't seem to be meant for me- I have developed a much much deeper and greater appreciation for the Jews i thankfully and humbly accept my position in this life as a Noahide and deeply respect the calling and the responsibility of the covenant with Abraham and the Jewish people. (Yes I took the 1year conversion class but put off the Mikva because in my mind I wasn't fully aware of the commitment) most likely it was probably because Hashem knew better what was right for me and kept me from conversion, yet allowed me to delve deep enough to come to this realization- and then provide me with the awareness of the Noahide! Baruch HaShem! And thank you if you read this lengthy post :)
(35) Violet, August 16, 2012 12:28 AM
Noachides
I was introduced to Torah bout 4 yrs ago....and i've been looking into the Noachide movement..thanks for posting this article..keep them coming please.. I want to know more....
(34) Rabbi Aryeh Moshen, August 14, 2012 8:42 PM
Advice To Naryssa
Google "gerus" "conversion" "Orthodox Judaism" and you will be led to a lot of resources, SOME of them are good. I bet that within five minutes you will find at least three good places to write and a group to join, and you will not be alone or lost any more. There are thousands of people who wish to become Jews.
(33) naryssa hamilton, July 4, 2011 11:05 PM
i will not stop
My desire is to convert. I am determined to find someone wiling to take the time to help me. I think two years of being turned away is sad. Whatever path anyone wishes to take to serve the Lord as their heart leade them, I wish them success.
lessermystery, September 10, 2011 1:11 AM
turned away for 2 years?
Man, that's gotta hurt. I was slightly rebuffed, yet encouraged at the same time. I was just to shy to try to come into the Jewish fold, and can't concentrate the way I'm supposed to on the reading material, because it always leads me away from what I'm supposed to be learning. Noahide might be an option for me, just as long as they do away with the death penalty for every infraction committed by said Noahide. How was it that you were turned away naryssa?
Jethrine Peralta, October 6, 2011 8:08 PM
Helpful books
regarding death penalty... it is actually an act of kindness from G-D because when you are punished by death penalty it means that you have paid off your transgression and will get a reward in heaven. whereas if you will not be receiving any punishments from all the sins you were not able to ask forgiveness to while you still live, you will be punished in heaven. according to the book Path of the Righteous Gentile, it is better to get all the punishments here in a mortal world because it is just temporary and get all your rewards in the eternal world, rather than getting all your rewards here in a temporary world and get all your punishments in the eternal world. that's the saddest thing that could happen to a human being. in short, death penalty is nothing to be scared of. but unless this can only be initiated by a qualified judge infront of a Noahide court of Law
SHEILA, October 27, 2011 3:34 AM
move to pittsburgh,pa
We are blessed to have have many righteous converts in our community.
(32) Ady, May 12, 2011 6:34 AM
Noachide
With great thanks for this article above. This was fabulous to read and easy to understand. It all made sense to me as this is how I have been living for most of my adult life.
(31) Dean, January 22, 2011 12:08 PM
Thank you Noahides
For me, I already feel the world is becoming a better place because of the Noahids. I hope Jim doesn't feel left out because someone makes him feel that way. In our Shul, we welcome the Noahides as our brothers and sisters. Their children go to school with our children and we all share the common love of G-d and of Torah. Thanks to the work of the Noahides. Not only are the helping to bring light into the darkness but they also inspire Jews to be better Jews.
Barry, April 27, 2011 8:14 PM
Jewish school
Dean, You have a Jewish school that welcomes Noahide children? I would love to know where this is located! I have been looking for this for a while!
(30) Jewish Ideas Daily, January 4, 2011 9:20 AM
Please continue this series
If this interview is an example of what the rest of the series will look like, it will be really fascinating! The Noachide "faith" is something we hear about occasionally but don't generally have a real understanding of. Thanks for shedding some light.
(29) Mauri Tuomisto, March 13, 2010 8:00 AM
Great article and an inspiration to all us noahides.I wish more articles on the subject.
(28) Arron Bennoah, February 20, 2010 11:38 AM
Great article. From one Noac hide to another, I was impressed.
