Concept concerning the requirements of “shiurim”
Continuation of Chapter Two of “Brit Shalom”, now reaching paragraph 8 in the principles of halakha.
Here, we encounter an interesting concept concerning the requirements of “shiurim” (quantitative measures) in commandments. Let’s explain the intent here.
For example, the Torah states: "And you shall eat, and be satisfied, and bless the Lord your God." If a person eats and feels satisfied, there is a commandment of “Birkat Hamazon” (Grace After Meals) to thank the Holy One, Blessed be He. But how is satisfaction defined—at what point is one considered “satisfied” and thus obligated to recite the blessing? Jewish law specifies that a person must consume an amount of food equal to the size of an egg; less than this amount does not constitute “satisfaction,” while an amount equivalent to an egg or more does.
What about Noahides? Are they bound by these specific quantitative measures in Jewish law? And there are many such measures. The answer is that Noahides are not obligated to adhere to these measures.
Similarly, in determining the age at which a person becomes obligated in commandments, Jewish law specifies age 13. For people of other nations, however, this is determined by the emotional and physical maturity of the child.
Thus, the law here becomes clear: quantitative measures used in Jewish commandments, such as the size of an olive or an egg, do not apply to Noahides. This is something unique to the Jewish people and is not obligatory for Noahides. Based on this, we can also understand that a young Noahide child is exempt from these commandments. In other words, a young child cannot be held accountable for not observing Noahide commandments. But until what age? That age is determined by the society in which the child is raised.
