The 7 Noachide Laws

The Torah is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not.

The Jewish idea is that the Torah of Moses is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not. The Torah (as explained in the Talmud - Sanhedrin 58b) presents seven mitzvot for non-Jews to observe. These seven laws are the pillars of human civilization, and are named the "Seven Laws of Noah," since all humans are descended from Noah. They are:

Do not murder.
Do not steal.
Do not worship false gods.
Do not be sexually immoral.
Do not eat a limb removed from a live animal.
Do not curse God.
Set up courts and bring offenders to justice.

Maimonides explains that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven. So you see, the Torah is for all humanity, no conversion necessary.

As well, when King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, he specifically asked God to heed the prayer of non-Jews who come to the Temple (1-Kings 8:41-43). The Temple was the universal center of spirituality, which the prophet Isaiah referred to as a "house for all nations." The service in the Holy Temple during the week of Sukkot featured a total of 70 bull offerings, corresponding to each of the 70 nations of the world. In fact, the Talmud says if the Romans would have realized how much they were benefiting from the Temple, they never would have destroyed it!

Today, there are many active groups of non-Jews called "B'nai Noach" who faithfully observe the Seven Laws of Noah.

There is an excellent book on the topic:
"The Path of the Righteous Gentile"
by Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

See also:
"The Real Messiah: A Jewish Response to Missionaries"
by Aryeh Kaplan

And:
"The Rainbow Covenant"
by Michael Dallen

Comment on this Article

(8) Lisa Rice, January 7, 2020 4:59 PM

Spiritual connection

As a child the interest , the call to Judaism was there. But I was raised as a catholic . My daughter since she can speak has asked questions and has interest . She is 10 years old now and I want her to understand her connection to Judaism.

(7) Chabad UK, February 16, 2018 6:15 AM

Thanks for sharing this article. Your content is so informative to know about laws. These laws are so important to follow. Keep sharing.

(6) Anne, November 2, 2016 3:34 PM

A lonely Noahide

That's how I self-identify, anyway. Conversion to Judaism isn't logistically feasible for me, and lately I'm thinking that if G-d meant for me to be Jewish, I would have been born as such. There are no Noahide congregations nearby for me (all out of state), and while online communities are enlightening, they're no substitute for face-to-face interaction and worship. So I don't think there's an easy answer for this situation, but thanks for considering it.

(5) Sam, December 3, 2013 8:42 AM

this is way similar to the Ten Commandments that we used to learn :)

(4) james, May 23, 2013 2:35 PM

converts noahide laws

Ruth were King David’s great-grandparents.
The sRuth was a sincere convert who embraced Judaism with all her heart. On Shavuot all Jews were converts—having accepted the Torah and all of its precepts.????????????????????????????

(3) Niklas Ekestam, August 5, 2010 5:01 PM

"The Path of the Righteous Gentile"- Read free online

"The Path of the Righteous Gentile" is online: http://www.moshiach.com/action/morality/ It is the most valuable noahide book I've read.

Anonymous, June 2, 2013 5:17 AM

CORRECT LINE TO "The Path of the Righteous Gentile"

here's is a working site for the entire book: http://noachidestudycentre.webs.com/Path.htm

(2) bornagain, August 14, 2009 8:17 AM

Good for ALL.

I am viewing this as per a link from my Jewish friend. As a Roman Catholic, I was never taught this. Thank you Lili for opening my eyes. And mind to a new way of thinking.

(1) Anonymous, May 13, 2003 12:00 AM

Book Available Online

The book mentioned in this article, "The Path of the Righteous Gentile" is available for reading online at http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=42591