https://www.asknoah.org/forum/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:16:27 +0000 MyBB https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=2921 Sat, 07 Apr 2018 20:32:07 +0000 gabriel]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=2921

1. Commands that are logically obligatory on everyone to obey. (e.g., being kind, not murdering)
   
2. Commands that have no logical necessity for everyone. This category can be further subdivided:
   
   1. Commands that, although there is no general moral obligation to observe them, could nevertheless provide a practical benefit to a person or to society. (tithing, circumcision)
      
   2. Commands that do not provide a practical benefit. (wearing ritual fringes)
      

Gentiles are obligated to obey all commands in category 1. Gentiles may observe commands in category 2.1, as long as they are not done out of a sense that they are religious obligations. Gentiles should not observe any commands in category 2.2.

Assuming this summary is correct, I have a question about animal sacrifice: why were Gentiles permitted to perform it? Was it the case that animal sacrifice fell into category 2.1 (it had practical benefit) -- if so, what was the benefit? Or was it the case that animal sacrifice had no practical benefit and it was simply an exception to the general rule that Gentile should never observe commands from category 2.2?

(This question is of theoretical interest only as actually performing a sacrifice is the furthest thing from my mind.)]]>

1. Commands that are logically obligatory on everyone to obey. (e.g., being kind, not murdering)
   
2. Commands that have no logical necessity for everyone. This category can be further subdivided:
   
   1. Commands that, although there is no general moral obligation to observe them, could nevertheless provide a practical benefit to a person or to society. (tithing, circumcision)
      
   2. Commands that do not provide a practical benefit. (wearing ritual fringes)
      

Gentiles are obligated to obey all commands in category 1. Gentiles may observe commands in category 2.1, as long as they are not done out of a sense that they are religious obligations. Gentiles should not observe any commands in category 2.2.

Assuming this summary is correct, I have a question about animal sacrifice: why were Gentiles permitted to perform it? Was it the case that animal sacrifice fell into category 2.1 (it had practical benefit) -- if so, what was the benefit? Or was it the case that animal sacrifice had no practical benefit and it was simply an exception to the general rule that Gentile should never observe commands from category 2.2?

(This question is of theoretical interest only as actually performing a sacrifice is the furthest thing from my mind.)]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=664 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:05:38 +0000 shanti50]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=664 https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=334 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:18:31 +0000 piersonramsey]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=334
I have a habit of fasting a lot. Is this good habit? I can't control my self. What are the side effects of this? How can I remove it? Please Help...]]>
I have a habit of fasting a lot. Is this good habit? I can't control my self. What are the side effects of this? How can I remove it? Please Help...]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=262 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:29:16 +0000 Aaron.Nanach]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=262
Shalom, I recall reading in the Rambam that Bnai Noah are not to create new holidays for themselves if I remember correctly. In light of this I am wondering whether it would ok for non Jews to celebrate Earth Day as it may fall into the category of a holiday, or perhaps this may be permissible.
Thanks]]>
Shalom, I recall reading in the Rambam that Bnai Noah are not to create new holidays for themselves if I remember correctly. In light of this I am wondering whether it would ok for non Jews to celebrate Earth Day as it may fall into the category of a holiday, or perhaps this may be permissible.
Thanks]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=214 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:48:44 +0000 Joachim ben Noach]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=214
Rambam, end of Laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years:
(This i have from Chumash Kol Menachem, synagogue ed. p. 1184)

[Clarified in brackets by Director Michael according to the Moznaim Mishneh Torah edition, translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger]

'Why did the tribe of Levi not [receive] part of the Land of Israel or its [spoils of war]?
Because they were singled out to [serve] G-d and [minister to Him], and to teach the public about His morally upright ways and fair laws - as the verse states, "They will teach your laws to Ya'akov and your Torah to Israel" (Devarim 33:10) Therefore they were separated from wordly matters: They do not join the [king's] army as the rest of the Jewish people, they do not inherit [owernship of land in Israel], and they cannot aquire [it] for themselves by a physical act. They are the army of G-d...
But this is not exclusive to the tribe of Levi. Rather, any type of person from among all the inhabitants of the world, whose spirit inspires him, and he resolves in his mind to set himself apart [from worldly pursuits], to stand before G-d and serve [Him], to [minister to] Him, and to know G-d; who [then acts upon his resolution and he] goes in a morally upright manner - following his inherent, God-given disposition, and he discards all the numerous concerns that people are normally preoccupied with - then he will *[be sanctified as a] holy of holies* [similar to Aaron the High Priest], and G-d will be his portion and his inheritance for all eternity. Even in this world, he will merit to receive [sufficient for] his material needs, in a similar manner to the priests and Levites, as we see that David [who was not from the tribe of Levi] said (Psalms 16:5), 'G-d is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup. You support my lot!'

