Oscar-award winning actor John Voight was awarded the Tzedakah Award by Noahide Nations at this year’s first Noahide World Conference.

Voight said,

“The Seven Noahide Commandments appeal to my own sense of what I feel is a higher purpose, which is to try to get everyone to an understanding of what they’re asked to do, what life’s responsibilities are. These very simple Seven Laws of Noah, are good basics.”

- Jon Voight

Below is an interview with John Voight on Israeli television from May 2008 after he visited the rocket-battered town of Sderot.

Notables:
“G-d says to Abraham: Those who bless you will be blessed, those who curse you will be cursed.  And isn’t that what has happened [in history]?”¹

“All sane people should have a passion for Israel at this time.”

“I’m thinking about the future of our children, about the future of this world that we’re in.”

When Noahides express support of “Israel,” it is important to know who it is that you are supporting.

It is important because the spiritual concept of a Noahide is a soul that attaches itself to G-d’s people (as opposed to a convert who becomes one of them).

“I support Israel.”  Do you mean the Israeli government? the Israel Defense Forces? the Israeli Rabbinate?  The Israeli citizens?

Unfortunately, G-d has not brought us the Final Redemption yet.  Hence, the Land of Israel is filled with the Children of Israel, but run by (some) people who are very anti-Torah-of-Israel.¹  It’s a twisted situation of transition, and is far more complicated than this.

The Israeli government is not based on the morality of the Torah.  It is based on the morality of secular Democracy (with a sprinkle of Jewish culture).  Democracy is only a vessel, a garment, a body - but not a soul.  It holds no inherent moral system.  Rather, Democracy holds the morality with which it’s leaders and population inject it.

Hence, the Israeli Knesset’s (parliament’s) approval of Operation Cast Lead could not be more opposite from Torah values:

(IsraelNN.com) All Knesset parties except for Meretz [(very liberal party -iHN)] and the Arab parties approved the decision to support the action in Gaza. The decision stated: “It is the right of the State of Israel to defend itself just as it is the right of any nation to do so. It is the right of the citizens of Israel to live with security just as it the right of any other citizens to do so.”

First of all, all Torah thoughts aside, it is not the government’s right to defend its citizens, it is the government’s job!

Secondly, the secular Zionists did not found the State of Israel as a fulfillment of redemption from 2,000-year exile.  Rather, they wanted a state “like any other nation.” They thought that this would end the phenomenon of anti-semitism. It was their solution to the “final solution.”

But G-d does not want Jews to be like any other nation!  The Jews are meant to be a holy nation of priests who will share G-dliness with the entire world.

Because the secular society in Israel strives to be like “any other nation,” the hand of anti-semitism, no matter be it Kassam rockets in Israel or Al Qaeda terrorists in Mumbai, strikes a lethal reminder that we Jews are not like any other nation.

Neither should we live like any other nation, nor should we die like any other nation.

Therefore we must fight for our lives in the manner that befits G-d’s priestly people, and not in the manner of “any other nation.”  That is to say, relentlessly - without fear - and with complete faith in Hashem.

My interview with Jim Long and Ray Petterson on Arutz 7’s new show “Noahide Nations” can be heard from the link below.  Thanks guys!

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Radio/News.aspx/426

During this Hanukkah season, it’s all about shining some light to the world and that’s just what a Jewish college student is doing these days. His name is Daniel and he’s decided it’s time to be “Embracing the Noahide world through Torah and friendship.” To do that, he has created a website called “I Heart Noahides”.  Join Ray Pettersen and Jim Long as they learn why the young creator of this website decided it was time to be a Light to the Nations. Ray and Jim also share one of their favorite new songs by musician Ari Goldwag. It’s called “Finally Here” (http://www.arigoldwag.com), a song that’s guaranteed to stir your heart and soul.

Jim Long is the producer of several documentaries about the land of Israel. Ray Pettersen is the founder of NoahideNations.com. Together they host the Noahide Nations radio show.

Last post I suggested a definition for Noahide Culture:

The expression of love, admiration, and reverence for the G-d of Israel, His Torah, and His People.

I had begun a camparison of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.  However, I was not successful in clearly bringing out the lessons I thought I could bring out from their biographies.  Both men had greatness and both had flaws.

The point I want to bring across, however, is the following:

America is a religious country.  Statistically, America is by far the most religiously observant country in the Western world.  For that reason, I think that there is still hope for America in terms of her role in the End of Days.

Yes, America/Rome is descended from Esav, but what was Esav’s role supposed to be in this world?

