The Origin of Modern Theology:

An Introduction to the Seven Laws of Noah

By: Rabbi Pinchas Robbie Taylor

for FLORIDA NOAHIDE SOCIETY-MIAMI AKA NOAHS HOUSE ***********************************************************************

INTRODUCTION TO THE SEVEN NOAHIDE LAWS

Throughout history man has sought to connect with G-d in the best way possible. Thousands of theologies, rites, and rituals have been established to reach the goal of cleaving to G-d; however, we must ask ourselves where it all began. One can easily see many moral similarities that exist between the worlds five major religions of today, so it only makes sense that there is one root of all their ideals. This root is G-d. The G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who created and continuously creates the world anew. In order for a person to cleave to G-d, one must obey Him alone. He created each individual for a unique purpose, and all people are naturally connected with Him because of the soul that He invests in our bodies. By following His commands, one can unite his/her G-d given soul with its source above and truly connect with his/her maker. In the Bible, everyone is familiar with the story of Noahs Ark. What most people are not aware of, though, is that G-d gave Noah seven laws to follow after flooding the world. The immorality of the generation of Noah was so horrible that G-d wanted to basically start over. Noah was righteous in his generation, so G-d made him the head paternal figure, who every person today is a direct descendant of. When the flood had ceased, Noah thanked G-d for having spared him and his immediate family. G-d and Noah established a covenant: G-d agreed to never flood the world again, and Noah agreed to accept the moral laws that G-d gave him. The rainbow exists as a reminder of this agreement. There are 7 colors of the rainbow, and 7 distinct commandments from G-d to follow. A covenant is an ETERNAL pact that doesnt change, so the Seven Noahide Laws are still in effect today. The prohibitions include refraining from idolatry, blasphemy, murder, sexual sins, stealing, eating a limb from a living beast (animal cruelty), and the positive command to establish courts of justice. Since Noah became the progenitor of all mankind, and we are all his descendants, we are responsible for upholding these statutes. By following these important edicts we are not only helping to perfect ourselves, but we also contribute to the rectification of the world. It doesnt take too much thought to notice, that these ideals can be agreed upon by every major religion that exists today, as a foundation of morality and civilized behavior that every person should adhere to. The purpose of this booklet and the seven laws in general, is not to start a new religion, G-d forbid; nor is it to snatch anyone away from the religious denomination that they currently feel apart of. The intent of this booklet is for all people to come to the clear realization that G-d is not a denomination. He doesnt belong to one more than the

other. He created each of us and shares a special connection to every individual as well. Each religion has developed rites and dogma styling for its particular sect, in some cases excluding those who arent apart of their particular faith; and in some cases condemning and converting all those who dont adhere to the same tenets as their religion. This is obviously wrong. People do things in the name of G-d, and think that makes it ok. People in general need to realize that each person has a unique purpose and special connection to the Creator; if this wasnt the case G-d would not have created this being. Humanity has a common source and a common G-d; and it is the intention of this booklet to allow all humanity to serve their common Father in Heaven, with one unified voice, by learning to follow the Seven Noahide Laws. I will turn all the nations to a clear language, that they may call upon the L-rd to serve him with one voice. (Zephaniah 3:9) ***********************************************************************

