בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT BEHAR 5785
A Message for Noahides from Leviticus 26:1
Leviticus 26 opens with a familiar-sounding warning:
| 1 Ye shall make you no idols, neither shall ye rear you up a graven image, or a pillar, neither shall ye place any figured stone in your land, to bow down unto it; for I am the L-RD your G-d. | א לֹא-תַעֲשׂוּ לָכֶם אֱלִילִם, וּפֶסֶל וּמַצֵּבָה לֹא-תָקִימוּ לָכֶם, וְאֶבֶן מַשְׂכִּית לֹא תִתְּנוּ בְּאַרְצְכֶם, לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺת עָלֶיהָ: כִּי אֲנִי ד’, אֱלֹקיכֶם. |
But why repeat what was already stated clearly in the Ten Commandments? Is this just redundancy?
According to classical Jewish commentators, this verse is far from superfluous — it’s a crucial warning, particularly directed at those in spiritually vulnerable situations. And that makes it deeply relevant for Noahides today.
Context Matters
Rashi, Ramban, and Chizkuni explain that this passage addresses a Jew who, due to financial hardship, has been sold as a slave to a non-Jewish master. In such a setting — distant from spiritual support and immersed in a foreign culture — the temptation to adopt the norms of that environment is strong.
The Torah warns:
Don’t follow the crowd. What’s normal for others must not become your standard.
This applies not just to idolatry, but to all commandments. The Torat Kohanim teaches that these three — avoiding idolatry, keeping Shabbat, and revering the sanctuary — form the backbone of the entire Torah. They are central to faithfulness, especially in exile or hardship.
What Does This Mean for Noahides?
As a Noahide, you likely don’t live among a community of likeminded people. Often, you’re building your identity alone — in a world where the values around you may run counter to the Seven Laws. And that world isn’t passive: it tempts, it confuses, and it pulls — sometimes subtly, sometimes aggressively.
That’s why Leviticus 26:1 could be interpreted as a wake-up call for Noahides:
Staying loyal to your mission begins with protecting your identity.
The Danger of Illusion and Aesthetic Appeal
Rashbam on Leviticus 26:1 notes that idolatry often begins not with worship, but with imagination — it starts in the eyes and the heart. What looks beautiful or culturally accepted can be spiritually empty or even dangerous. Modern idols may be ideologies, popularity, self-expression, or “personal truth.” The temptation is real — and often very subtle.
Distance Yourself from Bad Influence
In Pirkei Avot 1:7 , we find a sharp and timeless warning:
“Distance yourself from a bad neighbor, do not associate with a wicked person, and do not despair of the judgment [against evil].”
This teaching is concise but powerful. Our environment shapes us more than we realize. Even if we consciously reject immoral behavior, being surrounded by it can slowly influence our habits, thoughts, and ultimately our character.
The Rambam (Maimonides) expands on this idea in Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Deot 6:1-2:
“It is human nature to be influenced by one’s surroundings and to follow the behavior of one’s companions and society.”
Because of this, he urges us to:
- Live among righteous people,
- Choose friends who are wise and virtuous,
- And distance ourselves from those who act wickedly.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
In a world where we’re constantly exposed to influences—both in person and online—this message is more relevant than ever. We must ask ourselves:
- Who shapes my thinking?
- Whom do I spend my time and energy on?
- And what effect does that have on my moral and spiritual life?
This is especially important for Noahides—those who choose to live by the universal values of the Torah without formally converting to Judaism. Being intentional about your influences is essential.
People who normalize immorality, mock spirituality, or aggressively push their own religious agendas are not the ones to build with spiritually. Surround yourself with those who respect your path, value truth, and encourage you to grow in righteousness.
So What Can You Do?
“Make for yourself a teacher, acquire a friend…”
If you can’t connect physically, seek online communities or rabbis who are genuinely committed to guiding Noahides. Not all online content is trustworthy — be discerning. Look for resources made for Noahides, such as:
- The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner
- YouTube channels explicitly designed for Noahides
- Communities like Sukkat Shalom Bnei Noach
Not Imitation, But Depth
You don’t need to become Jewish to live spiritually deep. In fact, imitating Jewish rituals can create identity confusion. The challenge for Noahides is this:
How do you build a Torah-faithful life without pretending to be someone you’re not?
The answer is in committing to your Seven Laws and all their ramifications, developing a sincere prayer life, doing acts of kindness, studying Torah from your unique role, and seeking company that uplifts rather than confuses.
As one wise analogy goes:
“A small screw in the wrong place can ruin the entire engine.”
Likewise: if you don’t take your place in the larger picture, the world is missing something essential. But when you live out your unique calling with faithfulness, you help bring the world closer to what G-d intended.
Keep learning. Keep building. Not through imitation — but through your unique personal mission.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the feedback
Sources
See also: HOW TO BECOME A CONSIOUS NOAHIDE
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.