Originally Esav was to be guardian of the physical, while Yaakov would be guardian of the spiritual.  Together they would form a symbiotic relationship, supporting one another.  Only after Esav failed to use his talent for the good did Yaakov have to transform into Yisrael, who can master both the physical and the spiritual simultaneously.

(Second Chance) [The] Netziv [commentary] reminds us of the potentially symbiotic relationship that can exist between the descendants of Yakov and Esav, specifically embodied by Rav Yehudah haNasi (Rebbi) and Antoninus [of Rome].

The spiritual greatness of Rebbi was used to elevate Antoninus, while, in turn, Antoninus could assure much of Rebbi’s temporal concerns (see Avodah Zara 10b). When the latter taught the former, the power and splendor of Rome was placed at the disposal of the Jewish leader. Seforno on 27:29 suggests that this potential symbiotic relationship was what was envisioned by Yitzchak when he wanted to bless Esav with physical wealth and power [in the first place].

Further more, Rashi on Genesis 32:23 brings the Midrash that blames Yakov for not allowing Esav the opportunity to do teshuva!

What’s clear is that the future is not sealed.  Teshuva, returning to G-d’s Torah, is still open for those with a heart beating to the drum of Truth.  I believe this to be true even for Esav, as manifest by America today.

Although, it behooves me to note that my opinion here seems to contradict some of the greatest sages in all of Jewish history, namely Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai t”zl.

So perhaps teshuva for Esav as a nation is unrealistic, but certainly parts of the nation of Esav are changing their ways, as in the beautiful emergence of the Bnei Noach.

What is Noahide culture?

It’s certainly not whatever-Jews-seem-to-do.  Nor is it whatever-Gentiles-seem-to-do.  So what is it?

First of all, we need to understand that what most people think of as “Jewish Culture” is not really Jewish.  It’s the expression of assimilated Jews into their host culture.  A prime example is Chanukah in America.

The core concept of the Chanukah story is Jews defending Judaism against those who wanted to assimilate into Greek culture.  This included Jew vs. Greek and Jew vs. Jew, r”l.  Tragically Chanukah in America has a lot to do with assimilation (8 days of presents?) and little to do with Judaism.

I recently saw cards and books such as the ones below at a Jewish Museum gift shop (of all places).

This is not an expression of Judaism.  It is an expression of America’s melting pot.  Orthodox Jews prefer that America (at least) be a salad bowl of distinct foods rather than a melting pot of indistinct alloy.

So what is true Jewish culture?
It’s the thing you find in every Jewish culture around the world.  Iraqi Jews never heard of European klezmer music because Klezmer music is only a byproduct of Jewish exile in Europe¹; it is not inherently Jewish - however, both European and Iraqi Jews read from the Torah, study Talmud, eat matzah but not chametz on Passover, etc.

True Jewish culture is Torah and Mitzvot (commandments).

So what is true Noahide culture?
If there even is such a thing as Noahide culture, I would like to suggest it is that which is found in every Noahide home and Noahide community, no matter where they are on the planet.

True Noahide culture, in my opinion, is the expression of love, admiration, and reverence for the G-d of Israel, His Torah, and His People.

The question is, what direction will American culture take from here on out?

Land of Noahides or Land of Other-hides?
Land of Jefferson or Land of Hamilton?

To be continued in the next post…

Below you can listen to Rabbi Tovia Singer’s lecture from the 2008 Noahide World Conference.

Rabbi Singer has a show on IsraelNationalNews.com and also is the founder of OutreachJudaism which does anti-missionary work on behalf of G-d’s people Israel.

Listen Here.

Hat tip to Ari.

Excerpts I especially enjoyed:

I’ll tell you this, if tomorrow the U.N. comes out with a resolution blessing you, supporting you, if Jimmy Carter next week comes out and blesses you, check your theology - haha! - because you don’t want the praise of the nations of the world, you want the praise of the G-d of Heaven.

I also enjoyed:

We know from the book of Genesis chapter 12 that G-d blesses those nations that bless Israel, that bless the Children of Israel, and curses those who damn our people, because in reality when they curse Israel they’re cursing the G-d of Israel.

So it’s really quite illogical for someone to say “I’m gonna put my hope with Rome.”  Hard to imagine how someone today would stand up and raise his fist against the G-d of Israel, after all we’ve seen mighty miracles here in the Holy Land.

So [what I've said up until here] are the two parts of the Gentile world that have turned their backs on the G-d of Israel.  And G-d will harden theirs hearts as he did Pharaoh.  And they’ll rise up to destroy Jerusalem.  And the Bible tells us in Zakariah chapter 12 that G-d will take even the weakest Jew, verse 8 & 9: “He will strengthen him like David even like the angels of the Lord of Hosts.”

