בס”ד
The Jewish Mission to Influence the Nations
This class is based on a talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe where he anlizes two laws on the Rambam, Laws of Kings, where he talks about howthe Jews have to teach the non-Jews about the Seven Noahide Laws. Based on Likutei Sichot, vol. 35, p. 94
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A Dual Responsibility in the Rambam
In Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings), the Rambam defines Israel’s role toward the rest of humanity.
Moshe Rabbeinu gave the Torah and mitzvot as an inheritance to Israel alone — “The Torah is the inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov” (Deut. 33:4).
Others may join through conversion, but no one is forced to accept the Torah.
At the same time, Moshe was commanded by G-d to compel all the inhabitants of the world to observe the Seven Noahide Laws, the universal moral code for all humanity.
Anyone who fulfills these laws because G-d commanded them through Moshe is called one of “the pious among the nations” and merits a share in the World to Come.
But if they follow them only out of human logic, without recognizing their Divine source, they do not have that same spiritual status.
Together, these two halachot express the Jewish people’s dual task: to teach and to inspire the nations of the world.
The Essence of Creation
The Rebbe explains that this idea is rooted in creation itself.
The world was created for two essential purposes — for Torah and for Israel.
These are not separate from creation; they define it. Every Divine instruction to the world flows through the Jewish people, whose role is to channel G-d’s purpose into reality.
The moral guidance of the Torah therefore reaches humanity through Israel’s influence. The Jewish mission is not only self-perfection but also the spiritual elevation of all mankind.
Two Modes of Influence
From the Rambam’s language, the Rebbe derives two forms of influence:
- Direct Influence — “Compel all the inhabitants of the world.”
This means active teaching and guidance through words and action. - Indirect Influence — “The pious among the nations…”
Here, others are inspired by witnessing the holiness and clarity of the Jewish people and come to recognize G-d’s truth on their own.
Both are essential: one expresses Israel’s active responsibility, the other reflects Israel’s inner light that naturally radiates to others.
The Messianic Vision
The Rambam describes how these two types of influence will culminate in the era of Mashiach.
In Hilchot Melachim 11:4, he writes that the Messianic king will “repair the entire world, motivating all nations to serve G-d together.”
This represents the active phase of guidance and transformation.
Later, in 12:5, he describes the ultimate phase:
“The occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d… The world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the sea.”
At that stage, awareness of G-d will spread effortlessly; goodness will become the world’s natural state.
Avraham and Sarah: The Roots of Universal Impact
This mission began with Avraham and Sarah, founders of the Jewish people.
Before Yitzchak’s birth, their names changed:
- Avram (“father of Aram”) became Avraham — “father of many nations.”
- Sarai (“my princess”) became Sarah — “princess for all.”
Their transformation marked the beginning of a people whose holiness was meant to uplift all humanity.
Midrash tells that Sarah nursed many children, spreading blessing beyond her own family; and Avraham’s later descendants with Keturah symbolized this wider influence.
From its very inception, the Jewish nation was created to be a source of Divine light for the world.
Our Mission Today
This calling continues today.
Teaching the Noahide Laws and inspiring ethical living are not secondary projects — they express the Jewish people’s very essence.
Through learning, kindness, and example, we fulfill our timeless role: to reveal the Divine purpose within creation and prepare the world for the time when “all humanity will know G-d and serve Him together.”
(This article is a concise summary of Rabbi S’s class on Likutei Sichot vol. 35, p. 94. For the full in-depth discussion, watch the complete shiur on our YouTube channel.)
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the shiur and the feedback.
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