THE UNIQUE ROLES OF JEWS AND GENTILES

It is puzzling to many people, when they find out that the Jewish people do not seek converts. In fact, if someone wishes to convert to Judaism, he is turned away many times just to make sure he has the utmost sincerity and pure motives in changing. He then has to undergo years of study to make sure that this is truly what he wants, and only then is he able to convert. Many people are not up to the challenge of conversion, once they realize how much effort it takes to live by the 613 commandments listed in the Bible (which every Jew is responsible to abide by), and that is perfectly fine in the eyes of the Jewish people and the eyes of G-d. G-d created two groups of people; Jews and gentiles (non-Jews). In our society, different is a bad thing. It implies that one is better than the other or other such nonsense. Think of the world as a giant house of worship. A house of worship wouldnt last unless there was a congregation and a clergy. If their was only congregation or only clergy, the house of worship would not endure. In order to sustain the house worship each group (clergy and congregation) has to work together to serve G-d, while each playing different roles in the process. The job of humanity is to work together, using their unique roles, in order to make this world a dwelling place for the Divine Presence. The role of gentiles: Gentiles do this by following the Seven Noahide Laws. Youll probably notice, that if you strip your particular religion of its symbols, customs, rites, rituals, and other fancy things added by people to give it a certain flare, youre left with a basic moral code in which to live by. This moral code is encompassed in the Seven Noahide Laws. The majority of people today, who lead a moral life, follow the Seven Noahide Laws and dont even know it! The object is not to leave your religious traditions, but to realize and be constantly aware that the root of what you are following, is the Seven Laws of Noah that were commanded by G-d, for all humanity to keep.

Its whats on the inside that counts, is a common phrase that people love to say, but hate to follow. Religions, sects, denominations, dogma, rites, rituals, creeds, etc. can give people a moral outlook and stability; however, it takes a persons mind away from the big picture. The big picture in actuality, is realizing that G-d commanded the Seven Noahide Laws for all humanity to live by and it is the foundation of any so-called religion that claims to adhere to morality. The Seven Noahide Laws were given by G-d, and are the precepts that are necessary for a person to be deemed a righteous individual. When taking a step back and viewing the big picture, one will see the inside, and thats the only thing that counts. The role of Jews: While Jews are certainly obligated to keep G-ds code of moral behavior, they are also responsible for upholding commandments that arent necessarily associated with morality. ***You may have seen Jews walking the streets with white fringes hanging down from their shirts, and just thought that this was some tradition or custom. You thought in your mind, I wear some kind of religious garb in my religion, they wear something in theirs. The difference is, in the case of the Jew, this is a commandment from G-d to the Jewish people in the Bible (Numbers 15:37-41). ***Or maybe youve seen Jews praying with little boxes on their arm and head, or seen a scroll-like box attached to a Jewish home or business. Again, you probably thought to yourself, We have traditional symbols in my faith too. If this is the case, then again you failed to see that this is a command from G-d to the Jewish people in the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

These are just a few examples of common things that people may have seen and disregarded as a mere tradition, but the list goes on and on. There are 613 commandments in the Bible that G-d specifically commands the Jews alone to follow. These commandments and rituals were not created by man, as is the case with most rituals and ceremonies performed by the worlds religions of today. The proof of this, is that for EVERY Jewish commandment and symbol there is a direct and exact source in the Bible itself. Dont be thrown off, and think that your job is insignificant because there are 7 commands for the gentile and 613 for the Jew. G-d is the One who instructed these laws, and quite frankly He knows what Hes doing. He made us and knows what each one of us is capable of. Quantity isnt important, but the quality of the effect that one makes on the world when following G-ds commands, is very important. In addition, The Seven Noahide Laws are broken up into sub-categories and laws of their own. They can amount to hundreds of sub-headings to follow. The objective of this booklet is to point out some of those major sub-categories and help give a better understanding of what the Seven Noahide Laws really encompass.

All humanity is under the covenant made by G-d and Noah. Jews are under an additional covenant in which G-d made with Abraham. Everyone agrees, especially the Catholic and Protestant churches, that the covenant in which G-d made with the Jews is still standing, and will stand forever. Its also known that G-ds covenant with humanity is eternal as well. Our job, as Jews and Gentiles, is to work together in order to make the world an abode for G-dliness. Thus saith the L-rd of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying: We will go with you, for we have heard that G-d is with you. (Zechariah 8:23) ***********************************************************************

PROHIBITION AGAINST:

