Hello and blessings. We continue the study of the book Brit Shalom, and here we are in the laws of “You shall not murder,” in the laws of bloodshed, chapter five. Here we move from paragraph 26 onward to proper conduct.
In other words, there are several behaviors that are customary among the children of Israel as a mitzvah (commandment) but are not included in the commandments for the descendants of Noah. However, it is very, very commendable to follow them, because they are part of natural morality. Here are some of them:
Some forbid castration—that is, preventing procreation. Castration of a male, whether human or animal, is forbidden for the descendants of Noah. In the Talmud, there is indeed an opinion that says a Noahide is not allowed to engage in castration. This could, therefore, affect the livelihood of many veterinarians who perform castration on animals.
However, this opinion is not universally accepted. That is, a matter that is disputed among the sages of Israel in the Talmud cannot be imposed on a Noahide to follow one opinion, since there is also an opinion that permits it. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to take it into consideration. That is, if a person can refrain from performing castration—whether of a human or a male animal—this is certainly a great virtue.
Similarly, in paragraph 27, natural morality obligates saving a fellow person in danger. If I see someone drowning in the sea or a river, or someone at risk of being harmed by a falling object, then among the children of Israel there is a commandment: “Do not stand by the blood of your neighbor.” This commandment was not repeated for the descendants of Noah. But it is clear that a person with a healthy natural conscience should do everything possible to save a fellow human being.