Glad to meet other Nochides in the world. I am an artist and I have been building a collection of art illustrating the "Children of Noah". The seventy Nations represent who we are as humans and there is still so much to learn. I accepted my Noachide faith in 1993 and that faith has not diminished in the slightest, but in fact has grown stronger the years. Glad to know your out there my friend.
(27) Darla Deckard, February 6, 2010 2:08 PM
Thank You Jim
I enjoyed the article Jim. I came on it while studying parsha Yitro. I was wondering...Why do you eat cheese burgers but not shell fish? Is there some kind of difference as far as halacha for Noahides? Just wondering. Please give my regards to your wife, and if you guys are ever in our area, let me know. We would love to sit and visit with you over a glass of something or a meal.
(26) Dav, January 11, 2010 6:20 AM
3rd prohibition
Is idolatry the 3rd prohibition? Is there a paticular order of these prohibitions such as worst being first and more worst being last or the other way around?
(25) Anonymous, January 11, 2010 6:07 AM
We love the Torah
My husband and I came out of strict Catholic backgrounds. Six years ago we discovered Torah as the authentic source of G-ds instruction for our lives. We observe the Sabbath, we have no images in our home and don't eat pork or shell fish and we are blessed to be invited to take High Holy days with a local Chabad Center. We don't try to pass as Jews ... we only want to walk along side of you and learn from you. We also promise to stand by the Jews and Israel. Our journey into Torah has been new life for us.
(24) Anonymous, January 8, 2010 5:23 PM
Fascinating
This article was very interesting. Thank you so much for sharing it.
(23) Anonymous, January 8, 2010 6:25 AM
fascinating article - many thanks to Mr. Long for sharing & to Rabbi Simmons for the article.
(22) Andy, January 6, 2010 8:04 PM
very interesting and thought provoking .in many ways sounds to me like a commited non orthodox jew
in some ways he sounds like a non orthodox jew. no pork or shelfish but cheesburgers. no sunday sabbath but saturday with driving. of course he is under no obligation to keep mitzvoth such as kosher or sabbath which makes it different from non orthodox jews who if questioned claim other reasons for not following some Torah commandments. some of his statements seem strange to me such as no kippa and tzit tzit but some do where them, and some have a discreet mezzuzah inside. interesting that the mayor of Abu Ghosh where many Jews go and relations are good is a follower of Noachide laws. Maybe that's a sign of good things to come
(21) Violet, January 6, 2010 6:04 PM
Comment on Annonimous
From experience, I was a Christian for over 10 years. I was introduced to Torah and left Christianity with the conviction that what I called "Old Testament is the true scripture for life. Long story short, we tried to live like Jewish in an unjewish community. We are not Jews and its difficult to live a Jewish life when you're in an area where is almost impossible to keep Jewish laws, a community is needed and we don't have the resources. SO that's when I heard about Noahides. If in the future HaShem opens the door for us of course we want to learn to live as a Jew, but for now we're starting in baby steps.
(20) James M, January 6, 2010 1:51 PM
Happy to see this
I have been a practicing Noachite for 8 years now and I am thrilled to see this level of committment to educating others about the Sheva mitzvot. Now I can direct people to this article to help me explain what I mean when i tell people i practice Judaism but I am not Jewish. I too am torn with conversion since my wife s still a devout Christian. God bless.
(19) Anonymous, January 6, 2010 10:09 AM
Love the Noachide article.. keep them coming. It will be good both to those who made the choice and those who are choosing. The hidden benefit is that we are often told this is the option for the gentile however, it is my experience that no one at shul has a clue what that looks like or how that would live out. You're converting or your not, lip service is about all I've heard till just recently and it's good to hear the struggles of others who are on the journey of learning to honor HaShem and find how best to be supportive to Israel and our local shuls. Great stuff..
(18) Benjamin, January 4, 2010 8:09 PM
I'm in the same boat
I have been contemplating Judaism for the better part of three years. I've raged back and forth in my mind between my identity as a Roman Catholic and my conscience, which does not accept the core Christian doctrines. I am convinced of becoming Jewish, but then there is the respect for my fiancee, who is Episcopalian. I told her outright I don't expect her at all to follow what I'm doing, and I wouldn't pressure her t all. But nonetheless, it is a constant balancing act. Anyhow, this was a terific article. God bless you Mr. Long, and thank you for your efforts.
