The Necessary Laws of Noah

At the dawn of human history, G-d gave man seven rules to follow, in order that His world be sustained. As is recounted in the Book of Genesis and in the Talmud.

There will come a time, our sages told us, that the children of Noah will be prepared to return to this path. That will be the beginning of a new world, a world of wisdom and peace.
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At the heart of this universal moral code is the acknowledgement, that morality - indeed, civilization itself - must be predicated on the belief in G-d.

Unless we recognize a Higher Power, to whom we are responsible, and who observes and knows our actions; we will not transcend the selfishness of our character, and the subjectivity of our intellect.

If man himself is the final arbiter of right and wrong, then "right", for him or her, will be what they desire, regardless of its consequences to the other inhabitants of earth.
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At Mount Sinai, G-d charged the Children of Israel to serve as His "Light unto the nations", by bringing all of humanity, to a recognition of their Creator, and adherence to His laws.

For most of Jewish history however, circumstance did not permit our people to spread these principles, other than by indirect means.

In 1986 The Lubavitcher Rebbe began speaking, about publicizing them, as a preparation for a new era.
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What is most beautiful about these laws, is that they resonate equally in Africa or in India, in Moscow or in America. They are guidelines: firm, reliable and comprehensive - a base, upon which each people, and every person, may build.

"The Seven Noahide Laws", are a sacred inheritance, of all the children of Noah; one that every person on the face of the earth, can use as the basis of his or her spiritual, moral and pragmatic life.

If enough of us will begin to incorporate these laws into our lives, we will see a different world very soon.
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THE 7 LAWS
1. Acknowledge that there is only one G-d, who is Infinite and Supreme above all things.
Do not worship finite idols - be it yourself or other beings - in place of the Supreme Being.

This command includes such acts as, prayer, study and meditation.

2. Respect the Creator.

As frustrated and angry as one may be, do not vent it, by cursing The Creator.

3. Respect human life.

Every human being, is an entire world. To save a life, is to save that entire world. To destroy a life, is to destroy an entire world.
To help others live, is a corollary of this principle.

4. Respect the institution of marriage.

Marriage is a most Divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman, is a reflection, of the oneness of G-d and His creation. Disloyalty in marriage, is an assault on that oneness.

5. Respect the rights and property of others.

Be honest in all your business dealings. By relying on G-d, rather than on our own conniving, we express our trust in Him, as the Provider of Life.

6. Respect G-d's creatures.

At first, Man was forbidden to consume meat.
After the Great Flood, he was permitted - but with a warning: Do not cause unnecessary suffering to any creature.

7. Maintain justice.

Justice is G-d's business, but we are given the charge, to lay down necessary laws, and enforce them whenever we can.

When we right the wrongs of society, we are acting as partners, in the act of sustaining Creation.