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Noahide Journey Q&A

Is any preparation necessary for the adoption of the Pledge?

Question: Is any preparation necessary for the adoption of the Pledge? Is there a minimum amount of study a person must do before making the Pledge?

Answer: Of course, a person must understand what he declares, understand the Torah and Jewish tradition, and realize what obligations he takes upon himself. Halacha leaves all these questions to the discretion of the particular Beth Din. So far, there is no generally accepted opinion on the issue of the “necessary minimum of studies.” We count on the fact that today, at the initial stage of the Noahide movement, when only people who have passed a long period of their reflection join the movement, all the candidates know the basic ideas of Judaism and the concept of Bnei Noah; However, in the future, perhaps, such a minimum will need to be formalized. We recommend that you get acquainted with the special section ‘7 Commandments.

Following this response, we offer a short course that provides the necessary knowledge and tools to study Noahisem and how to make a personal declaration.

For more info. click here

What is the meaning of the Bnei Noah Pledge?

Answer: The Pledge recognizes the Divine source of the Torah of Moses and its interpretation in the Jewish tradition. This recognition is what obligates Noahides to observe the Seven Commandments. Furthermore, making such a declaration is a self-commitment towards the Creator of the world, acknowledging that you accept the yoke of His kingship upon yourself, thereby drawing closer to the Creator of the world.

Why is the official recognition of a person as a Noahide, in the face of the Jewish religious court?

Question: Why is the official recognition of a person as a Ben Noah  (i.e., “The Pledge of Noahide’s” in the face of the Beth Din – the Jewish religious court)? To my mind,  the observation of the 7 Commandments, having belief in the heart, love for neighbors, and doing good for people are more important. Why is such a formal action as the Pledge necessary? As for me, it will be an external form that is not relevant.

Answer: Your question is very important—especially for people who are used to thinking critically throughout their lives, who are individualists in their lifestyles, and who avoid all things in which “officiation”  can appear.

No doubt, the observance of the  Commandments, a belief in the heart, a love for one's neighbors and performing good for people are the most important. But ‘to be the most important’ does not mean that nothing else is needed. That’s why we believe that “The Pledge of Bnei Noah” is very important – in one’s personal plan, in one’s social status, and in one's influence on the world.

Namely:

1. The declaration changes the identity of a person. For most people, a publicly and officially stated position has a more severe impact on their self-identification than an internal decision on its own.

2. According to Jewish tradition, “he who observes what he owes has greater merit before Heaven than he who observes what he does not owe” (Talmud, Bava Kamma, 38а). Often, we think vice versa – that he who does more than he owes is more worthy than if it were his obligation – but Jewish tradition believes otherwise. “Voluntary observance without obligation is often easier for a person than doing what he must do; to keep an obligation is more difficult. But the influence of such a person who “not only does but pledged to do” on the world is more significant because the observation of one’s obligations lies at the basis of the proper development of mankind.

3. The Pledge changes one’s personal status in the eyes of the Torah. According to Maimonides, only a Ben Noah who accepts the Pledge may observe additional commandments not included in the seven obligatory commandments. It is derived from the principle: observation of the obligatory precedes over the voluntary. .

4. The Pledge alters one’s personal status about the Jewish people. It means fully joining the Torah and the Jewish people. That’s why a Ben Noah who accepts the Pledge becomes a member of the religious society. Accordingly, Judaism requires the Jewish people and their representatives to assist such a person in their studies, observance, and religious advancement.

5. Accepting the Pledge creates the natural Noahide movement in the world. The existence of such a movement has a significant impact on the world. In this way, our world can learn about the opportunity to be Bnei Noah. This is why it’s essential for the movement to be socially explicit. For this purpose, the acceptance of the Pledge is very significant.

For further information, Explaining the matter thoroughly from a different angle: Click Here!

Noahide Life Q&A

Birthday- Jewish or Gregorian?

Question: According to what calendar will be preferable for Bnei Noah to celebrate their birthday – Jewish or Gregorian?

Answer: There is no specific commandment to celebrate the date of birth, so we can’t answer this question from the point of view of “what God wants from us.”

If Ben Noah has relatives with whom he wants to celebrate his birthday, and for them, the Gregorian date is more habitual, then he can celebrate the birthday according to the Gregorian date.

observing Shabbat?

Question: Hi, Ive heard its forbidden for Noahides to observe the shabbat. Is it, though, allowed to respect it? For example, someone has a bad habit and refrains from that bad habit on Shabbat to respect it. Let's say refraining from smoking or other unhealthy habits on Shabbat in light of having respect for that day. Kind regards, Gideon.

Answer: Dear Gideon, Greetings from Jerusalem! I am clarifying some information for you regarding the observance of Shabbat. While some influential Rabbis have stated that Noahides can keep a full Shabbat, it is not recommended.
However, it's important to note that the reason we honor Shabbat is related to God's world creation (he created the whole world, not only Jews...), which is mentioned in the Ten Commandments. This is not just for Jewish people, so you can take action to honor the Shabbat.
For example, consider organizing a special meal with your family, learning some Torah, or disconnecting from your cellphone. These are all ways to show respect for Shabbat's significance.
You can see more in our book Brit Shalom


I hope this information helps—best wishes from Jerusalem.
Sincerely,
Chaim

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