The Jewish Nation
2 min read
The Torah is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not.
The Jewish idea is that the Torah of Moses is a truth for all humanity, whether Jewish or not. The Torah (as explained in the Talmud - Sanhedrin 58b) presents seven mitzvot for non-Jews to observe. These seven laws are the pillars of human civilization, and are named the "Seven Laws of Noah," since all humans are descended from Noah. They are:
Maimonides explains that any human being who faithfully observes these laws earns a proper place in heaven. So you see, the Torah is for all humanity, no conversion necessary.
As well, when King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, he specifically asked God to heed the prayer of non-Jews who come to the Temple (1-Kings 8:41-43). The Temple was the universal center of spirituality, which the prophet Isaiah referred to as a "house for all nations." The service in the Holy Temple during the week of Sukkot featured a total of 70 bull offerings, corresponding to each of the 70 nations of the world. In fact, the Talmud says if the Romans would have realized how much they were benefiting from the Temple, they never would have destroyed it!
Today, there are many active groups of non-Jews called "B'nai Noach" who faithfully observe the Seven Laws of Noah.
There is an excellent book on the topic:
"The Path of the Righteous Gentile"
by Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky
See also:
"The Real Messiah: A Jewish Response to Missionaries"
by Aryeh Kaplan
And:
"The Rainbow Covenant"
by Michael Dallen
After reading your Aish article, The 7 Noachide Laws, a question came to mind. You stated, “The Torah (as explained in the Talmud - (Sanhedrin 58b) presents seven mitzvot for non-Jews to observe.”
Sanhedrin 58 b says, “(Genesis 20:12). By inference, the daughter of the mother of a descendant of Noah is forbidden to him. The Gemara rejects this proof: But how can you understand that Sarah was Abraham’s sister?”
I would greatly appreciate the meaning of Abraham and his sister being born gentiles and were, therefore, under the 7 Noachide laws. Also, I am struggling with locating the written Torah references to the 7 Noachide laws.
Many thanks for considering my lack of knowledge.