Email from a reader: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, As a person interested in Noahidism, I am wondering what subjects or texts I should study to deepen my understanding and practice. Could you please offer some guidance? Sincerely, Elizabeth Green”Dear Elizabeth,

Your pursuit of knowledge as a Noahide is both commendable and crucial in deepening your understanding and practice. Let’s explore the areas of study that can enrich your spiritual journey.

Understanding the Noahide Laws:

The foundational aspect of your study should focus on the Seven Noahide Laws themselves. Understanding the principles and the spirit behind these laws is essential. You can begin with texts that specifically discuss these laws and their application in daily life.

Jewish Ethical Teachings:

Jewish ethical teachings, while rooted in Jewish law, have universal elements that are valuable for Noahides. Works like “Pirkei Avot” (Ethics of the Fathers) offer wisdom on personal conduct, character development, and moral living that can be very relevant.

Basic Jewish Theology and Philosophy:

Exploring basic Jewish theology and philosophy can provide a broader context for the Noahide Laws. Books that introduce the concepts of God in Judaism, the nature of the soul, and the Jewish perspective on creation and history can be insightful.

Historical Context:

Understanding the historical context of the Noahide Laws, including their place within the Torah and their interpretation throughout Jewish history, can deepen your appreciation of their significance.

Comparative Religious Studies:

Studying comparative religious texts can also be beneficial. It helps in understanding how the Noahide laws fit within the larger tapestry of world religions and ethical systems.

Practical Application:

Focus on texts that offer guidance on the practical application of the Noahide Laws in modern life. This includes understanding ethical business practices, interpersonal relationships, and community involvement.

Recommended Reading:

There are books specifically written for Noahides, such as “The Divine Code” by Rabbi Moshe Weiner, which can serve as a comprehensive guide. Additionally, engaging with online resources, lectures, and Noahide communities can complement your reading.

Elizabeth, your journey as a Noahide seeking knowledge and understanding is a path of continuous growth. May your studies be fulfilling and lead you to greater wisdom and spiritual enrichment.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Joshua

Email from a reader: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, In practicing Noahidism, I am curious about the concept of idolatry. How strict is the interpretation of what constitutes an idol? Would representations like pictures of God be considered idols? Can things such as money become idols? Thank you for your guidance. Best, Michael Green”

Dear Michael,

Your question strikes at the core of one of the most fundamental aspects of Noahidism – the prohibition of idolatry. Understanding this concept is key to living a life aligned with the Seven Noahide Laws.

What Counts as an Idol in Noahidism?

Idolatry, in the context of Noahidism, is traditionally understood as the worship of physical objects or beings other than God. This includes not only the worship of statues or images but also the deification of any entity or concept that detracts from the singular worship of God.

Pictures or representations of God are generally viewed with caution in Jewish and Noahide thought. In Judaism, any attempt to physically depict God is strictly prohibited, as it is believed that God is beyond human comprehension and any representation would be misleading and inherently disrespectful. While Noahides are not bound by the exact same commandments as Jews, this principle of avoiding physical depictions of the Divine is a valuable guideline to prevent inadvertent idolatry.

Can Other Things Become Idols?

Indeed, idolatry is not limited to the worship of graven images or religious icons. It can extend to any form of undue reverence or obsession that replaces or overshadows one’s devotion to God. This could include money, power, fame, or even concepts and ideologies. When these elements become the primary focus of one’s life, to the extent that they dictate one’s values and actions, they can be seen as a form of idolatry.

The key is balance and perspective. For instance, while money is a necessary and practical aspect of life, it becomes problematic if it is pursued or revered to the detriment of ethical and spiritual values. The same applies to power, pleasure, or any worldly pursuit that becomes an ‘ultimate concern’ over and above moral and spiritual responsibilities.

Guidance for Noahides

As a Noahide, your aim should be to cultivate a relationship with God that is free from intermediaries and false representations. It involves recognizing the transient nature of material possessions and worldly pursuits and understanding that ultimate fulfillment and truth lie in a spiritual connection with the Divine.

Michael, your inquiry is a testament to your commitment to living a spiritually authentic life as a Noahide. May your path be illuminated with wisdom and clarity as you continue to explore and deepen your understanding of these profound principles.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Joshua

Email from a reader: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, I’ve been studying various religious texts and am curious about the Noahide Laws. Where exactly can I find these laws in the Bible? Thank you for your guidance. Sincerely, Rachel”

Dear Rachel,

Your quest to locate the Noahide Laws within the Bible reflects a deep interest in understanding the foundations of these universal moral guidelines. Let me elucidate their biblical origins for you.

Origins of the Noahide Laws:

The Noahide Laws, while not explicitly listed as a group in the Bible, are derived from interpretations of several passages in the Torah, particularly in the book of Genesis and other references in the Talmud.

Genesis and the Covenant with Noah:

The most direct reference is found in the covenant God makes with Noah following the flood. In Genesis 9:1-17, God blesses Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. This covenant includes several instructions which are interpreted as the basis for the Noahide Laws. Key elements such as the prohibition against murder (Genesis 9:5-6) and against eating flesh taken from a living animal (Genesis 9:4) are seen as part of these laws.

Interpretation in the Talmud:

The detailed enumeration and explanation of the Seven Noahide Laws are found in the Talmud, particularly in Tractate Sanhedrin (56a-60b). The Talmudic sages, through their interpretation and discussion, derived these laws from the verses in Genesis and other scriptural sources, forming the set of laws as we understand them today.

The Seven Laws:

The Seven Noahide Laws, as traditionally understood, are:

• Prohibition of Idolatry
• Prohibition of Blasphemy
• Prohibition of Murder
• Prohibition of Theft
• Prohibition of Sexual Immorality
• Prohibition of Eating Flesh Torn from a Living Animal
• Requirement to Establish Courts of Justice

While the explicit text of these laws as a collective set is not found in the Bible, the ethical and moral principles they represent are deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and are seen as a universal code for all humanity, derived from the covenant with Noah.

Rachel, your pursuit of biblical knowledge is commendable, and understanding the roots of the Noahide Laws offers a deeper insight into the universal aspects of ethical monotheism. May your studies continue to enrich your understanding and appreciation of these profound teachings.

Warm regards,

Rabbi Joshua