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The Seven Noahide Commandments

Duties for a Civilized World

G-d originally made a covenant with Adam and Eve to observe and to teach to their descendants.  After the Great Flood, G-d repeated the Seven Commandments to Noah, his family, and all their descendants — which includes all of us.  This is the meaning of the term Noahide *.

When G-d revealed Himself at Mount Sinai, He gave Moses and the Jewish people the duty to convey these commandments to the rest of the people of the world. G-d also made a covenant with the Jewish people containing additional commandments to fulfill.

The Seven Commandments are general categories which contain many details:

1. WORSHIP G-D. Do not worship anything except G-d Himself.
   
2. RESPECT G-D AND PRAISE HIM. Do not curse Him or anyone in His name.
   
3. RESPECT HUMAN LIFE. Do not commit murder, suicide, or abortion.
   
4. RESPECT THE FAMILY. Do not participate in sexual immorality.
   
5. RESPECT OTHERS' RIGHTS AND PROPERTY. Do not steal, cheat, or kidnap.
   
6. RESPECT ALL CREATURES. Do not eat the flesh of any animal while it is still alive.
   
7. PURSUE JUSTICE. Establish courts of law to enforce the Seven Noahide Commandments.
   

These seven universal laws are a matter of obedience to G-d even if they are part of the laws of our country. Their observance guarantees peace and goodwill among all people through universal faith. Any non-Jewish person who fulfills the Seven Commandments is considered righteous and earns a share of the Eternal World to Come. Jews are rewarded for fulfilling their 613 commandments.

• HONORING PARENTS and GIVING CHARITY are time-honored observances that have become part of this doctrine.

Although these commandments seem quite simple, profound principles of faith motivate us to fulfill them:

• G-d involves Himself with every creature's life at every instant, and He provides what is best for each creature.

• G-d listens to our prayers. It is fitting to ask Him for what we need and to thank Him for His kindnesses.

• G-d created evil for us to reject and thereby earn reward.

• G-d grants us free choice to obey or transgress His commandments, so that reward and punishment are in our hands.

• G-d accepts everyone's repentance, and repentance restores us to a sinless state of being.

We stand poised on the threshold of the promised Messianic Age. The Messiah is about to come.

Please prepare by doing acts of goodness and kindness — at least a little more.

Get more information about the Seven Noahide Commandments from these sources:

A Light unto the Nations, by Rabbi Yoel Schwartz

This authoritative study presents the universal aspects of the Jewish religion, specifically the Seven Noahide Commandments, as the Torah's vital prescription for a utopian world where peace and happiness emerge supreme. (Jerusalem, Israel: The Jerusalem Academy of Jewish Studies/Yeshivat D'var Yerushalayim, 1988)

The Path of the Righteous Gentile, by Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky

This introduction includes a full translation of Maimonides' Code on the Seven Commandments. (Southfield, Michigan: Targum Press, 1987)

The Seven Laws of Noah, by Aaron Lichtenstein

The Noahide Laws are presented as significant legislative areas that encompass sixty-six imperatives. This academic study includes comparisons to the full Israelite Code as well as other ancient legal codes. (New York: Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Press and Z. Berman Books, 1995, 1981)

The Seven Colors of the Rainbow, by Rabbi Yirmeyahu Bindman

Besides explaining Torah ethics for non-Jews, this book gives a historical overview of observance of the Seven Commandments. (San Jose, California: Resource Publications, 1995)

The Internet:

Judaism Looks at the World

www.chabad.org
You will find parts of The Path of the Righteous Gentile here.

Pronunciation Notes:

Noahide - NOH uh hide
another spelling: Noachide - NOH uh kide

Lubavitcher - loo BAH vitch er

Rebbe - REH bee, REH beh