(17) Akiva, January 4, 2010 4:48 PM
A special thank you
I would like to thank Jim and Vendyl for their classes and research. It helped me out in my early stages and eventually brought me to the decision to have a halachic conversion. They are truly righteous among the nations.
(16) Anonymous, January 4, 2010 7:15 AM
Beautiful Article
A a Jew, I found this article fascinating. It actually brought tears to my eyes. This is what we pray for on Rosh HaShannah. I open my heart with compasison and warmth to all Noachides. May we all live together in peace, recognizing our Creator and seeing the Divine will in everything.
(15) Chaim, January 4, 2010 3:17 AM
One World
It is most important to understand that this means the end of 'us' vs. 'them'. Noachides are co-religionists with Jews, the difference being that Jews (Israelites) at Sinai became a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, with the rest of humanity being the lay congregation. Just as our priests have special laws. It has to be that way - one God, one humanity, one religion. On R"H and Yom Kippur in Shemona Esrei we first pray for God to form a humanity united to do his will wholeheartedly. We only pray for our nation following that. When the Torah refers to a 'ger' (resident alien) in Israel who has the same civil law as a Jew, it is referring to a Noachide who is welcome to dwell in Israel.
(14) Anonymous, January 4, 2010 2:45 AM
He's a hero
(13) Laura Blair, January 4, 2010 2:18 AM
Great article!
I love the way this man just described my life and the life of my family!!!! We love the Torah and God! We do not preach about heaven and hell, but we live a life of goodness and giving. May many more Noahides find their true identity and become followers of G-d.
(12) King of Geeks, January 4, 2010 12:34 AM
My students could really use a role model like Mr. Long
This piece is great. As a teacher in an urban high school, I know that many of my students would latch on to this idea if it were presented to them by the right source. Of course I cannot teach Noachism as such. I have to hope that my being an openly Orthodox Jew wearing a kippa and acting honorably created some momentum on its own and plants seeds that will sprout forth later. Nevertheless, I wish there was some source that my students could turn to that would help them reject drugs, gangs, and guns- and connect to the Noachide path. I hope I'm wrong, but from the looks of things, it will take the coming of Moshiach to really wake my students up. Mr. Long, thank you for helping to bring Moshiach faster- and may Hashem crown your efforts with resounding success- AMEN V'AMEN!!!!!!!
(11) Anonymous, January 3, 2010 10:22 PM
amazing! inspiring!
i found this well written interview so fascinating. it's so inspiring to read about people who are so sincere in their belief and practice, and accept and delight in their role here on planet earth! i truly admire Jim YOung, and wish to thank him for all he is doing to spread the honor of Hashem.
(10) Roberto Ben Noah, January 3, 2010 7:55 PM
Sharing the same path
BS''D, Sh'lom lequlam. I wish to explain how my path is perfectly the same of the interview subject!! Such exactly the same. The world is a really little one: my experience started from Italy and go further on Pittsburgh!! Sh'lom, Roberto
(9) Lel, January 3, 2010 7:33 PM
I'm Noachide
Since I study the seven universal precepts, my life has changed. On the other hand, Rabbi Noah Weinberg has always been an inspiration in my life too. God bless you Aish Ha'Torah.
(8) Anonymous, January 3, 2010 7:32 PM
there is actually a book you might want to look at written by an orthodox Jewish college professor by the name of Dr. Aaron Lichtenstein on the seven noahide commandments. You might find his book informative. He happens to be an old family friend.
(7) Anonymous, January 3, 2010 5:14 PM
Fantastic!!!
I was brought up a Christian - and if I say so myself - was very devout. But something happened to me in 2001 and I stopped going to church. I became very intimate with the entire "Old Testament" and started living by a lot of the principles I learnt there. I knew nothing about what is called the Noahide Laws until October 2009 when I realised I was a practicing Noahide and never knew it. As Jim hinted, most material for Noahides are available only on line. Just the day before yesterday (01-01-10) I discovered a site called 'AcademyofShem'. As Jim hinted, there are a lot of us out there many of whom are practicing the Biblical principles and don't even know that they are a part of a wider network of similar persons. Since October I have made the decision to study Torah which I do on line through Aish.Com G-d Bless!!!