But then there’s this third part, this other section of the Gentile world, who will choose the G-d of Israel, above every other god, above every other lord, above every other host.  And then G-d is going to refine them like gold.  That’s you, the Righteous Gentile, who chose the G-d of Israel.

Also I enjoyed this:

You recognize that the Almighty is working with the Children of Israel.  And you made a tough decision.  I would imagine that for many of you listening to my voice right now, walking out of a Church…You might have lost some family over that decision; to this day it’s quite possible that your mom won’t even talk to you.  Sisters have disowned you because you left The Assemblies of G-d, you won’t walk into a Baptist Church, and you won’t praise any other name than the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

I don’t wish any suffering upon you, but if you’ve suffered on behalf of the G-d of Israel, you’re alright.  I wouldn’t sell it on the open market, I wouldn’t put your suffering on eBay.  [But] the Almighty sees every pain that you’ve endured on His behalf, that’s uppercase H.  And you’ve decided to cleave to the Children of Israel.

iHN Editor’s comment:
How exciting!!

Listen Here.

***************************************

(IsraelNN.com) Israel National Radio has begun what is possibly the first ever Sons of Noach radio show. Hosted by Ray Pettersen and Jim Long, the Noahide Nations show is a program about the Noahide, or Bnei Noach, movement - Gentiles who have accepted the Torah.

In recent years, groups have been springing up, mostly in the United States, for non-Jews who are disenchanted with Christianity and seek spiritual fulfillment through the Torah of Israel, but don’t convert to Judaism.

Below is the latest Noahide radio program broadcast.

There was no specific incident in Ray Pettersen’s life that led him and his wife, 12 years ago, [to] give up the religion upon which they were raised. “We all seem to have this feeling that something wasn’t right,” he says, echoing a sentiment felt by Jim Long and other guests on their show. [see iHN poll on this topic] “There was no controversy in the church or anything that would have caused this to happen. I just felt that G-d was telling me this isn’t right. I wanted to find out what is right.”

Pettersen is the founder of the Noahide Nations web site which offers information and networking for other like-minded individuals. He relates one story where someone wrote in that he thought he was the only Noahide in his city. Another person emailed him and they found out that not only did they live in the same city, but in the same building. Connecting Noahides in this manner is the goal of the new radio program.

To facilitate this process, IsraelNationalNews has opened a new forum entitled Torah Spirituality for Gentiles. A person need only register for free and may then begin posting messages to the forum.

In response to a forum question about the number of Bnei Noach in the world, forum manager Ashira Yosefa writes:

A precise number of the Bnei Noach population globally is difficult to know, but based on internet activity and the formation of Noahide groups and websites, inquiries, etc., it is arguably safe to say that Noahides, in a general sense of the word, presently number in the hundreds of thousands and that number is growing. The actual Noahides themselves are growing, progressively deepening their knowledge of proper Noahide observance and lifestyle with the help of Rabbis and Noahide leaders. As their spiritual journey continues, more and more true Bnei Noach take their place in today’s world and readily proclaim their love of Torah, of Israel and of the G-d of Israel.

Radio show host Jim Long’s journey to Noahide beliefs began as he was filming documentaries on archaeological digs in Israel and Egypt. He is the founder of Lightcatcher, a publishing and film production company. Long is also the author and producer of several books and films such as Riddle of the Exodus, Digging Up the Future and Return to Gilgal.

The first guest on the Noahide Nations show was Darla, a mother from Texas who, like Jim and Ray, had slowly come to the realization that Christianity was not for her. In the radio broadcast, she details the story of how she broke the news to her family and informed them that she would not be attending the annual Christmas dinner. The result was a prolonged, painful period of not talking to her sisters and other family members.

Darla finally got back together with her family at an annual Thanksgiving dinner. She now says that her family has accepted her, despite what they see as her strange beliefs, and even ask her to teach them about Jewish holidays. Darla offers advice on how other Noahides can avoid family friction, especially during holiday time.

There are many different Noahide organizations. In general, all of them reject the New Testament and embrace the Torah, using the Seven Laws of Noah as a moral code. Different Noahides follow different Jewish customs, depending on personal inclinations [iHN: and, I hope, Rabbinic advice]. As Gentiles, Noahides are not obligated by Jewish Law to keep commandments such as keeping kosher, although many do.

Noahide Nations is a weekly podcast which can be downloaded from Israel National Radio by clicking here.

Jim and Ray welcome questions or comments, some of which they will read on the air. They can be contacted at noahide@israelnationalradio.com

One of the mitzvot (commandments) Jews have is “Shmirat HaLashon” - Guarding the Tongue from evil speech.  This is not about lieing.  It’s about gossiping, relaying harmful (but true) information to others about your fellow man.

