Friday, July 10, 2009

Co-Religionists


For the past two thousand years, various religious groups have been proselytizing to the Jews, telling them what their religious duty should be. The Jews, by contrast, have never actively sought converts to their own religion.

Perhaps this is why, few people realize, that Judaism too has something to say, about what should be the religious duty, of the non‑Jewish peoples of the world.

The doctrine of the Seven Noahide Commandments, brings the Jewish idea of unity, to the world. In fact, the very idea of unity in religion, originated with Judaism.

Whoever has this concept other than the Jews, got it from the Jews.[1] And when we speak of unity, we mean both the unity of G-d, and the unity of mankind. The unity of G-d means, monotheism; and the unity of mankind means, a world in which all people come to G-d, in peace and harmony.
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All the religions of the world, other than Judaism, approach the idea of unity with the precept, "Believe, as we believe, and the world will be one." This approach has never worked. Judaism approaches unity, from an entirely different perspective. It teaches, that there are two paths, not just one.[2]

One path is yours. The other one is mine. You travel yours and I will travel mine; and herein will be found true unity: the one G-d, is found on both paths, because the one G-d gave us both. The Noahide laws define the path, that G-d gave to the non‑Jewish peoples of the world.[3]
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The Seven Noahide Commandments comprise the most ancient of all religious doctrines, for they were given to Adam, the First Man, on the day of his creation.[4]

Wondrously, the Seven Noahide Commandments remain the newest, and most uncharted, of all religious doctrines. Humanity has managed to keep them new, by ignoring them throughout history.

But now, in these latter days, when the footsteps of the Moshiach can be heard, by all who will listen closely; the Seven Noahide Com­mandments must finally be studied and observed, by all the people of all the nations.
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The word commandment is a translation of the Hebrew word Mitzvah, which also means "connection." By observing G-d's commandments, a person becomes connected with G-d's infinite will and wisdom, and thereby elicits a G-dly light, which shines onto his or her soul. This G-dly light is eternal, and in it, the soul earns eternal reward.


By observing the Seven Noahide Commandments, a Gentile fulfills the purpose of his creation, and receives a share of the World to Come; the blessed spiritual world, of the righteous.
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The non‑Jewish nations of the world, have a unique and specific, spiritual role in the world, one that is exceedingly exalted. The Children of Noah are co‑religionists, of the Children of Israel.

Together, we are peaceful partners, striving to perfect the world, and thereby give G-d satis­faction. By viewing oneself as a Noahide, a Gentile becomes like the Jew, in that, he is a member of a people, whose peoplehood (not just his religion) is synonymous, with its relationship to G-d.

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