IDOLATRY
Know this day and take it into your heart that the L-rd is G-d; in the heaven above and upon the earth below there is nothing else (Deuteronomy 4:39) The essence and foundation of all of the Seven Noahide Laws is negating a belief in other gods. Without this seemingly basic precept, it is completely impossible for any person to adhere to any of the remaining six laws. Most people would be quick to react and deny that they worship idols. Idolatry is a lot more complicated than merely worshipping a statue. Although the reprehensible acts of idolatry that existed in Biblical times has nearly disappeared from the earth, more subtle forms of idolatry and remnants of ancient idolatry are a still very common practice. A person needs to understand the proper way to believe. Believing in one G-d is not enough; a person needs to believe that G-d is ONE. The difference between the two is a very thin line that makes an enormous difference. A belief in a single god can be any god. In addition to this, it has the capacity to limit G-d. A person who believes that there is G-d in heaven, who created various things, and is similar to a Grand Supervisor, is missing the point completely. In actuality there is a G-d, and nothing else. There is only G-d. Nothing is separate from Him, and He does not contain parts. He does not change; and He always has, and always will, be in complete Absolute Unity. He continuously invests Himself into creating everything that we see around us. Creation didnt just take place thousands of years ago and then G-d turned on the auto-pilot; rather, G-d is involved and invested in every creation. Everything, from the leaf in the wind to major world events, is all Divine Providence! To say that G-d and creation are separate is ridiculous. G-d is infinite. Infinite doesnt mean bigness; instead it means that G-d is completely limitless in every capacity. Saying that G-d and creation are separate entities, is saying that G-d is not within the creation. This would mean that there is a place devoid of G-d, G-d forbid!

Instead a person needs to contemplate the fact that G-d is clothed in creation, and He is absolutely limitless without exception. It is totally beyond the realm of mortal ability to describe G-d or any aspect about Him; however, a human being has the competence to know what G-d is not. Attributing power to anything that isnt G-d is a concrete definition of idolatry. Our job is to worship the Creator alone, and not a creation of His. Once one gives honor to anything created, he is worshipping an idol. This goes far beyond the scope of just kneeling to images or bowing to physical objects. All the sub-categories, and inner meanings of each are beyond the scope and intent of this booklet. Some basic sub-laws included in the prohibition of idolatry are as follows: Against entertaining the thought that there is a deity other than the G-d of Israel. / Against making or owning graven images. / Against making idols to be used or worshipped by others. / Against making certain forbidden statues, even if only for ornamental purposes. (some statues in general are forbidden even as art because they resemble that which is worshipped by people.) / Against bowing or paying homage in any way to any created thing. / Against causing our children to pass through the fire of Molech. / Against consulting with the dead, divination, or any other popular new age things. (I.e. Tarot cards, astrology, occult philosophy, etc. are strictly forbidden) /Worshipping G-d through an intermediary or worshipping something because G-d gave it power (i.e. the sun, moon, stars, planets, nature, etc.)
/

Common mistakes that can lead a person to idolatry Customs with Pagan Origins Aside from the actual acts listed above that are clear cut idolatry, a pious person should refrain from doing things or celebrating customs that were prevalent in idolatrous or pagan cultures. Many people innocently fall trap to performing deeds that at best resemble idolatry, and at worst are fully idolatrous acts. Even some holidays, customs, traditions, and ceremonies widespread among Americans and the current religions of the world today, have there fundamental roots in idolatrous culture. Changing a name and changing the god being worshipped doesnt give it the ok. Complete impurity (of which idolatry certainly is) cannot, under any circumstances, be transformed to holiness. One only fools himself by thinking that he can worship the true G-d, through ancient pagan ceremonies. The only things we truly know about G-d, are those things that He has revealed to us about Himself, particularly in the Five Books of Moses (the first five books of every Bible). G-d is very specific in what He wants us to do, and how He wants us to worship Him. Any other mode of worship (including customs, ceremonies, etc.), aside from

