Common sense and natural morality
Continuation of Chapter Two of “Brit Shalom”.
Here, we are engaged with the fundamental principles of the Noahide laws. For example, there are situations where one must heed the words of prophets. If the Holy One, Blessed be He, reveals Himself to individuals, they are obligated to listen to the prophet.
However, there are not always prophets. There is also what is known as common sense and natural morality. Here is the fourth principle – all commandments that are obligated by natural morality, common sense, and proper conduct are also binding upon Noahides.
For instance, honoring parents, respecting elders – these and similar acts are not included in the list of the seven Noahide commandments, but they are obligatory for people by virtue of natural morality, known as “derech eretz kadma laTorah” (proper behavior precedes the Torah).
Sometimes there is a desire to introduce various religious practices: prayers, sacrifices, or special holidays. So here arises the question – how should this be done? Here, I wrote: "Non-Jews should not institute new religious commandments for themselves from their own understanding without the approval of the sages of Israel." If we examine my words closely, I did not say "Noahides may not create new commandments," but rather, "non-Jews." For those who have not formally accepted the seven Noahide commandments before a court, we advise against forming a religious system without the guidance of the sages of Israel, as this could lead to serious moral deviations. However, if a Noahide wishes to introduce something, some of the sages of Israel allow him to do so.
Naturally, there are additional matters, such as improving the world. We build the world, and technological advancements contribute to its development, including technological progress, the broadening of knowledge, moral elevation, and concern for the integrity of creation. For example, ecology and environmental quality are important aspects of the Divine will for the world. It is crucial to advance science and anything that benefits humanity. This is part of fulfilling the Divine will, even if it is not formally commanded.
