10-07-2008, 02:55 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-26-2008, 11:01 AM by Director Michael.)
We are making progress! But there is still some clarification needed. On another thread in this section, http://www.asknoah.org/forums/showthread...=13&page=1
you'll find this as post #8:
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Learning about the Commandments
In fact, a faithful Noahide is allowed to learn the basics of what the Jews are required to do in fulfillment of their 613 Jewish commandments (many of which are temporarily not able to be followed during the present era of the Diaspora, before the rebuilding of the Holy Temple). This information is found, for example, in the classical codifications of Jewish Torah Law. It is the in-depth Talmudic and Midrashic commentaries and analysis on the Torah and its laws which should be learned exclusively by Jews.
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The Oral Torah actually consists of two main parts, and you can find this explained in Mishneh Torah by Rambam. One part is generically called "Mishnah," and it encompases the straightforward descriptions of what are the Divine Commandments for Jews and Gentiles, and the opinions of the Sages on what one needs to do to properly fulfill them, i.e., how strict or lenient the observance needs to be on any particular aspects of the observance. Torah-faithful pious Gentiles are allowed to learn this dimension of the Oral Torah, because it is basic information and does not require in-depth study. Examples are the Mishnah itself (even though it is likely to be confusing to non-scholars), and the codifications of the commandments, such as Rambam's "Sefer HaMitzvot" (Book of the Commandments) and his "Mishneh Torah," Rabbi Yosef Karo's "Shulchan Aruch" (the basic text), and the abridged "Kitzur Shulchan Aruch." Also included are straightforward explanations of the simple meaning of the Hebrew Bible, such as the commentary of Rashi, or commentary overviews, such as the Stone Edition Chumash (Five Books of Moses) published by Artscroll.
The other part of the Oral Torah is called "Gemara," and it involves study of in-depth, investigative, derivational and homiletic analyses of the Written Torah and the "Mishnah" part of Torah. That is only permitted for pious Gentiles within the subjects that pertain to the Noahide Commandments, and even within that, only study is permitted, but not making legal rulings. It is only expert Jewish Rabbis who may determine the actual rules for observance in the many particular situations that arise in practice.
Since the very text of the Talmud itself, and the in-depth commentaries on any parts of Torah, involve this type of investigative learning, these sources should not be learned by righteous Gentiles, except in areas that are related to the observance of the Noahide Commandments.
Furthermore, it is even not allowed for Rabbis in these later generations to make legal rulings based directely on the Talmud, unless there is no other possible option, or in cases which are truly simple and obvious. Instead, they are to follow the Torah-law rulings of the greater Sages in the earlier generations, who already analyzed and understood the Talmud thoroughly, and took upon themselves the responsibility to codify the authentic practical rulings which follow from it.
Of course, Rabbinical works on subjects of Torah ethics, self-improvement, and learning about the greatness of G-d and about His Unity and Divine Providence, etc. are permitted for pious Gentiles to learn. But as you consider what sources to read as you advance over time, advice and guidance from a reliable mentor is HIGHLY recommended.
you'll find this as post #8:
---------------------------------
Learning about the Commandments
In fact, a faithful Noahide is allowed to learn the basics of what the Jews are required to do in fulfillment of their 613 Jewish commandments (many of which are temporarily not able to be followed during the present era of the Diaspora, before the rebuilding of the Holy Temple). This information is found, for example, in the classical codifications of Jewish Torah Law. It is the in-depth Talmudic and Midrashic commentaries and analysis on the Torah and its laws which should be learned exclusively by Jews.
---------------------------------
The Oral Torah actually consists of two main parts, and you can find this explained in Mishneh Torah by Rambam. One part is generically called "Mishnah," and it encompases the straightforward descriptions of what are the Divine Commandments for Jews and Gentiles, and the opinions of the Sages on what one needs to do to properly fulfill them, i.e., how strict or lenient the observance needs to be on any particular aspects of the observance. Torah-faithful pious Gentiles are allowed to learn this dimension of the Oral Torah, because it is basic information and does not require in-depth study. Examples are the Mishnah itself (even though it is likely to be confusing to non-scholars), and the codifications of the commandments, such as Rambam's "Sefer HaMitzvot" (Book of the Commandments) and his "Mishneh Torah," Rabbi Yosef Karo's "Shulchan Aruch" (the basic text), and the abridged "Kitzur Shulchan Aruch." Also included are straightforward explanations of the simple meaning of the Hebrew Bible, such as the commentary of Rashi, or commentary overviews, such as the Stone Edition Chumash (Five Books of Moses) published by Artscroll.
The other part of the Oral Torah is called "Gemara," and it involves study of in-depth, investigative, derivational and homiletic analyses of the Written Torah and the "Mishnah" part of Torah. That is only permitted for pious Gentiles within the subjects that pertain to the Noahide Commandments, and even within that, only study is permitted, but not making legal rulings. It is only expert Jewish Rabbis who may determine the actual rules for observance in the many particular situations that arise in practice.
Since the very text of the Talmud itself, and the in-depth commentaries on any parts of Torah, involve this type of investigative learning, these sources should not be learned by righteous Gentiles, except in areas that are related to the observance of the Noahide Commandments.
Furthermore, it is even not allowed for Rabbis in these later generations to make legal rulings based directely on the Talmud, unless there is no other possible option, or in cases which are truly simple and obvious. Instead, they are to follow the Torah-law rulings of the greater Sages in the earlier generations, who already analyzed and understood the Talmud thoroughly, and took upon themselves the responsibility to codify the authentic practical rulings which follow from it.
Of course, Rabbinical works on subjects of Torah ethics, self-improvement, and learning about the greatness of G-d and about His Unity and Divine Providence, etc. are permitted for pious Gentiles to learn. But as you consider what sources to read as you advance over time, advice and guidance from a reliable mentor is HIGHLY recommended.