that which G-d has explicitly stated, are silly inventions of man, and are a disgrace to our Father in Heaven. G-d through intermediaries & Its not an idol, it is inspiration to serve G-d. A person can go through their entire life believing only in the One true G-d and still, in a way, worship idols. G-d alone, listens to and answers all of our prayers. He is the lone Creator, and the only being to be revered. Idolatry in fact, started through the worship of G-d through intermediaries. In the generation of Enosh (grandson of Adam), people would say, G-d gave the sun such great power, let us extol G-d by praising the sun. The next generation came and did the same thing, only with the moon, trees, mountains, etc. until finally people were extolling G-d by praising gold, silver, and various carved statues. Slowly but surely, G-d was dropped from the picture, and the sole worship was focussed on whatwas the mediator. G-d gives every individual a soul, and every soul is a part of G-d. Its foolish to feel the need to go through an intermediary to worship the G-d that you are actually a part of! Directing prayer or veneration to any created thing (sun, tree, candle, human being, statue, etc.) will in the end only delude ones connection and belief in the omnipresence and absolute unity of G-d. Many people also fall trap to religious symbols, images, paintings, statues, etc. Although the majority of them are purely artistic and not meant for worship, they still have the ability to cause problems. When praying to G-d, people will envision G-d to be the image that has been showed to them from an early age. Artistic images of G-d are themselves a problem as well. Any image limits the unlimited G-d. To say, this is what Gd, His angels, etc. looks like, is outrageous!! Its quite humorous that when people do depict G-d (usually as a man) He tends to look like the people of that culture. The man-god depicted in China is Chinese, the man-god in Europe has blond hair and blue eyes! Obviously, this is ludicrous, no image can in any way resemble or remind someone of the One and only G-d. Images only detract from what is real, and will only cause more spiritual damage to a person than will ever help them be focused or motivated to worship G-d. The true way to be inspired or have a reminder of G-d is to learn, from proper sources, the things that He has revealed to humanity about Himself and what He wants from us. Idolatry has many forms and is often transgressed by people without them even being aware of it. Placing ones physical pleasures before G-d is also a form of idolatry. Many people make time to earn the largest salary, have the nicest car, house, or boat. They buy the best foods and clothes as well; but, when it comes to giving time or money for a Gdly purpose, it is secondary. Nothing comes before G-d. Everything else, in truth, is meaningless, and the only way to have G-d or any meaning as a part of ones life is to put G-d first. By doing this, humanity sets aside the physical, in desire for the spiritual and helps make the world a place where G-d can reveal His presence. ***********************************************************************

PROHIBITION AGAINST:

BLASPHEMY

Whoever curses his G-d shall bear his sin. He that blasphemes the name of G-d shall be put to death (Leviticus 24:15-16) Words say a lot about a person. One can assess a persons intelligence, behavior traits, ethnic background, and even emotions, just by listening to how he speaks. Words are powerful; in a positive and negative way. Speech separates human beings from all other things in creation. It is the median soul garment between thought and action. Speech was given to us in order that we use it to make a positive impact and changes in the world. When we use it for negative or wasteful purposes, we are going against the outline of creation. G-d created our world through Divine speech. Since we dont have the capability to hit G-d, when things dont go our way, we use our words to strike Him, G-d forbid! It is very important to always have in mind the reason why G-d gave us the ability to speak and communicate. One is neither to curse G-d nor to use His name to curse creation. G-d is the Creator of the universe, and therefore loves all of His creation. We should be grateful to Him for His providence rather than profane it. We owe Him our maximal awe and adoration at all times. Profaning G-d with ones mouth is a transgression similar to, but more severe than, idolatry. Idolatry is the act of worshiping a creation and thereby denying the true existence of G-d, blasphemy is an acknowledgment of His existence but a denial of His omnipresence and majesty. The blasphemer denies that everything comes directly from G-d, and is always for the best. Often the goodness is concealed, like in times of suffering or strife. The basic premise of blasphemy goes hand in hand with that of idolatry. When a person commits blasphemy he automatically commits idolatry! Other sub-categories and commands derived from the prohibition of blasphemy include but are not limited to the following: The command and duty to acknowledge the existence of G-d. The command to fear G-d. / The command to pray to Him. / The command to sanctify G-ds name. {even in face of death, where appropriate} / The command to study G-ds word contained in the five books of Moses. / The command to honor scholars and teachers of G-ds commandments. / To refrain from blaspheming G-ds name. / To refrain from doing something (an action) that would cause a desecration of G-ds name.
/ /

