https://www.asknoah.org/forum/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:20:32 +0000 MyBB https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=3382 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 15:33:49 +0000 John]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=3382
Responsibility to inform vs. proselytizing


Dear Rabbis,


I feel I have to balance two needs: I feel that I should probably take the responsibility to inform individuals I had previously associated with that I no longer worship idolatry, but I also want to make sure that I am not proselytizing. How can I do this?

I can give some examples:

#1: I used to attend a church, back when I was an idolater. I was not technically a member of the church but was a regular. Now that I am a Noahide, thanks to Rabbi Tovia Singer's two-volume book Let's Get Biblical, should I write to the leadership and inform them that the religion which has been known as ch'ristianity has been idolatry and that I now believe the same way Orthodox Jews believe? Or would that constitute proselytizing? (which I feel has been very important to avoid)

#2: What about people (i.e. friends and family) I had previously told that I believed in ch'ristianity? Is it best that I should now inform them that I am a Noahide, say, with minimal explanation? For instance, I could tell them, “I did a small amount of the right kind of studying and recognized that the Orthodox Jews have had it right all along. In Judaism two possible paths exist: a person could either convert or remain a righteous gentile by scrupulously following the 7 Noahide Laws (Abraham was a Noahide). Let me know if you ever have any questions and I'll do my best and direct you to the proper sources.” Would that be ideal? Or would it be proselytizing?


Thanks for your help,


John]]>
Responsibility to inform vs. proselytizing


Dear Rabbis,


I feel I have to balance two needs: I feel that I should probably take the responsibility to inform individuals I had previously associated with that I no longer worship idolatry, but I also want to make sure that I am not proselytizing. How can I do this?

I can give some examples:

#1: I used to attend a church, back when I was an idolater. I was not technically a member of the church but was a regular. Now that I am a Noahide, thanks to Rabbi Tovia Singer's two-volume book Let's Get Biblical, should I write to the leadership and inform them that the religion which has been known as ch'ristianity has been idolatry and that I now believe the same way Orthodox Jews believe? Or would that constitute proselytizing? (which I feel has been very important to avoid)

#2: What about people (i.e. friends and family) I had previously told that I believed in ch'ristianity? Is it best that I should now inform them that I am a Noahide, say, with minimal explanation? For instance, I could tell them, “I did a small amount of the right kind of studying and recognized that the Orthodox Jews have had it right all along. In Judaism two possible paths exist: a person could either convert or remain a righteous gentile by scrupulously following the 7 Noahide Laws (Abraham was a Noahide). Let me know if you ever have any questions and I'll do my best and direct you to the proper sources.” Would that be ideal? Or would it be proselytizing?


Thanks for your help,


John]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=599 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:35:12 +0000 Finch]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=599
On another note, I have been reading a daily selection of this book for around 6 months. I would challenge other Noahides to do the same. If for only purely practical purposes, if you cut down on the amount of time you spend gossiping, complaining, or making idle chatter, you will be amazed at how much extra time you have for more productive work in your life. Add that to the fact that G-d requires you to control your tongue, it's a win-win proposition!
]]>
On another note, I have been reading a daily selection of this book for around 6 months. I would challenge other Noahides to do the same. If for only purely practical purposes, if you cut down on the amount of time you spend gossiping, complaining, or making idle chatter, you will be amazed at how much extra time you have for more productive work in your life. Add that to the fact that G-d requires you to control your tongue, it's a win-win proposition!
]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=321 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:36:24 +0000 sodergard]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=321
Can I do what the notes told me not to do? I did pray to HaShem to show His will through the notes. Can I disobey them?]]>
Can I do what the notes told me not to do? I did pray to HaShem to show His will through the notes. Can I disobey them?]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=294 Tue, 05 May 2009 13:39:21 +0000 greengirl47]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=294
Does G-d actually love me?

I used to feel so close to Him, and I experienced Him consciously in every facet of my life. I rarely worried about anything, because I knew that whatever happened, He and His infinite love were behind it. I experienced indescribable inner transformation because of my connection to Him.

This was before I knew about Noachism and Judaism. Although some aspects of my life have been greatly enhanced by Torah's teachings, others teachings have proven to be a stumbling block in my relationship with G-d. Because I felt close to Him before *without* the medium of Torah, and it seems that a person can only be close to Him *through* Torah, was I just attaching to kelippah that made me feel good? Or was I truly connected to Him? The thought that it was anything other than G-d Himself is truthfully devastating to me.

I also struggle with statements that either outright say or imply that G-d hates some people(s) and loves others. I can't see what the point of human beings is if most humans are not Jews or righteous gentiles, and the concept seems to be that G-d therefore does not love them. What happens to everyone else?

Thank you for your time.]]>
Does G-d actually love me?

I used to feel so close to Him, and I experienced Him consciously in every facet of my life. I rarely worried about anything, because I knew that whatever happened, He and His infinite love were behind it. I experienced indescribable inner transformation because of my connection to Him.

