According to [[rabbinic Judaism]], as expressed in the [[Talmud]], the Noahide Laws apply to all humanity through mankind's descent from one paternal ancestor who in Hebrew tradition is called [[Noah]] (the head of the only family to survive during [[Deluge (mythology)|The Flood]]). In Judaism, בני נח ''[[B'nei Noah]]'' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], "Descendants of Noah", "Children of Noah") refers to all of mankind.
In Jewish tradition, the terms ''Ben Noach'' son of Noah or ''Bat Noach'' daughter of Noah is used to refer to a generic human being. The laws that Noah must keep are laws for all humanity, regardless of culture or ethnicity. People familiar who know how to pronounce the Hebrew letter 'ח' - Khet usually spell the word NOACHIDE, otherwise it is spelled often NOAHIDE for the convenience of English speakers.
[[Judaism]] holds that [[gentile]]s (''goyim'' "non-Jews [literally 'Nations']") are not obligated to adhere to all the laws of the Torah (indeed, they are forbidden to fulfill some laws, such as the keeping of the [[Shabbat|Sabbath]] in the exact same manner as Israel {{fact}}). Rabbinic Judaism and its modern-day descendants discourage [[Proselyte|proselytization]]. The Noahide Laws are regarded as the way through which non-Jews can have a direct and meaningful relationship with God or at least comply with the minimal requisites of civilization and of divine law.