- The 'Toras Menachem' (teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) below states that "The Torah .. grants the power to any individual person who wishes to avail himself of the challenge, to become a true servant of G-d [and minister to Him], by making the effort .. to be "morally upright," despite social pressures in the opposite direction." -


So, my question is: How does this go beyond the required way of life for a Jew, and for a Noahide?


Thank you.]]>
Rambam, end of Laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years:
(This i have from Chumash Kol Menachem, synagogue ed. p. 1184)

[Clarified in brackets by Director Michael according to the Moznaim Mishneh Torah edition, translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger]

'Why did the tribe of Levi not [receive] part of the Land of Israel or its [spoils of war]?
Because they were singled out to [serve] G-d and [minister to Him], and to teach the public about His morally upright ways and fair laws - as the verse states, "They will teach your laws to Ya'akov and your Torah to Israel" (Devarim 33:10) Therefore they were separated from wordly matters: They do not join the [king's] army as the rest of the Jewish people, they do not inherit [owernship of land in Israel], and they cannot aquire [it] for themselves by a physical act. They are the army of G-d...
But this is not exclusive to the tribe of Levi. Rather, any type of person from among all the inhabitants of the world, whose spirit inspires him, and he resolves in his mind to set himself apart [from worldly pursuits], to stand before G-d and serve [Him], to [minister to] Him, and to know G-d; who [then acts upon his resolution and he] goes in a morally upright manner - following his inherent, God-given disposition, and he discards all the numerous concerns that people are normally preoccupied with - then he will *[be sanctified as a] holy of holies* [similar to Aaron the High Priest], and G-d will be his portion and his inheritance for all eternity. Even in this world, he will merit to receive [sufficient for] his material needs, in a similar manner to the priests and Levites, as we see that David [who was not from the tribe of Levi] said (Psalms 16:5), 'G-d is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup. You support my lot!'

- The 'Toras Menachem' (teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) below states that "The Torah .. grants the power to any individual person who wishes to avail himself of the challenge, to become a true servant of G-d [and minister to Him], by making the effort .. to be "morally upright," despite social pressures in the opposite direction." -


So, my question is: How does this go beyond the required way of life for a Jew, and for a Noahide?


Thank you.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=158 Sat, 24 May 2008 21:47:29 +0000 Teodor]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=158 Are Noahides allowed to eat fruits or vegetables which were, Heaven forbid, produced and exported from Eretz Yisrael in the Sabbatical Year?
If a dish has already been cooked first and then the Noahide finds out that the dish could possibly contain such vegetables or fruits, would it be a violation of the prohibition against wasting food if he refuses to eat this dish and throws it away?
Thank for your responses and Shalom!]]> Are Noahides allowed to eat fruits or vegetables which were, Heaven forbid, produced and exported from Eretz Yisrael in the Sabbatical Year?
If a dish has already been cooked first and then the Noahide finds out that the dish could possibly contain such vegetables or fruits, would it be a violation of the prohibition against wasting food if he refuses to eat this dish and throws it away?
Thank for your responses and Shalom!]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=154 Wed, 14 May 2008 16:52:16 +0000 bdschuh]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=154
I just finished reading a wonderful work by a Samson Raphael Hirsh, called "A Philosophy of Jewish Law and Custom." It is two volumes. He conveniently separates the Jewish mitzvot into six categories. One of those categories contain all those mitzvot that pertain only to the Jews. Another of those categories contain all the mitzvot that cannot be deduced by the average upright person from logic alone. Reading this was very helpful to me.

But I have further questions: When I was 14 years old, I agreed to take certain obligations upon myself by taking a vow (which was made improperly). Among these obligations were: not eating meat from non-kosher animals, honoring parents, taking care of my health (which I am obligated in anyway), separating out a tithe of my income, taking a wife and fathering children, and "keeping" the Sabbath (although not in the manner of the Jews, just by not working for money or talking business.) There may have been other obligations which I do not recall right now. In the light of what Director Michael has written to PlasticMan, for me to take at least some of these "duties" upon myself was wrong. But what now? Admitting it was wrong, now what? Am I obligated or not? Forget that it was vowed improperly; what if someone had taken obligations upon himself in the Name of Hashem - although it would be a mistake, would he be obligated?]]>
I just finished reading a wonderful work by a Samson Raphael Hirsh, called "A Philosophy of Jewish Law and Custom." It is two volumes. He conveniently separates the Jewish mitzvot into six categories. One of those categories contain all those mitzvot that pertain only to the Jews. Another of those categories contain all the mitzvot that cannot be deduced by the average upright person from logic alone. Reading this was very helpful to me.