Guarding against this behavior has been led by a Rabbi we refer to as “The Chafetz Chaim” (The Life Seeker).

***************

(image courtesy of inventorspot.com)

(Source: SimpleJew)
A Simple Jew asks:

As a Bas Noach (daugher of Noah) living in South East Asia, how did you first learn about the Chofetz Chaim? Why do you feel so attached to his teachings?

“Believing Gentile” answers:

When the Internet came to where I live around the early 1990’s, both my sons told me that now was the opportunity to seek teachings from the Chosen People.

Years earlier, I had responded to my younger son saying that there was no way we would ever, ever be able to study from the Jewish people from here. I remember he told me then, “G-d only gave them the Holy Scriptures so they are the only true teachers.”

I forgot his words until the Internet came. What I had years earlier thought was impossible, Hashem made it possible.

I know its a miracle, a blessing from G-d, that I entered the Orthodox sites at my first search and entry.

I feel G-d brought me first to the Chofetz Chaim’s teachings since controlling my speech is the area where I needed the most improvement. It is the most damaged part of myself that I needed to correct in order to draw nearer to G-d.

In my early years, I was taught that doing penance by saying “Hail Mary” and “Our Father” was enough to remove any sins, speech or otherwise. However, I have come to see that this belief is false. The words we speak don’t just go away. They can sometimes cause untold harm.

I carry with me always a small portrait picture of the Chofetz Chaim, which my Torah tutor Reuven Ginat sent me by email, years ago, along with a picture of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. They are outstanding examples of our times and I seek protection for myself in their merits and strive to follow their teachings. Quoting from an article from Rabbi Dovid Sears on this site, “We may not be able to see with the eyes of the tzaddikim (righteous people). But as we try to find our way through the confusions of this world, at least we should strive to heed their directions.”

Keeping in mind the famous story of Reb Zusia of Anapol, I know that I am not expected to be at the Chofetz Chaim’s level, but I know that I am answerable to the Seven Laws which G-d gave us believing Gentiles and which He gave us the capacity to fulfill.

May the merits of this great tzaddik (righteous person), the Chofetz Chaim, protect my family and me from evil speech.

I’m searching for a reputable site discussing tzedakah (charity) with regards to Noahides.

That includes a mention of the general rule of the 20% (one fifth) minimum and the precept that giving often is preferable.

Have been looking, haven’t found it.

-CY

Dear CY,

Next time, instead of searching on Google, try searching here:
http://4torah.com/ That’s a customized Google search by selected Torah-oriented websites.

You can even narrow the search by clicking “Noachide” on the homepage.

For all things Noachide, go here: http://www.WikiNoah.org

I also would note that the notion of a 20% minimum is not correct.  The number “20%” is the maximum amount that the rabbis instituted for Jews, lest the giver himself become impoverished, ch”v.

The exception is for those who are very wealthy and have the means to give great amounts - they can and should give beyond 20%, instead of spending the money on speed boats and extra vacation homes.  Of such people, my rabbi says “G-d gives you money so you can give it away.”

********

The laws below are sited by Rabbi Yoel Schwartz who is the rabbi designated to lead the High Court of Bnei Noach in Jerusalem.  See more at WikiNoah.

Here’s what the Torah Law is for Bnei Noach¹ as regards tzedakah (charity):

A Noahide is called upon to give to charities and persons in need. According to Rav Saadiah Gaon, it is commendable for a person to tithe, meaning that he set aside up to one tenth of all his earnings for this purpose. However, a person need not deprive himself of his own basic necessities in order to give to others.

According to Ezekiel, one of the reasons for the punishment of Sodom was that the poor people there were not given alms. It is worthwhile that a person keep a special account for such a purpose, and once a week or month he should transfer it to good causes. It is best to transfer it directly to the needy people.

A Noahide is called upon to act in a graceful manner and to be benevolent. One should be hospitable and a good host with all his heart as Abraham did.

There are eight degrees of charity², one higher than the other:

1. The highest degree is to aid a man who is in danger of losing his financial independence by offering him a gift or a loan, by entering into partnership with him, or by providing work for him, so that he may remain self supporting.

2. The next highest degree is where the one who gives and the one who receives are not aware of the identity of each other.

3. The third, inferior degree, is when the giver knows who is the recipient, but the recipient does not know who is the giver.

4. The fourth, still lower degree is where the recipient knows who is the giver, but the giver does not know who is the recipient.

