{"id":20726,"date":"2025-01-30T20:53:29","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T19:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com\/?p=20726"},"modified":"2025-08-21T18:10:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T17:10:06","slug":"parshat-noach-beloved-is-man","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com\/he\/parshat-noach-beloved-is-man\/","title":{"rendered":"PARSHAT NOACH – BELOVED IS MAN"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u05d1\u05e1"\u05d3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rebbe\u2019s Teachings on the Role of Jews and Non-Jews in the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1977, the Rebbe delivered a public discourse (sicha), later published in connection with Parashat Noach. This Torah portion addresses humanity as a whole, before the Jewish people existed. The core message of the Rebbe\u2019s talk is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The completeness and fulfillment of a non-Jew is achieved through a Jew.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This lesson applies to both Jews and non-Jews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • \u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d3\u05d9\u05dd<\/strong> are called upon to look beyond themselves and uplift the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Non-Jews<\/strong> can achieve spiritual growth, but their ultimate fulfillment is connected to Jewish influence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    This does not imply Jewish superiority but rather highlights a unique spiritual role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Image of G-d and Human Dignity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Rebbe begins by quoting \u05e4\u05e8\u05e7\u05d9 \u05d0\u05d1\u05d5\u05ea<\/em> (Ethics of the Fathers):
    “Man is beloved because he was created in the image of G-d.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This raises two important questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Does “man” refer only to Jews or to all people?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. What does “the image of G-d” mean?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      According to some commentaries, including Tosafot Yom Tov, “man” refers to all of humanity, emphasizing that Judaism does not consider non-Jews inferior. Every person possesses an intellectual soul (nefesh ha\u2019sichlit<\/em>), but there is a fundamental difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • A Jew\u2019s soul naturally seeks spiritual connection and divine truth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • A non-Jew\u2019s soul is more focused on worldly matters and self-interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        This distinction is not about intelligence or wisdom but about the soul\u2019s orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The Role of Jews in the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The Rebbe references Maimonides (\u05e8\u05de\u05d1"\u05dd<\/em>), who teaches that Moses was commanded to instruct the entire world in the Seven Noahide Laws. This underscores the Jewish responsibility to guide non-Jews in their spiritual development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        By understanding this, we see why the Mishna<\/em> addresses both Jews and non-Jews. The message is universal\u2014Jews are not meant to live in isolation but to serve as a spiritual influence on the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The Nature of Intellect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The Rebbe explains that intellect naturally seeks understanding, but it does so based on personal perspectives and assumptions. This can lead to different, sometimes contradictory, conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        History has shown that pure intellect, when disconnected from moral and spiritual direction, can justify destructive ideologies\u2014such as the intellectual rationalizations behind Nazi Germany’s atrocities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The Rebbe distinguishes between Jewish and non-Jewish intellect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • Jewish intellect<\/strong> is inherently refined and seeks higher spiritual truths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Non-Jewish intellect<\/strong> is more connected to the material world and is therefore more susceptible to ego and self-interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          This is not a moral judgment but rather a difference in function and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The Purpose of These Differences<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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          • The Jewish soul strives for divine connection and spiritual elevation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • The non-Jewish soul is tasked with refining the material world and establishing an ethical society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            The Rebbe emphasizes that a non-Jew who follows ethical and moral principles can achieve spiritual growth. However, true wisdom is attained when they follow divine commandments not just through logic but by recognizing them as G-d\u2019s will, as taught to Moses. According to Rambam, only then do they connect to an absolute source of truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u05de\u05b7\u05e1\u05b0\u05e7\u05b8\u05e0\u05b8\u05d4<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            The Rebbe’s message is clear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. All people are created in the image of G-d\u2014both Jews and non-Jews.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Jews have a unique spiritual role and a responsibility to uplift the world.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Non-Jews can achieve spiritual growth, but their ultimate fulfillment is connected to Jewish guidance.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              This aligns with the broader idea that the world is preparing for the coming of \u05de\u05e9\u05d9\u05d7<\/em>\u2014a time when all of humanity, Jews and non-Jews alike, will reach a higher state of consciousness and spiritual fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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