Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page for The Seven Paths. Here we answer common inquiries about the Noahide Laws, the Seven Universal Principles, personal growth through ancient wisdom, and how these timeless ideas apply to everyday life. If your question isn’t covered yet, feel free to reach out via Contact—we’re happy to add it!
Question:
Why do Noahide Laws not command us to love your neighbour? Are loving neighbours not viewed positively by the Noahide community?
Answer:
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for getting in touch with us and asking such a great question. We appreciate your allowing us to share this conversation publicly. The answer to it is rather simple. The tradition teaches us that we should follow the golden rule of “not doing to others what is hateful to you”. This is a very practical rule. If we base it on the Noahide laws of:
Oneness (including appreciation of being created in the likeness of the Almighty)
No cursing ( including respectful attitude)
Guarding life (including the dignity of others)
Not stealing (including respecting the property of your neighbour)
This will provide you with the practical basic rules of the action towards your neighbour. On the other hand, the call to “love your neighbour” is rather vague and philosophical. If you are asking the reasons, let’s try to define love. Each person has their own definition of it. This is the result of different experiences, preferences, kinds of relationships and so on. Especially complicating when we are talking about our neighbours (who might block your driveway or say play loud music or complain about your music). There would be a rather complicated way to resolve it. Furthermore, the very definition of neighbour is a complicated one. For example, people in our street say a few doors down. Strictly speaking, they are not our neighbours anymore. We still have to have some guiding rules on our behaviour towards them. Hopefully, this short answer has shed some light. More than happy to provide more sources and continue our conversation.
Question:
What exactly are the 7 Noahide Laws?
Answer:
The 7 Noahide laws are stated in the Bible as instructions to Adam (the first man) and finalised as instructions given to Noah after the flood waters receded. For everyone interested in the source of each law, here we go:
- Do not worship a false deity (Genesis 2:16)
- Do not commit blasphemy (Leviticus 24:10-17)*
- Do not commit murder (Genesis 9:5-6)
- Do not have forbidden sexual relationships (Genesis 2:24 and Genesis 19:29-36)
- Do not commit theft (Genesis 2:16)
- Do not eat flesh from a living animal (Genesis 9:4)
- Establish courts of justice (Genesis 9:6)
It’s important to keep in mind that Noah was the first person allowed to consume meat for food. Therefore, there are more laws required than just the laws given to Adam.
*Notice that this law is given later on in the Bible. The reason behind it is the way the Bible describes the person violating the law – simply “the man”. Therefore, this law is applicable to everyone.- Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that these universal laws serve as a headline to the code of conduct to keep our society as civilized one.
Question:
Do people need to convert to Judaism, or is keeping the 7 Laws enough?
Answer:
The 7 Noahide laws are given to humanity as a whole. No conversion in or out of religion is required to keep them. Furthermore, many atheists and agnostic people are finding that keeping Noahide laws helps them to care for humanity, animals and the planet as a whole.
Overall, Judaism does not encourage conversion as we believe that every person has their own and very unique mission in this life. However, should anyone make a decision to convert to Judaism, this person is going to be welcomed and respected. Should you choose to discuss it
further, please contact your local Chabad house.
Question:
What happens if one breaks any of the Noahide Laws? Can they repent?
Answer:
We are all humans, which means that we are not perfect. Since we have free will, we might choose the wrong path. Generally speaking, we are talking in terms of missing the target rather than sin.
It is written that the gates of repentance are never closed. The real question we should ask ourselves is what does repentance look like? Generally speaking, you need to realise your mistake, consider better options and try to behave in a better manner next time you will have a
chance. Notice that it is not just talking about it, actual action is required. We refer to it as a positive impact action.
There are circumstances that are out of ordinary situations. Should you choose to provide more details, we will endeavour to provide you with more information.
Question:
How detailed are the Noahide Laws? Are there sub-rules or extensions?
Answer:
The 7 Noahide laws are more like headlines of the universal system of beliefs. The reason behind it is rather obvious – individual circumstances and stages of life are playing a very important role. Furthermore, the laws are intertwined in something similar to the safety net to
ensure the safety and prosperity to everyone.