YOU ARE WHAT YOU SPEAK!

Then I will praise the L-rd according to His righteousness, and sing to the name of the exalted L-rd. (Psalms 7:18)

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PROHIBITION OF:

MURDER
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed. (Genesis 9:6) Murder and killing mean different things to different people. Killing means to take away life. Murder is, more specifically, taking away life for no reason and with the intent of killing. This among other things is what separates the two. Most people make the mistake, when writing the 10 Commandments or the 7 Noahide Laws, and they translate it as Thou shall not kill, when in fact, it is more specifically referring to murder. Murder is a very basic tenet of morality. Anyone can surely agree that intentionally killing another person is a negative thing. Human life is very sacred, and its protection is far more important than anything else. G-d created man in His image, in order for us to accomplish His divine purpose in this world and spiritually connect to Him. G-d commanded us against murder in order to preserve human life and its sanctity. One who takes the life of another or of himself, even though he may justify it in his mind, is guilty of an extremely brutal and spiritually destructive act. When a person murders another he is killing a part of G-d, since all human beings are created in His Holy image. Image of G-d does not mean, G-d forbid, physical image; for G-d has no form whatsoever. Image refers to a spiritual image, meaning that we have to opportunity to have distinct emotions, and make constructive and destructive changes in G-ds world. Murdering another person puts a dramatic halt to all the future deeds and changes in the world, that now the victim will no longer be able to do. When describing the creation of Adam, the Bible tells us first about all the other creations. Adam (man) was the final creation, and the purpose for creation. Man was also created alone; unlike everything else, which G-d brought all things in that specific category of creation into existence at the same time. Fish, animals, plants, and all other things in our universe were created as a whole; however, man was created by himself. In addition to this, G-d created everything else through His Divine Utterances; however with man, He formed Adam from the dust of the earth and then breathed the breath of life into him. There are many reasons for this: Every man needs to think that the whole world was created specifically for him. This is not to be taken in a haughty way; but instead, to feel that he alone has the opportunity to make a positive impact on the entire world. No person can say that they are better than anybody else because we all originate from the same man (Adam). Finally, man was created as a part; meaning one, out of all of the other members

of humanity to be born. Since each person only contains a part, he needs other human beings to complete himself, and make himself whole. By interacting with people in a favorable way we fulfill a major role we play in creation, by completing whatever we lack in ourselves, and whatever humanity lacks as a whole. Needless to say, murdering another person disrupts the order in creation and we rebel against that which we were Divinely created to do. Suicide Your body is, in fact, not yours. G-d is loaning it to your soul, who is being housed by it. One cannot do as he wishes with his body. Many things are mentioned by G-d, that He doesnt want done to our bodies. A pious person, among other things, should not cut or hurt is body (intentionally) nor should he tattoo his skin. Far worse than these things; however, is to take your own life. This is murder, just the same as if it were the murder of another.