This was before I knew about Noachism and Judaism. Although some aspects of my life have been greatly enhanced by Torah's teachings, others teachings have proven to be a stumbling block in my relationship with G-d. Because I felt close to Him before *without* the medium of Torah, and it seems that a person can only be close to Him *through* Torah, was I just attaching to kelippah that made me feel good? Or was I truly connected to Him? The thought that it was anything other than G-d Himself is truthfully devastating to me.

I also struggle with statements that either outright say or imply that G-d hates some people(s) and loves others. I can't see what the point of human beings is if most humans are not Jews or righteous gentiles, and the concept seems to be that G-d therefore does not love them. What happens to everyone else?

Thank you for your time.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=342 Sun, 03 May 2009 11:49:26 +0000 Joachim ben Noach]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=342
I have heard mentioned, by proper Rabbis, these two things,

That the Chofetz Chaim recently came to a certain Tzaddik in his dreams, telling him that Mashiach is coming very soon, and the Tzaddik was urged in those dreams to spread the word; and that according to the holy Zohar, the time period in which the Resurrection of the Dead will take place is to begin 17 years from now.

Perhaps these are well known to you, and I wonder what one is to think of these things, seeing as these specifically were not insincere speculation.

(Of course I hope and pray Mashiach come much sooner, this moment!)

Thank you.]]>
I have heard mentioned, by proper Rabbis, these two things,

That the Chofetz Chaim recently came to a certain Tzaddik in his dreams, telling him that Mashiach is coming very soon, and the Tzaddik was urged in those dreams to spread the word; and that according to the holy Zohar, the time period in which the Resurrection of the Dead will take place is to begin 17 years from now.

Perhaps these are well known to you, and I wonder what one is to think of these things, seeing as these specifically were not insincere speculation.

(Of course I hope and pray Mashiach come much sooner, this moment!)

Thank you.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=247 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:30:52 +0000 Joachim ben Noach]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=247
Should Gentiles refrain from visiting Torah websites on the seventh day?

Also, I choose not to purchase Torah books on that day, as a Jew may not do business on the Sabbath. Is this sound?

- Thank you very much -]]>
Should Gentiles refrain from visiting Torah websites on the seventh day?

Also, I choose not to purchase Torah books on that day, as a Jew may not do business on the Sabbath. Is this sound?

- Thank you very much -]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=261 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:16:12 +0000 sodergard]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=261 https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=151 Sun, 11 May 2008 14:47:18 +0000 PlasticMan]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=151 https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=136 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:03:13 +0000 Ara]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=136
I was wondering, does anyone know if the "Satan" is the
"Evil Inclination"? Also does the "E.I." know what we are thinking,
or does it know our weaknesses by watching how we act?
Another thought: if the Satan isnt the E.I., is the E.I. an entity
like the Satan, or is it just our own thoughts that try and tempt us to sin?
Thank you for helping! ^_^
Ara]]>
I was wondering, does anyone know if the "Satan" is the
"Evil Inclination"? Also does the "E.I." know what we are thinking,
or does it know our weaknesses by watching how we act?
Another thought: if the Satan isnt the E.I., is the E.I. an entity
like the Satan, or is it just our own thoughts that try and tempt us to sin?
Thank you for helping! ^_^
Ara]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=1850 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 21:16:55 +0000 oceanoah]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=1850 I want to know, as a Noahide what is the best thing to be done by a Noahide, as to prayers and activites and the exact date which it begins. Thank you very much.]]> I want to know, as a Noahide what is the best thing to be done by a Noahide, as to prayers and activites and the exact date which it begins. Thank you very much.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=79 Sat, 11 Aug 2007 20:21:15 +0000 bdschuh]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=79
Is the law of Noah contained in the law of Moses? Like a subset of laws within a larger set of laws?

I have counted ten laws in the law of Noah that do not fit easily in the 613 mitzvot. Some of the ten are not to be found at all, like the prohibiton against eating human flesh. Others of the ten are only part of a law, such as the law of Moses says not to strike anyone without a court order, whereas the law of Noah simply says not to strike a Jew.

If the law of Moses does not contain the law of Noah, then where do I find the scriptural basis for the law of Noah?

G-d bless,

Brian D. Schuh]]>
Is the law of Noah contained in the law of Moses? Like a subset of laws within a larger set of laws?

I have counted ten laws in the law of Noah that do not fit easily in the 613 mitzvot. Some of the ten are not to be found at all, like the prohibiton against eating human flesh. Others of the ten are only part of a law, such as the law of Moses says not to strike anyone without a court order, whereas the law of Noah simply says not to strike a Jew.

If the law of Moses does not contain the law of Noah, then where do I find the scriptural basis for the law of Noah?

