בס "ד

Session 1: Identity, Belonging, and Commitment

This week’s discussion concerns a deceptively simple question: What does it mean to be a Ben Noach?

There are no expected answers. Please explore the questions together, consider the Torah sources, and feel free to disagree. We are especially interested in what you find surprising, confusing, or personally meaningful.

  1. Who is a Ben Noach?

The Torah describes humanity after the Flood as descending from Noah and his family (Genesis 9:18–19; 10:32).

Does that mean every non-Jew is already a Ben Noach, regardless of religious belief or conduct? Or is being a Ben Noach something a person must consciously choose?

What is the difference between being a Ben Noach and living as one?

  1. What changes when someone accepts the Seven Mitzvot?

Imagine two people. Both are non-Jews. One has never heard of the Seven Mitzvot. The other has studied them, believes they are G-d’s commandments, and makes a conscious effort to observe them.

What is different about these two people? Has the second person acquired a new identity, or changed the way he lives within an identity he already possessed?

  1. Do you need a religious label to have a relationship with G-d?

Many people describe themselves through their religious affiliations: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or something else.

If the Torah already recognizes a relationship between G-d and humanity, what purpose does an additional religious label serve?

What might be gained—or lost—by thinking of Bnei Noach as members of a distinct religious community?

  1. What makes someone righteous?

Consider two people. One identifies as a Noahide, studies Torah regularly, and participates in a Noahide community. Another has never heard the term but believes in the Creator, acts honestly, treats others with dignity, and takes moral responsibility seriously.

What would you need to know before deciding which person is more righteous?

How important are religious knowledge, intentions, actions, and personal identity?

  1. What does it mean to belong?

Human beings naturally seek companionship, shared practices, and a sense of belonging.

If being a Ben Noach is not dependent upon joining a particular organization, what role should Noahide communities play?

Can people share a religious commitment without becoming members of a separate religion?

  1. What does this mean for you personally?

Think about your own journey.

Was there a point at which you began to think of yourself as a Ben or Bat Noach? What changed at that moment?

Looking back, did you become someone different, or did you discover something about yourself that had been true all along?

A final thought to discuss together:

If someone approached you tomorrow and said, “I’m interested in the Seven Laws. How do I become a Ben Noach?”—what would you tell them?

Shabbat Shalom

Par le rabbin Tani Burton

Plus de shiurim du rabbin Tani Burton

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