When discussing the Seven Mitzvot—the Seven Commandments for the descendants of Noah—with people, some may feel disappointed. This can actually be a good sign, as it indicates that one wishes to do more for G-d than what is strictly necessary.
In the Talmud Sanhedrin 56b the Sages explain that the descendants of Noah have 7 Commandments.
“The descendants of Noah, i.e., all of humanity, were commanded to observe seven mitzvot:
1 The mitzva of establishing courts of judgment;
2 and the prohibition against blessing, i.e., cursing, the name of G-d;
3 and the prohibition of idol worship;
4 and the prohibition against forbidden sexual relations;
5 and the prohibition of bloodshed;
6 and the prohibition of robbery;
7 and the prohibition against eating a limb from a living animal.”
In Talmud Chullin 92a, we read that there are 30 Mitzvot for the descendants of Noah.
“Ulla says: These are the thirty mitzvot that the descendants of Noah initially accepted upon themselves; but they fulfill only three of them.”
Rashi explains that 30 commandments are being referred to here, but they are not specified anywhere.
Steinsaltz renders the text as follows (translated from Hebrew):
“Rabbi Judah says: These are the thirty righteous individuals among the nations of the world, by whose merit the nations of the world exist. Ola said: These are the thirty commandments that the descendants of Noah initially received, but they only observe three of them. And these are:
1. The prohibition against murder.
2. The prohibition against adultery.
3. The prohibition against theft.
This passage is from the Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) and it discusses the universal obligations given to the nations of the world.”
Since the thirty Mitzvot are not specified, we can only conclude that the seven commandments can be detailed within their categories.
In the book The Noahide Laws you can find a detailed explanation of the seven Laws and their thirty details, as presented by Rabbi Shmuel ben Chofni Gaon. For example, under Idol Worship, it discusses Belief in the Unity of G-d and the Prohibition of Idolatry, while under Murder it includes the prohibition of suicide and murder.
Additionally, we have the list of Rabbi Menachem Azaria da Fano, presented in his work “Asara Maamarot.” Rabbi L. Rabinowitz provides a summary of Rabbi Menachem Azaria da Fano’s the list [pdf]: Note that all items in italics are positive details of the seven commandments.
I 1) Idolatry Avodah Zarah / Avodat Elilim
2) Passing a child through fire in the worship of Molech
3) Stick divination
4) Divining of auspicious times
5) Interpreting of omens / Superstition
6) Witchcraft / Sorcery
7) Charming / using incantations
8) Consulting mediums
9) Consulting oracles
10) Necromancy
II 11) Sexual sins – Giluy Arayos
12) Be fruitful
13) Multiply seed.
14) Don’t draw up marriage contracts for homosexuals
15) Cross-breeding of animals
16) Castration
17) Grafting trees
III 18) Murder – Damim Shefichus
19) Striking a Jew
IV 20) Blasphemy – Birkas Hashem – ברכת ה׳
21) Honour the Torah (and Torah scholars)
22) Studying parts of the Torah relevant to Noahide observance
V 23) Theft – Gezel – גזל
24) No to study nonrelevant parts of the Torah
VI 25) Establishment of a system of Justice – Hadinim Leyishuvo shel olam
VII 27) Eating all or part of a living creature – Eiver min Hachay – אבר מן החי
28) Blood of a living creature
29) Eating an animal that died (without slaughter)
30) Human flesh – Basar Hames
Rabbi Aaron Lichtenstein, in his book “The Seven Laws of Noah,” lists 66 details of the seven Commandments. There is even a list with 90 details of these commandments. Regardless, not all details of the commandments need to be specifically mentioned, as many are logical and contribute to a healthy society.
Additionally, Noahides may voluntarily observe other Torah commandments for practical benefits (but not as a religious obligation), such as:
- Honoring parents.
- Observing prohibitions against animal cruelty (Tzaar Baalei Chayim).
- Observing the laws of prohibited speech.
However, a Noahide is not allowed to observe other Jewish commandments from the Torah as a religious obligation, as this is forbidden based on the prohibition of adding a commandment.[2]
In short, Noahides need not be “disappointed” that they have “only” seven Commandments.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback
[1] The Noahide Laws, pp. 49-50
[2] The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner 4e edition, Part 1 topic 3:6, p. 60
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