7 Universal Laws
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by
Adm
Noachide Laws
The only country besides Israel that has a plaque on the wall of the national congress of the 7 (main) universal moral laws that G-d gave to Noah as a covenant is the United States of America.
Shortly after Israel was invaded and attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, Rabbi Ovadia Tank, Chief Rabbi of the WJC, is negotiating with other countries to follow the US path.
In Judaism, the Seven Laws of Noah, otherwise referred to as the Noahide Laws or Noachian Laws, are a set of universal moral laws (principles) which, according to the Talmud, were given by G-d as a covenant (Rainbow) with Noah and with the “sons of Noah”—that is, all of humanity.
The descendants of Noah were commanded with seven precepts: to establish laws (Police/Courthouses), (and the prohibitions of) blasphemy, idolatry, adultery, bloodshed, theft, and eating the blood of a living animal.
April 3, 1982
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
Amid the distractions and concerns of our daily existence, it is appropriate that Americans pause to reflect upon the ancient ethical principles and moral values which are the foundation of our character as a nation.
We seek, and steadfastly pursue, the benefits of education. But education must be more than factual enlightment – it must enrich the character as well as the mind.
One shining example for people of all faiths of what education should be is that provided by the Lubavitch movement, headed by Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, a worldwide spiritual leader who will celebrated his 80th birthday on April 4, 1982. The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s work stands as a reminder that knowledge is an unworthy goal unless it is accompanied by moral and spiritual wisdom and understanding. He has provided a vivid example of the eternal validity of the Seven Noahide Laws, a moral code for all of us regardless of religious faith. May he go from strength to strength.
In recognition of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s 80th birthday, the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled have issues House Joint Resolution 447 to set aside April 4, 1982, as a “National Day of Reflection..”
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 4, 1982, as National Day of Reflection.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:45 a.m., April 5, 1982]
PUBLIC LAW 99-19—APR. 4, 1985 99 STAT. 43
Public Law 99-19
99th Congress
Joint Resolution
Designating April 2,1985, aa “Education Day, U.S.A.”
Whereas Congress recognizes the historical tradition of ethical values and principles which are the basis of civilized society and upon which our great Nation was founded;
Whereas these ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws;
Whereas without these ethical values and principles the edifice of civilization stands in serious peril of returning to chaos;
Whereas society is profoundly concerned with the recent weakening of these principles that has resulted in crises that beleaguer and threaten the fabric of civilized society;
Whereas the justified preoccupation with these crises must not let the citizens of this Nation lose sight of their responsibility to transmit these historical ethical values from our distinguished past to the generations of the future;
Whereas the Lubavitch movement has fostered and promoted these ethical values and principles throughout the World; and Whereas Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the Lubavitch movement, is universally respected and revered and his eighty-third birthday falls on April 2, 1985: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 2, 1985, the birthday of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader and head of the worldwide Lubavitch movement, is designated as “Education Day, U.S.A.”. The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Noachide Laws
In Judaism, the Seven Laws of Noah, otherwise referred to as the Noahide Laws or the Noachian Laws, are a set of universal moral laws which, according to the Talmud, were given by God as a covenant with Noah and with the “sons of Noah”—that is, all of humanity.
The descendants of Noah were commanded with seven precepts: to establish laws, (and the prohibitions of) blasphemy, idolatry, adultery, bloodshed, theft, and eating the blood of a living animal.
What Are the Seven Noahide Laws?
The 7 Noahide Laws are rules that all of us must keep, regardless of who we are or from where we come. Without these seven things, it would be impossible for humanity to live together in harmony.
1. Do not profane G‑d’s Oneness in any way. Acknowledge that there is a single G‑d who cares about what we are doing and desires that we take care of His world.
2. Do not curse your Creator. No matter how angry you may be, do not take it out verbally against your Creator.
3. Do not murder. The value of human life cannot be measured. To destroy a single human life is to destroy the entire world—because, for that person, the world has ceased to exist. It follows that by sustaining a single human life, you are sustaining an entire universe.
4. Do not eat a limb of a still-living animal. Respect the life of all G‑d’s creatures. As intelligent beings, we have a duty not to cause undue pain to other creatures.
5. Do not steal. Whatever benefits you receive in this world, make sure that none of them are at the unfair expense of someone else.
6. Harness and channel the human libido. Incest, adultery, rape and homosexual relations are forbidden. The family unit is the foundation of human society. Sexuality is the fountain of life and so nothing is more holy than the sexual act. So, too, when abused, nothing can be more debasing and destructive to the human being.
7. Establish courts of law and ensure justice in our world. With every small act of justice, we are restoring harmony to our world, synchronizing it with a supernal order. That is why we must keep the laws established by our government for the country’s stability and harmony.
These laws were communicated by G‑d to Adam and Noah, ancestors of all human beings. That is what makes these rules universal, for all times, places and people:
Laws made by humans may change according to circumstance. But laws made by the Creator of all souls over all of time remain the same for all people at all times..
If we would fulfill these laws just because they make sense to us, then we would change them, according to our convenience. We would be our own god. But when we understand that they are the laws of a supreme G‑d, we understand that they can not be changed, just as He does not change.
Why Are the Noahide Laws Especially Important Today?
Today, we are on the verge of a new era for humankind, a time when we will finally live together in peace and the world will be filled with divine wisdom. Those who keep these basic rules will have a share in that world, since, after all, they took part in making it possible.
Although these teachings were recorded in the sacred Jewish texts, for many centuries Jews were not able to speak about them to the people they lived amongst. But in recent times, the foremost rabbi of the Jewish people in the 20th century, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, encouraged Jews to publicize these teachings, so that the world can prepare for the times of peace and wisdom that are swiftly approaching.
Why Are They Called the Noahide Laws?
These are called the Noahide Laws because they are the heritage of humanity from our oldest ancestors. Since all humanity are descendants of Noah, who survived the Great Flood, all people today are Noahides.
Jewish tradition tells that six of these laws were given to the first human being, Adam. A seventh law, the prohibition against eating the limb of a living animal, was given to Noah when humankind was permitted to consume meat.
7 Universal Principles
These seven principles are general ones. Many other teachings, all intuitive to the upright human mind, branch out from these. These include the practice of charity and acts of kindness, honoring and respecting parents, prayer to G‑d and contemplation of His wisdom and greatness. This also means not acting recklessly towards the magnificent creation that has been entrusted to our stewardship.
Who Keeps the Noahide Laws?
Nobody needs to convert or join a particular church or temple to keep these principles and laws. But it is important to keep them because this is what the supreme G‑d wants of every one of us, and not only because they are wise and good laws.
Jewish International Police Force
Anyone who keeps these basic rules for that reason—regardless of race, nationality or culture—is considered a righteous person and granted eternal life upon leaving this world.
Jewish Interpol works in several countries to ensure that the Jewish People comply with these laws. Although Jewish communities have their own court, in some cases Jewish Interpol may take a bad person to the local police. When it comes to helping people – we are colorblind. Our goal is for everyone to live in peace. Live and let live.
Jewish Interpol is now entering Latin America (Brazil) to not only protect retaliation against Jewish Communities, but also to join forces with local foreign police.