Abortion A much-talked about issue is abortion, and when a baby is considered alive. Rest assured that if you kill a baby while still in the mothers womb, you are committing a heinous act and complete murder of that child! Dont fool yourself into thinking that you are not killing! There are certain times when the mothers life is put in danger if her pregnancy were to continue. This is a rare exception, in which the mothers life (because she is already fully alive and living) takes precedents over the soon-to-be-born babys. This is not the case with most abortions that are performed and one should convince someone who is thinking about going through with one, not to do it at all costs. Premature Killing because of vegetative state Often times people unfortunately are faced with a choice to end the life of another. Some circumstances occurred and a person is left in a vegetative or other severe state, and the family considers ending that persons life. A competent (Orthodox) Rabbinical authority should be consulted on this matter. The family often convinces themselves that the person is better off dead. The soul of a person relates to G-d in a special way while still in the body. The only way for this soul to have this unique relationship with G-d is when it IS IN the body. Once a person dies and his soul leaves his body, that incomparable bond is lost. The person is not better off. Dont play G-d, He knows how to do His job. Wasteful Emission of Seed Although this is not punishable by a court as an act of murder; a pious person should learn to control himself in every situation. Killing potential offspring is wasting your G-dly life-force. G-d gave us the power and blessing to procreate and by wasting our instrument in performing this deed (seed), we are rebelling against what G-d intended us to use it for. Again, a person should not fool himself, or let others tell him, about how

natural of an event it is; wasting seed is a huge transgression and resembles full-fledged murder in a number of ways. Some other sub-categories of laws derived from the prohibition of murder included, but are not limited to, the following: The obligation to save a person being pursued, even by taking the life of the pursuer {if necessary}. / Against standing idly by the blood of one whom we may save from mortal danger. / Against having pity on a pursuer (or murderer) in which we are obligated {when necessary} to take his life.
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*********************************************************************** PROHIBITION OF:

ILLICIT RELATIONS
Hence a mean leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24) Engaging in relations is by definition a holy act. A person should be fruitful and multiply; however, there are restrictions in order to uphold the sacredness of this act. We are encouraged to find a wife, have children, and a family; but, families have to be founded on the bedrock of holiness. Without restricting ones urges it can only lead to perversion and immoral behavior, which G-d despises. There are many unions outlined by G-d, in the five books of Moses, that we are warned to refrain from engaging in. The main four categories of forbidden relations are adultery, homosexuality, incest, and bestiality. Adultery is, very obviously, having relations with the husband/wife of another. The verse quoted at the top of the page states that a man will cling to his wife not the wife of another. The purpose of marriage is to provide protection for healthy intimacy and love between a man and woman. Marriage also provides a stable atmosphere appropriate for raising children. Adultery, shatters the bond formed in marriage and prevents the establishment of a wholesome home environment. Although the adulterous couple may believe that theirs is a relationship of love and fulfillment, they do not necessarily realize the destructive outcome of their actions. Homosexuality rebels against the foundation of what marriage is. When G-d created man and woman, His divine characteristics were revealed differently between them. It is the unity of the two complementary attributes, of which men and women separately posses, through marriage, that produces harmonious unity illustrated in the verse and they shall become one flesh. It is only through the proper loving unity of a man and woman that true harmony through intimacy can be attained. Since it is altogether counter to true human nature to desire and have relations with a member of the same sex, it becomes a spiritually and emotionally destructive act. The consequences consist of psychological detriment, often leading to depression. Male homosexuality is exceedingly