5. The fifth degree is where the giver puts the alms into the hands of the poor without being asked.

6. The sixth degree is where he puts the money into the hands of the poor after being asked.

7. The seventh degree is where he gives less than he should but does so cheerfully.

8. The eighth degree is where he gives resentfully.

May you merit to give an abundance of tzedakah, and never come to need to receive it.

Regards,

Daniel

P.S.
While on the topic of tzedakah, I would note that it is the only investment of your money that is GUARANTEED to pay off. Think about that next time you see the stock market roller coaster headlines.

There is no “right way” for Bnei Noach to get married.¹  Rather, the questions to ask are:

1) What action(s) on our behalf constitute establishment of our marriage
2) What ceremonies are fitting and appropriate for Bnei Noach weddings

The length of this post will give one example of how you might answer question #2.

To answer question #1:

The subject of Noahide marriage according to Torah is discussed in the book “The Path of the Righteous Gentile,” in the chapter on Sexual Relations:

“Under the Seven Universal Commandments [for Gentiles], a woman is considered to be a man’s wife when the couple has sexual relations [in the normal manner] with the intent² that it constitute marriage.”

*******

Source: (Rabbi Mordechai)

…

…My third thought was that I wouldn’t know what ritual to use. I wouldn’t want to use Jewish ritual – they are not Jewish, and are under no illusions on that matter. So what would I do?

On the other hand: Come on, how cool is that, getting to do a Noachide wedding?

So I emailed colleagues, who clarified that a rabbi is empowered to perform any wedding which conforms with municipal law, but who had no idea what ritual to use. I Googled “Noachide Weddings” and “Noahide Weddings” and came up with this page, but the contents made me uncomfortable; I really didn’t like their adaptation of key Jewish wedding elements – the berachah [blessing] on wine, the ketubah, the Chuppah canopy.

But some colleagues of mine urged me on, pointing out that it’s pretty rare for an Orthodox rabbi to have a chance to get really creative!

Then, as I talked to the couple more and met with them, they were so visibly sincere that I fell in love with the idea beyond the “adventure” level. It was a chance to help good people do a good thing, in a meaningful way. Isn’t that why I’m a rabbi in the first place?

So I developed a ceremony which drew on biblical themes common for Jews and non-Jews, and meaningful for a wedding.

Here’s what we did:

1) They had found a non-denominational chapel in a park, and we used that space. As they stood together, I sang the traditional Jewish chuppah songs of Mi Adir and Mi Ban Siach.

2) I then presented a dvar torah on the Torah’s history of marriage, going back to Adam and Chavah [Eve]. I explained the Adam I and Adam II narratives, using Ramban’s idea that one narrative is creation of the soul (unified) and the other is creation of the body (separate). I talked about why Adam and Chavah benefit from being of two separate bodies – the idea, expressed in various commentaries, that the man and woman complement each other with their strengths, and so accomplish things they could never accomplish as one unit.

3) They had wanted to give each other rings, and written their own declaration of love and faithfulness for the occasion, so they did that at this point. I had them say “Behold you are sanctified to me,” taking the first half of the Jewish formula and dropping the “according to the laws of Moses and Israel” segment.

4) They had wanted to have a toast with wine at this point, but I was uncomfortable because of halachic [Torah Law] issues which are beyond the scope of this blog, and because of the adoption of a very Jewish wedding practice. So I decided to use water instead.

I explained the biblical significance of water, tracing it from the water present at Creation, through the punitive water of the flood rolling back Creation, through the water in which Jews drowned in Egypt, through the punitive water of Yam Suf [Sea of Reeds], through water from a stone in the desert, etc. My point was the power embedded by Gd in this natural element.

We recited the berachah [blessing] on water together (the berachah itself – “that all comes into existence at Gd’s command” – being very appropriate for the occasion), and drank.

5) To close the wedding I adapted a tefillah [prayer] authored by Rabbi Yochanan, presented in Yerushalmi Berachot 4:1, to read as follows:

יהי רצון מלפניך רבונו של עולם שתשכן בבתינו אהבה ואחוה ושלום ורעות ותצליח סופינו אחרית ותקוה ותרבה גבולנו בחברים ותקנינו לב טוב וחברים טובים ונשיש בחלקנו ונשכים ונמצא ייחול לבבנו

May it by Your will, Master of the Universe, that You bring love and brotherhood and peace and friendship into our home, that You give us success and hope, that You broaden our boundaries with friends, that You establish for us a good heart and good friends, that You make us happy with our lot, and that we rise each day to find our hearts’ desire.

On the whole, it was a remarkable experience. I was moved by their sincerity, and by their respect for Torah and Jewish belief.

I’m glad I did it - not because it was unusual, but because it really was cool in a much deeper way.

*********