Unlike some religions that mandate conversion or violence, Judaism focuses on teaching the “Seven Noahide Laws” to non-Jews, which emphasises love and respect for all people.

Judaism has a unique idea: everyone can have a share in the Olam HaBah (World to Come) by seeking God (Hashem).

The Torah, which contains God’s laws for both the Jewish people and humanity, never commands the killing or conversion, God forbid, of non-Jews. Instead, it teaches the importance of educating everyone about the Seven Noahide Laws. Rav Chaim Vital, in Shaarei Kedusha, emphasizes that Jews must love non-Jews that follow these basic laws as well.

In Noah’s time, humanity’s morality hit rock bottom, leading God to cleanse the Earth with a flood. Noah and his family survived in an ark, and afterward, they were given seven fundamental laws to guide humanity. Now, this was not a normal flood, it was not a normal ark and there are many Kabbalistic secrets to it.

These laws are meant to ensure a moral and orderly society, both physically and spiritually.

The Seven Noahide Laws:

1. The prohibition against idolatry (Not to deny Hashem)
2. The prohibition against blaspheming Hashem
3. The prohibition against sexual immorality (includes homosexuality, bestiality, adultery and necrophilia)
4. The prohibition of murder
5. The prohibition of theft
6. The obligation to establish fair courts of justice
7. The prohibition to eat the limb from a live animal

These laws form the foundation for a healthy and moral society. They were initially given to Adam and Eve and reiterated to Noah, with the seventh law added after the flood as part of the Covenant of the Rainbow. This covenant symbolizes God’s promise never to flood the Earth again and His willingness to accept sincere repentance.

The rainbow also serves as a reminder of God’s glory and the Seven Noahide Laws. Following these laws honors God and ensures spiritual and physical well-being. Although simple in number, these laws branch into many detailed directives.

Interestingly enough, Joseph Unwyn conducted a study called “sex and culture” through 80 primitive tribes and six known civilizations through 5,000 years of history.  He claimed there was a positive correlation between the cultural achievement of a people and the sexual restraint they observe.

After the flood, there was a need to reaffirm these commandments at Mount Sinai, where God revealed Himself to the Jewish people. This event solidified the Torah and the Noahide Code, ensuring they would be preserved for future generations. The Torah includes both the written and oral traditions, providing a comprehensive guide for living a righteous life.

What do the Noahide Laws mean for non-Jews?

Basically, following the Noahide Laws is a way to achieve a place in the World to Come. It’s not about forcing these laws on others but educating them about their importance.

Observing these laws leads to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God.

There’s a principle from the Zohar that Rachmana Liba Ba’ei (“Hashem desires the heart”), and nothing is more praiseworthy than the elevation achieved by one’s own free will, provided one is really honest about it and not trying to “cheat the system.” The Noahides (those who accept the seven laws) have a special place in Olam HaBah and a huge merit. They are called “Bnei Noach” in Hebrew, which means “Sons of Noach,” like the ones who were spared from the flood on account of their righteousness.

However, don’t be deceived: it might seem an “easy” and trivial task because there are only “seven” of them. Following them is no small or easy task. Moreover, as was written before, the Noahide Laws are also divided into many complementary laws included in them. These make up the basis for all spiritual ascension of non-Jews. After the basics are reached, more can be added later. It should be noted that these laws are not an end in themselves but a means of gaining greater and greater perception of Hashem and transforming one’s life for the better.

By the way, the Talmud teaches that the rainbow is reminiscent of God’s glory, which has all the colors. The lesson here is that a non-Jew who follows these seven laws brings honor and glory to God.

The Covenant of the Rainbow has another inner meaning as well: it was God’s promise that He would always accept a person’s sincere personal repentance if it was directed to Him. From that point on, God endowed mankind with the ability to seek and gain His forgiveness, and with this, He ensured that a person’s freedom to choose good includes the strength to prevail over animalistic and self-centered desires.

In the Talmud, Rabbi Meir would say: ‘From where is it derived that even a non-Jew who engages in Torah study is considered like a High Priest? It is derived from that which is stated: “[You shall therefore keep My laws and My decrees,] which if a man does he shall live by them” (Vayikra 18:5). Priests, Levites or Israelites are not specified, but rather “a man,” which indicates mankind in general. You have therefore learned that even a non-Jew who engages in Torah study is considered like a High Priest.’”

The reference is to a non-Jew who engages in the study of their seven mitzvot.

And here’s something crazy: if we, Jew and non-Jews could have a glimpse of the rewards a non-Jew would get in the future just for observing these 7 Mitzvot, we’d go insane.

Rabbi Moshe Weiner’s book, “The Divine Code,” is an excellent resource for understanding these laws in detail. It’s accessible and well-explained, available on Amazon.

Remember, following the Noahide Laws isn’t just a task—it’s a path to spiritual elevation and a better life. It’s a personal choice that brings immense blessings and aligns one with divine principles.