destructive, because it can often lead to ravenous and lustful behavior. Female homosexuality is not specifically mentioned as a forbidden act; however, a pious woman should control her unnatural desires. Incest is a different type of desire that is also disgusting in the eyes of G-d. Incest, by most peoples standards, can easily be identified as grossly immoral conduct. The relationships among family members are of a very different type than that of an unrelated man and woman, and do not lead to sexual attraction. Therefore, incestuous relations are predominantly due to abusive intent. This constitutes very blatant spiritual and emotional perversion Bestiality is another category that a sensible person finds abhorrent. These acts are also caused by selfishness and rapacious indulgence, sexual relations with an animal are strictly forbidden by this law. Such acts have no connection with intimacy and are purely destructive to ones spiritual and psychological health. Pornography Some may think that watching others commit sexually immoral acts is an acceptable practice. This could not be farther from the truth. A persons thoughts, speech, and actions are tightly connected to each other. Viewing indecent behavior arouses ones thoughts to immoral fantasy. Thought is the soul garment closest to the soul, and can cause the most spiritual damage. It can only lead a person sinning in horrible ways and acting in a lascivious manner. Unnatural Modes of Intercourse Techniques of intercourse, other than that which can produce a child, are based on lust and craving for physical pleasure. They are the antithesis of true love; and not only cause one to waste ones seed, but causes spiritual damage that will adversely effect the couple in their relationship. Immodest Behavior and Dress A human, created in the image of the Al-mighty, needs to cloth his body in modest attire, and act in a way that doesnt disgrace the Divine Image. Dressing in a way that would entice lust from the opposite sex, is forbidden. Joking behavior that eggs-on a forbidden relationship is forbidden as well. All these things, can easily lead to even more serious transgressions, among other things. Premarital Relations Relations should only be engaged upon by people who are truly in love with each other. People often fool themselves into thinking they are truly in love with another person; however, it is often times just distorted lust. Marriage is (ideally) the agreement between two adults to love each other, and nobody else in that same way, forever. This is the only true revelation of love. One should not engage in relations unless this is the case, otherwise only spiritual damage and confusion will be the outcome. Some other sub-laws forbidden include, but are not limited to:

having union with his sister having union with the wife of his father having union with another mans wife /Against copulating with a beast /Against a man lying carnally with a male. {and woman with woman} /Against lying carnally with his father /Against lying carnally with his fathers brother /Against engaging in erotic conduct that may lead to a prohibited union Against committing rape ***********************************************************************
/Against /Against

/Against

PROHIBITION OF:

THEFT
You shall not steal; neither shall you deal falsely, nor lie to one another. (Leviticus 19:11) The ability to own property was given by G-d in order to use the property for G-dly purposes. When we channel the use of our assets for G-dliness and use them to help others, we have fulfilled the very role that owning property was given to us for. We must; however, also have the authority and ability to guard our property. The forms of property to which the law refers include anything that can be calculated and transferred with money, such as movable object or land. One who commits theft has degraded his human identity and further separated himself from G-d. The intent of the law prohibiting theft is to secure peoples property so that they can use it for G-ds purposes. It is possible for one to waste his wealth or use it for egocentric purposes, but this cannot be used as an excuse for stealing from him, which in itself destroys social order and produces disunity. The true value of property is therefore not in the materialistic nature of the property itself, but in how it is used. A person is guilty of stealing something even if he steals the smallest value in the nations currency. A person spends his life working, in order to make money. He makes money in order to buy things. By stealing a possession from a person, one steals a part of that persons life. The opposite of stealing (giving without reason) is one of the most positive acts that a person can do for another. By donating services or money to charity or other worthy causes, a person donates a part of his life to the other, in a manner of speaking. The act of theft is not only a negative incident, but robs humanity of its social order. Some other sub-categories derived from the prohibition of theft include, but are not limited to:
/Against

stealing

committing robbery shifting a landmark /Against cheating /Against repudiating a claim of money owed /Against overcharging /Against coveting /Against desiring /Allowing a laborer to eat the fruits among which he works {certain job benefits} /The command to be exact with weights and measures /Against rape /Against slavery Against personal injury ***********************************************************************

/Against /Against

PROHIBITION OF:

EATING THE LIMB OF A LIVING ANIMAL (ANIMAL CRUELTY)