G-d bless,

Brian D. Schuh]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=145 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:30:37 +0000 Rabbi Immanuel Schochet]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=145 https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=32 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 14:34:46 +0000 ProudNoachide]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=32 If a Jewish person (and/or an Israeli) asks me if I am Jewish or if I am converting to Judaism, how do I tell or explain to him or her that I am a Noahide Chassid in a way that he or she will understand? When I did it before, I got blank looks.
Thank you!]]> If a Jewish person (and/or an Israeli) asks me if I am Jewish or if I am converting to Judaism, how do I tell or explain to him or her that I am a Noahide Chassid in a way that he or she will understand? When I did it before, I got blank looks.
Thank you!]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=8 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 05:24:57 +0000 oceanoah]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=8 I wanted to know if following of the Seven Laws of Noah, and Torah education for ethics and spirituality considering the non-Jews, is a religion or a movement? Thank you.]]> I wanted to know if following of the Seven Laws of Noah, and Torah education for ethics and spirituality considering the non-Jews, is a religion or a movement? Thank you.]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=292 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:30:01 +0000 Director Michael]]> https://www.asknoah.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=292 Randy Wrote:My question is, can the promises in the second part of the Shema (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) noting the statement in Deuteronomy 11:2 "And know ye this day; for I speak not with your children that have not known, and that have not seen the chastisement of the L-RD your G-d, His greatness, His mighty hand, and His outstretched arm" does this statement apply only to gentiles or to all Jews and can one abstractly assume that if one does what is outlined in Deuteronomy 11:13-21 that one, regardless of heritage, could reasonably assume to receive the same promises? And can these promises abstractly be assumed to what they seem to imply that if you do good, good will come to you and if you do bad that bad will come to you or are these statements to be considered exactly literal?

I often wonder how much is literal to specific people in a specific time in a specific place and how much is guidelines and not actual rules? What promises and actions are to whom?
The verses Deut. 11:12-21 are G-d's message exclusively to Jews, which can be readily seen from the fact that within these verses there are seven positive Jewish mitzvot commanded, which are not commanded upon Gentiles, and it also mentions the eternal covenant of G-d's gift of the Land of Israel to the Jews, as He swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The promises in these verses of miraculous Divine blessings for the bounty of the Land of Israel apply during a time of Divine favor and redemption for the Jews, when they are serving G-d properly in the Land of Israel. This was experienced somewhat during the 40 splendorous years of the reign of King Solomon. This will be fully realized during the Messianic Era, may it come very speedily.

The fact that the principle of "if you do good, good will come to you, and if you do bad, bad will come to you," is universal for all mankind is not based on these verses. It happens to be the 11th of the 13 Foundations of Torah Faith, as enumerated by Maimonides (Rambam). He cites the source verses:

-------------------
The Eleventh Foundation is that G-d, blessed be He, gives reward to one who obeys the commandments of the Torah and punishes one who violates its prohibitions. The greatest reward is the World to Come, and the greatest punishment is kareis (spiritual excision, "cutting off" [of the soul]). We have already said enough on this topic [earlier in the Commentary]. The verse which teaches this foundation is [when Moses says to G-d], "And now, if you will forgive their sin; and if not, please remove me [from Your book which You have written]" to which G-d responds, "...Whoever has sinned against Me, him will I blot from My book" (Exodus 32:32-33). This indicates that He knows the servant and the sinner, to give reward to this one and punishment to the other.
-------------------]]> Randy Wrote:My question is, can the promises in the second part of the Shema (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) noting the statement in Deuteronomy 11:2 "And know ye this day; for I speak not with your children that have not known, and that have not seen the chastisement of the L-RD your G-d, His greatness, His mighty hand, and His outstretched arm" does this statement apply only to gentiles or to all Jews and can one abstractly assume that if one does what is outlined in Deuteronomy 11:13-21 that one, regardless of heritage, could reasonably assume to receive the same promises? And can these promises abstractly be assumed to what they seem to imply that if you do good, good will come to you and if you do bad that bad will come to you or are these statements to be considered exactly literal?

I often wonder how much is literal to specific people in a specific time in a specific place and how much is guidelines and not actual rules? What promises and actions are to whom?
The verses Deut. 11:12-21 are G-d's message exclusively to Jews, which can be readily seen from the fact that within these verses there are seven positive Jewish mitzvot commanded, which are not commanded upon Gentiles, and it also mentions the eternal covenant of G-d's gift of the Land of Israel to the Jews, as He swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The promises in these verses of miraculous Divine blessings for the bounty of the Land of Israel apply during a time of Divine favor and redemption for the Jews, when they are serving G-d properly in the Land of Israel. This was experienced somewhat during the 40 splendorous years of the reign of King Solomon. This will be fully realized during the Messianic Era, may it come very speedily.

The fact that the principle of "if you do good, good will come to you, and if you do bad, bad will come to you," is universal for all mankind is not based on these verses. It happens to be the 11th of the 13 Foundations of Torah Faith, as enumerated by Maimonides (Rambam). He cites the source verses:

-------------------
The Eleventh Foundation is that G-d, blessed be He, gives reward to one who obeys the commandments of the Torah and punishes one who violates its prohibitions. The greatest reward is the World to Come, and the greatest punishment is kareis (spiritual excision, "cutting off" [of the soul]). We have already said enough on this topic [earlier in the Commentary]. The verse which teaches this foundation is [when Moses says to G-d], "And now, if you will forgive their sin; and if not, please remove me [from Your book which You have written]" to which G-d responds, "...Whoever has sinned against Me, him will I blot from My book" (Exodus 32:32-33). This indicates that He knows the servant and the sinner, to give reward to this one and punishment to the other.
-------------------]]>