בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT DEVARIM 5785
| 11 The L-RD, the G-d of your fathers, make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as He hath promised you!– | יא די אֱלֹקי אֲבוֹתֵכֶם, יֹסֵף עֲלֵיכֶם כָּכֶם–אֶלֶף פְּעָמִים; וִיבָרֵךְ אֶתְכֶם, כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר לָכֶם. |
In the Book of Deuteronomy (Devarim), Moses begins his first farewell speech to the people of Israel. It is the 1st of Shevat, in the year 2488 on the Hebrew calendar, and the nation is preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses takes this moment to remind them of all the kindness and guidance G-d had shown during the 40 years in the wilderness—and to encourage them to remain faithful.
In the middle of this address, Moses says something surprising: “May G-d increase you a thousandfold.” But didn’t G-d promise Abraham that his descendants would be beyond number? Why would Moses mention a number—a thousandfold?
The Chassidic explanation (Hitva’aduyot 5722, vol. 3, p. 200) is that Moses wasn’t limiting G-d’s blessing. Instead, he was teaching the people about the power of prayer. He gave them a starting point, a number, to inspire them to pray for even more. He was showing them that G-d’s promises still require our active participation through prayer.
Why is Prayer So Important?
This small verse contains a big lesson: Even when something is promised by G-d, it’s our prayers that open the door to receive it. Moses prayed not because he doubted G-d’s promise, but because he understood that G-d wants us to ask.
Prayer isn’t a last resort or a ritual. It’s a personal connection. It builds our relationship with our Creator. Moses wasn’t just praying for the people—he was showing them how to pray, and why.
And this lesson applies not only to Jews but to all people who seek to walk with G-d.
Is Prayer Obligatory for Noahides?
Jewish law requires Jews to pray three times a day, using fixed texts, facing Jerusalem. These prayers are a daily act of worship and connection to G-d, replacing the ancient Temple sacrifices.
But what about Noahides—non-Jews who follow the Seven Laws of Noah, a moral code for all humanity?
The Talmud and Maimonides (Rambam) do not list prayer as an official obligation for Noahides. However, early Jewish authorities like Rabbeinu Nissim Gaon and Rav Shmuel ben Chofni Gaon saw things differently.
Rabbeinu Nissim wrote that some duties don’t require divine revelation—they can be known through reason alone. Among them are:
- Recognizing G-d
- Obeying G-d
- Serving G-d (le’avdo in Hebrew)
The word le’avdo is often understood as a reference to prayer. Rav Shmuel ben Chofni Gaon even included prayer as one of the expanded obligations of the Noahide path.
The prophet Isaiah says:
| 7 Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon Mine altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. | ז וַהֲבִיאוֹתִים אֶל-הַר קָדְשִׁי, וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים בְּבֵית תְּפִלָּתִי–עוֹלֹתֵיהֶם וְזִבְחֵיהֶם לְרָצוֹן, עַל-מִזְבְּחִי: כִּי בֵיתִי, בֵּית-תְּפִלָּה יִקָּרֵא לְכָל-הָעַמִּים |
As Rashi (a classic Jewish commentator) explains: this verse refers not only to Israel but also to the nations of the world. G-d welcomes everyone’s prayers.
Modern Perspectives
According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ztz’l (Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah II:7), Noahides are not required to say formal, daily prayers as Jews are. However:
- When a Noahide faces a personal need or challenge, then prayer becomes a moral obligation.
- Failing to pray in such moments shows a lack of trust in G-d’s rule over life.
- But praying—asking for help, offering thanks, or praising G-d—is a mitzvah, a good deed. And it is rewarded by G-d.
Even voluntary prayers—said in praise, gratitude, or love—are valuable. Prayer always has spiritual weight, even when not required.
Free, Personal, and Powerful
Prayer for Noahides is personal and not tied to fixed texts or set times. It can be in any language, at any moment, and with your own words.
Still, some people enjoy using written prayers to help them express what’s in their hearts. For that, the AksNoah prayer booklet or the Bnei Noaj App can be great tools. These contain prayers suitable for the Noahide path—rooted in gratitude, trust, and reverence for G-d.
To Summarize
- Moses taught that prayer is powerful—even when G-d has already promised something.
- Noahides are not obligated to fixed, daily prayers like Jews, but:
- In times of need, prayer becomes a logical and spiritual duty.
- Prayers of praise or thanks are voluntary, but still rewarded.
- Prayer strengthens your connection with the Creator, deepens your faith, and opens your heart to receive blessing.
You don’t need perfect words. You just need an open heart. G-d hears you.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback
Sources:
Daily Wisdom Volume 3, Inspiring insights on the Torah portion from the Lubavitcher Rebbe p.356
Deuteronomy 1:11 and commentary from Hitva’aduyot 5722, vol. 3, p. 200
Isaiah 56:7, with commentary from Rashi
Rabbeinu Nissim Gaon and Rav Shmuel ben Chofni Gaon on Noahide practice
Responsum of Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah II:7
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