But I have further questions: When I was 14 years old, I agreed to take certain obligations upon myself by taking a vow (which was made improperly). Among these obligations were: not eating meat from non-kosher animals, honoring parents, taking care of my health (which I am obligated in anyway), separating out a tithe of my income, taking a wife and fathering children, and "keeping" the Sabbath (although not in the manner of the Jews, just by not working for money or talking business.) There may have been other obligations which I do not recall right now. In the light of what Director Michael has written to PlasticMan, for me to take at least some of these "duties" upon myself was wrong. But what now? Admitting it was wrong, now what? Am I obligated or not? Forget that it was vowed improperly; what if someone had taken obligations upon himself in the Name of Hashem - although it would be a mistake, would he be obligated?]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=120 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:15:58 +0000 ProudNoachide]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=120 Can we wish Jews at a synagogue on Saturday, "Shabbat Shalom!" and "Gutte Shabbos!"? Can we say it back to Jews if they say it to us first? Can we say it to them first?
Thank you!]]> Can we wish Jews at a synagogue on Saturday, "Shabbat Shalom!" and "Gutte Shabbos!"? Can we say it back to Jews if they say it to us first? Can we say it to them first?
Thank you!]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=96 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 19:31:17 +0000 Ben_Noach_AZ]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=96 https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=83 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:23:09 +0000 bdschuh]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=83
Is tithing for Noahides modeled after tithing for Jews? The Jews give a terumah of 1/40th. Then a first and second tithe, as well as the first of the dough, fleece, and several other things I cannot remember. Or do we simply give 10 percent to who teaches us Torah?

G-d bless,

Brian D. Schuh]]>
Is tithing for Noahides modeled after tithing for Jews? The Jews give a terumah of 1/40th. Then a first and second tithe, as well as the first of the dough, fleece, and several other things I cannot remember. Or do we simply give 10 percent to who teaches us Torah?

G-d bless,

Brian D. Schuh]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=82 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:53:59 +0000 oceanoah]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=82 Can a Noahide man wear a kipah? Or is it alright if a Noahide woman buys a kipah for her son? Thank you.]]> Can a Noahide man wear a kipah? Or is it alright if a Noahide woman buys a kipah for her son? Thank you.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=55 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:25:39 +0000 ProudNoachide]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=55 I realize it is last minute but, what things shall we Noahides consider and what good things can we do on Tish'a B'Av?
Thank you!]]> I realize it is last minute but, what things shall we Noahides consider and what good things can we do on Tish'a B'Av?
Thank you!]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=47 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 03:03:47 +0000 Donny]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=47
What about Birthday candles?

According to The Path of the Righteous Gentile: An Introduction to the Seven Laws of the Children of Noah [the valid authorized 1987 edition by Rabbi Rogalsky] in the chapter on idolatry: "6. It is forbidden to honor an idol even by offering things to it outside the boundaries that surround the idol. This is considered decorating the idol. (Throwing coins at an idol or even into a pool of water by an idol, such as the oriental gods and demigods commonly seen today, would seem to be in the category of honoring an idol and symbolically ascribing powers to it. Otherwise, why throw the money, which is clearly an act of beseeching a power for returned good fortune?) " and further down, "In truth, any religious food discipline wherein the foods themselves or the combinations of the foods themselves are honored as curatives or wondrous in their health?giving properties may be idolatrous."
Since the custom is to blow out the candles and make a wish, wouldn't this transgress the prohibition of idolatry?

Thanks,
Donny]]>
What about Birthday candles?

According to The Path of the Righteous Gentile: An Introduction to the Seven Laws of the Children of Noah [the valid authorized 1987 edition by Rabbi Rogalsky] in the chapter on idolatry: "6. It is forbidden to honor an idol even by offering things to it outside the boundaries that surround the idol. This is considered decorating the idol. (Throwing coins at an idol or even into a pool of water by an idol, such as the oriental gods and demigods commonly seen today, would seem to be in the category of honoring an idol and symbolically ascribing powers to it. Otherwise, why throw the money, which is clearly an act of beseeching a power for returned good fortune?) " and further down, "In truth, any religious food discipline wherein the foods themselves or the combinations of the foods themselves are honored as curatives or wondrous in their health?giving properties may be idolatrous."
Since the custom is to blow out the candles and make a wish, wouldn't this transgress the prohibition of idolatry?

Thanks,
Donny]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=62 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:42:35 +0000 Rabbi Immanuel Schochet]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=62
"If a Noahide man goes to shul for the Rosh HaShanah morning service, should he kneel and bow his head down to the floor along with the congregation during their repetition of the Amidah prayer? What about a Noahide woman?"

My answer was, why not? As long as their mind with it is on G-d.]]>
"If a Noahide man goes to shul for the Rosh HaShanah morning service, should he kneel and bow his head down to the floor along with the congregation during their repetition of the Amidah prayer? What about a Noahide woman?"

My answer was, why not? As long as their mind with it is on G-d.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=35 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:18:46 +0000 ProudNoachide]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=35 I am curious as to which holidays are OK for Noahides.
Also what Jewish Holidays can we do and how can we do them?
Thank you!]]> I am curious as to which holidays are OK for Noahides.
Also what Jewish Holidays can we do and how can we do them?
Thank you!]]>