There are volumes and volumes of discussions on the applications of each and every law. We, as regular people, do not need to know everything. If in doubt, we can consult specialists in the same way we consult lawyers should the need arise.
At this point, it is of utmost importance to stress that individually tailored advice should be provided by someone who is properly qualified to do so. In all of our discussions, we are providing general information only.
Question:
Can everyone study Torah (or more than just the Noahide parts)?
Answer:
The Five Books of Moses stories are studied all over the world and we will definitely encourage you to do so. Christianity calls it the Old Testament. Additionally, there are other religious texts and / or legends which will have stories similar to it. We refer to it as the Bible and Biblical
stories.
The Bible is written in Hebrew. This is the reason why we STRONGLY recommend having a proper translation of it and studying it with a qualified teacher. Stories are all intertwined and should be looked at as a whole.
Additionally, there are websites providing us with the comfort of proper translations of the Bible on our digital devices. Our recommendation is to use Chabad.org
Note of caution, beware of using some quick links of Kabbalah or other similar texts, as they are very complicated and should not be read without proper preparations.
Question:
Is there a formal ceremony, prayer, or declaration to become a Noahide?
Answer:
Strictly speaking, you can just decide to keep the laws as these are the laws that are given to all of humanity. You might want to commit to learn and study them before acceptance or you might choose to accept and study afterwards.
It is your path towards a more meaningful life.
However, as the interest in the Noahide laws are growing, there are even Noahide communities all over the world. Some of them are living next to each other, and others are just connected through the proper accredited teacher. It is critical to ensure that you are connected to the kosher teacher.
Question:
What does it practically mean to live as a Noahide day-to-day?
Answer:
In our everyday life, it is critical to acknowledge the reality of the Creation and ensure that you are doing your best to follow the laws as described while learning. Acts of kindness and goodness through positive impact action are going to become more and more important.
Everyone is going through their own unique journey and your growth will come from a quick reflection of all the blessings throughout the day. This attitude of gratitude will provide you with a unique growth opportunity.
It is not expected of you to change your diet or clothes at any given time. Although nuances of laws can be complicated depending on the situation, overall, it is easy to keep these laws, and we need to strive to create an opportunity to uphold them ourselves as well as encourage others to do so too.
Question:
Do the Noahide Laws include capital punishment today, or how are they enforced?
Answer:
The law of creating the court of justice is critical, and yes, it allows for capital punishment. The Bible will tell you about the circumstances when it is applicable. There were times when courts of justice existed. They were composed of 70 noble men and there were a lot of rules
applicable to the court.
For once, any court that had even one capital punishment every 70 years was considered to be cruel. Second, all the witnesses had to be of a good character and they could not have been observing the crime from the same angle. Third, if the case was unopposed to the capital punishment verdict – it was cancelled. Yes, cancelled if nobody could see something positive in the accused. Fourth, all the verdicts reading always started with the most junior judges and went on to the most senior, so nobody would be influenced by anyone’s authority.
As a conclusion, although capital punishment was a measure available to the equivalent of the highest court, it was very difficult to practically implement.
Question:
Are there rewards in this world, the Messianic era, or the afterlife for keeping the Laws?
Answer:
Since Noahides accept the concept of the afterlife, we are assuming that there are certain rewards and / or privileges in the afterlife. It is even more likely that reward will be in the world to come. However, we are encouraged to uphold the 7 Noahide laws not because of elusive
reward, but rather because they are given by our Creator.
Generally speaking, we are commanded to love only Him. As a result, we are going to follow His rules out of love for Him and fear to disappoint Him. If there is a possible reward, it is rather a bonus than a target of our behaviour.
With this attitude, we will learn to truly improve our humanity for the better. As our sages teach us that the reward for a good deed is actually a good deed itself.
Question:
Where can I learn more or find reliable sources/authority for Noahide observance?