(6) SusanE, January 3, 2010 4:50 PM
So Relieved you are Addressing the Noahide Laws.
Thank you Rabbi Simmons. This new series of questions and answers promises to be an enlightening education for people like me. In fact, It seems you are adressing these issues directly to me. I look forward to each question and answer. I have the book "The Path of the Righeous Gentile" and now refrain from many observances that I have followed the past 6 years.. My mezuzzah is now safely laying on my buffet. I miss it being on my doorpost. I miss my candles, my daily prayers, I lit my Menorah only one night during Hanukkah. I didn't sing Kol Nidre this year. I quit Hebrew lessons, and attending shul, and 'acting' like a Jew. Not observing is a very lonely place.
(5) tony vallone, January 3, 2010 4:45 PM
excellent and informative piece
# 3 especially explains me how interesting, i have been a private ben noah for many years
(4) Gerry van der Hoek, January 3, 2010 4:02 PM
very interesting to read.
I very much appreciate your paying attention to Bne Noah. Only from Jewish side we can learn what we should and what we should not. What we may and what we may not. It 's not only important to know what is a Bne Noah, but what Bne Noah are allowed to practise from Jewish tradition, if there is anything.
(3) shells, January 3, 2010 2:12 PM
thank YOU
with sincere heart felt thanks... this is the first time i have seen reference to descendents of Noah on this site. blessings x my prayer is that as more of us unite so our Family becomes further extended and more, like me, will feel an equal and repsected part also of G-ds wider Family. thanks be. AMEN
(2) Yosef Ben Shlomo Hakohen, January 3, 2010 10:44 AM
There are sources which state that Noahides should also observe certain other mitzvos.
Rabbeinu Nissim Gaon writes in his introduction to the Talmud that human beings in every generation have an obligation to perform any mitzvah of the Torah which is suggested by “reason and the understanding of the heart.” The biblical commentator, Rabbenu Bachya Ben Asher, explains that tzedakah - the sharing of our resources with the needy - is a mitzvah which can be understood by human reason, and this is why the Sodomites were held accountable for not sharing their vast resources with the needy (commentary to Genesis 18:20). His commentary is based on the following Divine message to our people regarding the sin of Sodom: “Behold, this was the sin of Sodom, your sister: She and her daughters had pride, surfeit of bread and peaceful serenity, but the hand of the poor and needy she did not strengthen. And they were haughty, and they committed an abomination before Me, so I removed them in accordance with what I saw.” (Ezekiel 16:49,50) Rabbeinu Bachya mentions a related teaching in his classical work on Torah concepts and precepts, Kad HaKemach, in the chapter on tzedekah, where he writes: “All the peoples must engage in tzedakah and loving-kindness, for they exist because of these practices and are punished for their neglect.”
(1) Yosef Ben Shlomo Hakohen, January 3, 2010 9:00 AM
The Seven Mitzvos are Seven Categories of Mitzvos says Sefer HaChinuch
The “Sefer Ha-Chinuch” is a classical work on the Torah’s mitzvos, and it states the following teaching: The Seven Mitzvos of the Children of Noah are actually seven “categories” of mitzvos which include many of the 613 particular mitzvos which are incumbent upon the People of Israel. This explanation is found in the following comments of the Sefer Ha-Chinuch regarding the 416th mitzvah, “You shall not covet” (Deuteronomy 5:18): “This prohibition applies at all times, in all places, to both men and women, and to all human beings. This is so because it is part of the prohibition against stealing, which is one of the Seven Mitzvos that all human beings are to observe. Make no mistake concerning the enumeration of the Seven Mitzvos of the Children of Noah – these being well-known and recorded in the Talmud – for they are but categories, and they contain many particulars.” The Sefer Ha-Chinuch explains that since the Children of Noah were adjured about the sin of stealing, they were equally adjured about all Torah decrees to keep a person far away from stealing, such as the decree, “You shall not covet.”