Only the flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall you not eat. (Genesis 9:4) This commandment forbids the eating of meat removed from an animal while it was still living. The limbs of the animal must have stopped moving by the time the first cut is made. It also prohibits the eating of meat that still contains the blood within it. The eating of live meat is connected with indulgence and brutality. When one avoids meat in the forbidden classification, there are many uplifting results. Ones sexual drive is brought under control, so that it can be used for kindness and love rather than selfish cruelty. This law also provides for the humane treatment of animals. It provides for the proper relationship between man and animals, by ensuring that the animal serves its purpose by being killed and eaten properly. Although it is relatively rare for people in refined nations these days to intentionally eat live meat, there are uncertainties raised about the meat commonly found in supermarkets. Because of the quick and careless nature of modern slaughterhouse methods, it is often not clear if the animal completely stops moving before the cut is made to remove the meat. A pious person should seek out answers from different companies and decide for themselves, whether the animal was killed in a humane fashion. A person should not use the excuse of not knowing or ignorance is bliss. Eating meat that was torn from a living animal does render a person guilty of this prohibition. Fish are considered dead at the moment they leave the water, they are not in the forbidden category, and care does not need to be taken to avoid problems. For a gentile, this is the only restriction on food. In order for a Jew to eat an animal it must be killed by jugulation.

Included in the prohibition of the living limb and other sub-laws derived from it are: eating a limb severed from a beast or fowl. eating the flesh of an animal that was torn by a wild beast. /Against eating blood Against cruelty to animals ******************************************************************
/Against /Against

POSITIVE INJUNCTION TO:

ESTABLISH COURTS OF JUSTICE

Appoint for yourselves judges and officers in all your gates, which the L-rd, your G-d, gives you, tribe by tribe; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. (Deuteronomy 16:18) G-d plans for us to live in unity with each other. In order to ensure that all of our efforts are transmitted in a constructive direction, He established a set of laws by which we are to live our lives. Unfortunately, there are those that selfishly choose to rebel against G-d and work toward destructive ends. Without having a means to enforce the laws, we would be unable to maintain social order and provide for the good of humanity. The presence of courts of justice are necessary to enforce G-ds commandments. It is a big mistake to think that laws are oppressive and exist to punish people. There is a philosophy called the long, shorter way. Anyone who has driven in a car, knows that traffic lights and other signs and signals slow a person down from getting to his destination sooner. All would agree, though, that if these traffic barriers did not exist, the road would be a much more dangerous setting. These signs that are seemingly restrictive, in the long run, cause social order and an efficient system of riding along the road. Life is also like a road. One can fool himself into thinking that the laws of G-d will only slow him down from getting where he needs to go. G-d knows what will happen throughout a persons life. He always expects all to follow his ordinances as well. As much as one thinks that he can speed up the process of accomplishing what he wants; G-d has already determined what is going to be. The Seven Laws are an intrinsic part of G-ds blueprint for creation; they serve as the foundation of moral behavior that, when followed, promote the well-being of all. While we are currently unable to establish such courts to enforce the Seven Laws, we can meanwhile accomplish this precept by teaching others about the Seven Laws. Only when people have this knowledge can they act to fulfill their role in G-ds plan for creation. The American government, as is well known, was founded on Biblical principles and ethics. The American government has recognized the Seven Noahide Laws many times and even made it a part of Public Law. It is stated in a proclamation that these moral values prevent the world from returning to chaos. [To see the full script of the government proclamation, see last page] Some other sub-laws in this category include, but are not limited to:

appoint judges in every community treat litigants equally before the law /To inquire diligently into the testimony of the witness /Against the wanton miscarriage of justice by the court /Against accepting a bribe or gift from the litigant /Against a judge acting in fear of a litigants threats /Against the judge, out of compassion, favoring a poor litigant /Against the judge discriminating against the litigant because he is a sinner /Against putting aside the penalty for a killer /Against the judge discriminating against a stranger or orphan /Against the judge hearing a litigant in the absence of the other /Against appointing a judge who lacks knowledge of the Law /Against the court killing an innocent person /Against incriminating by circumstantial evidence /Against punishing a crime committed under duress /Against anyone taking the law into his own hands To testify truthfully in court

/To /To