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\u05d1\u05e1”\u05d3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Parshat Tavo (Deuteronomy 26\u201329), we read about the blessings and curses that the people of Israel receive upon entering the Land of Israel. If the people follow G-d\u2019s commandments, blessings will follow. If they do not, serious consequences will ensue\u2014both spiritual and material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These principles of reward and punishment raise an important question: The answer is clear: yes<\/strong>. \u201cKnow what is above you: an eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your deeds are written in a book.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This awareness helps every person take responsibility. Ideally, it should grow into doing G-d\u2019s will out of love, not merely out of fear (see also our blog: The Five Levels of Fearing G-d<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mishneh Torah<\/em> (Hilchot Melachim 10:9\u201310) clearly states that non-Jews are not to randomly adopt mitzvot. They are not obligated to keep the 613 commandments of the Torah. Instead, they are responsible for observing the Seven Noahide Laws<\/strong>, universal moral guidelines that apply to all humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, halacha<\/em> makes space for voluntarily observing certain commandments, provided that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A beautiful example is Dama ben Netina<\/strong>, a non-Jew who honored his father with deep respect. When he was offered a large sum of money for a rare gem, he refused to sell it because the key to the chest was under his sleeping father\u2019s pillow. G-d rewarded him with a red heifer\u2014a rare and spiritually significant offering for the Jewish people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sages concluded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf someone who is not obligated<\/strong> in a commandment is rewarded like this, how much more so someone who is<\/strong> obligated.\u201d (Kiddushin 31a<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although honoring one\u2019s parents is not explicitly part of the Seven Noahide Laws, it is logically derived from the duty to maintain a just and ethical society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rabbi Chanina teaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGreater is the one who is commanded and fulfills, than one who is not commanded and fulfills.\u201d A commandment requires more dedication. Nevertheless, voluntarily doing good is also recognized and rewarded\u2014if done within the proper framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rambam (Maimonides)<\/strong> distinguishes between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the Rambam puts it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe has performed good deeds, but has not connected himself to the Torah of Moses\u2014the Tree of Life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to The Divine Code<\/em> (Part 1, Chapter 3), a non-Jew may perform certain commandments that offer practical or moral benefit. We could, for example, consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As long as the intention is not to create a new religion, they receive Heavenly reward<\/strong> for these good deeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mishneh Torah<\/em> (Melachim 10:9) is strict about prohibited practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt\u201dl wrote powerfully that a non-Jew who takes on Jewish commandments as a religious duty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…receives no reward, but commits a transgression\u2014for he is creating a new religion.\u201d (Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim II:25<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as Parshat Tavo speaks of blessing and curse for Israel, the same universal principle applies to all nations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the story of Jonah (Chapters 1\u20132)<\/strong>, we see that even the non-Jewish sailors and the people of Nineveh are heard by G-d when they turn to Him in repentance. This shows His universal justice and mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pirkei Avot 4:2 teaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe reward of a mitzvah is another mitzvah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The greatest reward for doing good is the opportunity to do even more good. By acting righteously, we help build a world where G-d\u2019s presence can dwell\u2014a world of peace, compassion, and truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parshat Tavo (Deuteronomy 28:47) warns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBecause you did not serve G-d with joy and a good heart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lubavitcher Rebbe<\/strong> explains: As the Psalms say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGreat peace have those who love Your Torah; nothing causes them to stumble.\u201d Whether you are Jewish or a Noahide, your choices matter<\/strong>. When we fulfill our role as G-d asks\u2014with joy, dedication, and awareness<\/strong>\u2014we help create a world where His presence becomes tangible. By Angelique Sijbolts<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Texts Mechon Mamre<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/strong> \u00a9 Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our blogs may contain text\/quotes\/references\/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org<\/a>, Aish.com<\/a>, Sefaria.org<\/a>, Chabad.org<\/a>, and\/or AskNoah.org<\/a>, which we use in accordance with their policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\nA THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT<\/a> <\/strong>KI TAVO 5785
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nA Reflection on Parshat Tavo and Universal Responsibility<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do they also apply to non-Jews, specifically those who observe the Seven Universal Noahide Laws?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Universal Principle of Reward and Punishment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whoever does good receives good. Whoever does evil will face consequences. This is a universal moral principle. It aligns with the understanding that G-d is not only the Creator but also a Judge and Witness, as Pirkei Avot 2:1 teaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor Noahides: A Unique but Important Role<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dama ben Netina: Honoring Parents Rewarded<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Greater Reward for the Obligated<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
(Kiddushin 31a<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\nDifferent Levels of Reward<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Examples of Permissible Mitzvot for Noahides<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Is Not Permitted?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Blessing and Curse: Also for the Nations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Deepest Reward: Improving the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Serving with Joy: The Key to Connection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Service of G-d must not only be correct\u2014it must be joyful<\/strong>. Holy joy connects us to something eternal and gives life meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Tehillim 119:165<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\nConclusion: Everyone\u2019s Role Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Blessing or curse, reward or loss\u2014it all depends on how and why we act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that is the greatest blessing of all<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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