Answer:
Our recommendation would be to get in touch with your local Chabad, and they will be either able to help or provide with a reliable teacher. They most likely will ask you a number of questions, and we will encourage you to be patient about it and answer as truthfully as possible.
One of the main reasons for it is trying to match you with the right teacher and / or program. After all, the process of growth is very personal.
Additionally, please understand that there are a large number of people who are far from able to provide you with authentic answers. If you need to use the internet for something, websites like AskNoah.org (with forums and FAQs), Chabad.org, Aish.com are reliable sources of information. You might be able to find groups affiliated with them. Just be cautious about unaffiliated experts as they might not be able or willing to provide you with authentic knowledge.
Question:
Why “Noahide” if they were given to Adam?
Answer:
Once we are familiar with the stories of the Bible, we realise that the majority of the laws were given to the first man. However, as we learn the history of the world, we are getting familiar with the story and reasons for the flood. We know that we are all the descendants of Noah. Therefore, the universal laws are to Noah’s descendants (thus the name). It might be fascinating to reflect on the knowledge of the rainbow covenant.
Question:
How do they differ from the Ten Commandments?
Answer:
Every human is created with the spark of the Divine. We all have our own unique mission in this life. The Creator in His infinite Wisdom made us all different – not only as a physical appearance, but He has given us our own personality and talents. To grow and apply these talents we have rules.
The Ten Commandments were given to the Jews. One of the most obvious points is the reference to leaving Egypt, where the Jewish nation was enslaved. Since the Five Books of Moses is an ultimate truth, we have to be honest that the experience is specific to the particular historical event of the Jewish nation. Similarly, the laws of observance of Shabbat are introduced too.
Additionally, since Jews observe kosher rules, the law of not eating the leg of the living animal is absolute. You see, the very idea of the kosher slaughter is to minimise the pain and suffering to the animal at all times. This includes things like ensuring that the animal was healthy and well looked after prior to the process, using a sharp knife to make the whole process as quick and possible as well as not shocking the animal (which prolongs the process) and much more.
However, since the rest of the nations did not experience this great exodus, they require a separate set of rules. As such, both wording and points are slightly different in this case. For example, reference to the exodus from Egypt is taken out, and the need to be compassionate
towards animals is added.
Question:
Is there a Noahide “Heaven”?
Answer:
The Bible rarely concerns itself with matters of the afterlife. After all, we are given the privilege of becoming co-creators of this world. Therefore, we happily and joyfully accept this mission and follow the universal rules (i.e Noahide laws) out of love and fear of the Almighty.
With this motivation, we will be able to do it selflessly and productively. That being said, there is a discussion about the world to come. This would be a world filled with the easily observable Glory of the Almighty. It is a strong opinion that everyone following the 7 Noahide Laws will merit a place in the world to come.
Question:
How is “Sexual Immorality” defined for a non-Jew?
Answer:
The Bible is a very realistic and practical description relevant to all aspects of our lives. Sexual drive is very strong and therefore a very particular set of rules is set. In a very particular (and sometimes confronting) set of rules we see the clear prohibition on adultery, incest,
bestiality and much more.
The rules that include rules of purity of marriage, false accusation, use of force, rape and much more require a qualified teacher. This is the point that simple “one line” selective reading can easily trigger arriving at the wrong conclusion. It is critical to understand that all the rules are intertwined and, in the examples above, will trigger certain actions under the “court of justice” laws.
Question:
What is the Noahide “Life Mission”? Beyond just “not doing bad things,” what is the positive goal?
Answer:
When we are talking about life missions, they are the same to everyone – Noahide or not. We should work and strive towards creating the ultimate civil society. Just like our appearances and talents are different, so is our impact. Following laws set by the Creator Himself will help us to achieve our goal in the fastest way available to us. This is the point and not doing bad things is just one of the vehicles to arrive at it.
It’s our free will (which is an ultimate gift from our Creator) that allows us to maximise our positive impact action as well as miss the target and everything in between. Learning rules will provide us with the clarity of mind and help us to become the best version of ourselves. This is
the universal reality.