By the Grace of G-d

The Need for Noahide Outreach

QUESTION : I am a Ben Noach. A Noachide... Why does the organized Torah community not take a more active role in disseminating the Seven Commandments? > R. N. G. ( Excerpted from his Op-Ed letter published in the Oct. 11 issue of The Jewish Press.) ANSWER : [This reply was publised in the Oct. 25 issue of The Jewish Press.] Mr. G.'s letter in the Oct. 11 issue was indeed a much-needed eye opener. Well done! We wish to take issue, however, with a few of his points. The Torah obligation to teach the Seven Laws to Gentiles was not included in the Code of Jewish Law, as it was not practical at the time of its writing, and would probably have been life threatening to the Jews. Only in the last ten years or so, as a result of the insistence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, have broader efforts been started to introduce the teachings of the Seven Laws of Noah to the general public, most of whom still have no clue as to what this is all about. Now more and more with the help of advertising and websites, both Jews and Gentiles are recognizing that it is a mitzvah for Jews to learn them for the purpose of teaching them to the rest of the world. This is important, since not many rabbis are well versed in the details of the Seven Laws, and many are still uncomfortable teaching them to Gentiles, as their training has been for teaching Jews. We do agree with Mr. G. that since it is the job of Jews to teach these laws, then so they should. Yes, observant Jews have to assist all legitimate Noahide groups or individuals and help them spiritually, within the guidelines which Torah Judaism sets out. Has Mr. G. reached out to the Torah observant rabbis in his area and solicited support? With patient encouragement and prodding by Mr. G., and by other Noahides who share his enthusiasm and determination, qualified rabbis will surely take an interest in starting classes and teaching about the Seven Laws of Noah and their spiritual content. But he should not overlook the opportunities for connecting with internet-based organizations and other supportive groups. There are quality websites such as www.asknoah.org that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to teach about the Noahide commandments. It should be inspiring for Jews to know that Mr. G. and people like him are truly involved in observing the Torah laws which apply to them. If only all Jews would have such enthusiasm for serving Hash-m and observing Torah, Moshiach would certainly have brought the world to the Geula Shlaima by now! We encourage Mr. G. to continue speaking in public forums about his commitment to Noahidism, and to get other Noahides to do the same.

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