In Wikinoah, we attempt to present a range of traditional and authentic opinions concerning Noahidism Noahism and Noahide Noahite faith(s) within under the umbrella of halakhic Judaism. To hightlight highlight the different approaches a selection of Rabbis Rabbanim have been selected chosen with an aim of highlighting the widest array of opinions, for the purpose of beginning discussion; this is not designed to be either a complete anthology of approaches, or a definitive word on categorizing the authories authorities on this subject. The intention is to develop the language to distinguish and describe approaches, websites, groups, and leaders. ==Why is this important?== The way halakhic Judaism views non-Jewish nations is of fundamental importance when trying to understand how to approach our national customs and faiths. Are our native traditions obstacles to the advancement of Noahite teachings (Exclusivist), are they neutral awaiting the illumination of Torah (Inclusivist), or they distorted truths awaiting reform (Universalist/Pluralist)? Do the non-Jewish nations have a subsidiary role to play in the process of world-redemption (Hierarchical) or do we have our own equally important role (Collective)? Is it best to approach Noahite teachings through the lens of rationalism (Historical-Mission) or spiritually (Metaphysical)? Is Noahism one faith or many faiths? Is it built from the ground up, adding fulfilling traditions to the [[Seven Laws]]? Or perhaps from the top down, judging and filtering existing faiths & traditions through the lens of the [[Seven Laws]]? Within halakhic Judaism various Rabbinic authorities have approached this problem from several angles.
==How the approaches are categorized==
The sources we will be examining need to be categorized in multiple dimensions; to divide them simply between “pro-dialogue” and “anti-dialogue” would be to erase their richness. The most obvious of these dimensions is that which categorizes positions as exclusivist, inclusivist, or universalist/pluralistic.
===Exclusivist===
Let me explain. For the [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position|exclusivist]], one's own community, tradition, and encounter with G-d is the one and only exclusive truth; all other claims on encountering G-d are a priori false. Judaism is the sole path to G-d; those who are not Jews are at best bystanders in the Divine scheme, and at worst antagonists. This view can be found in some Talmudic texts and in many later commentators. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Shlomo ben Yitzhak]] (Rashi), some readings of [[Maimonides]], Rabbi [[Yehudah ben Betzalel Loewe]] (Maharal), Rabbi [[Zevi Yehudah Kook]], Rabbi [[Isaac Luria]], Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneersohn]].
For the exclusivist, the other religions are simply false. There is no broader, outside world whose claims need to be harmonized and addressed; there is only the realm of the “other side.” While this position may be at odds with ethical (and therefore universal) sensitivities, it plays a powerful sociological role for groups who feel embattled and threatened by the majority culture.
===Inclusivist===
For the [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivist]], other religions are explained by his own religion. All humanity is beloved by G-d and chosen from amongst all creation. As Zephaniah has prophecied, the nations will in messianic times all call upon G-d. The distinction between Israel and the nations is the presence – or absence – of the Sinai revelation. All have the image of G-d, but the Sinai experience is only for Jews. He acknowledges a world outside his own, but relies on his own worldview to make it comprehensible and give it meaning. He speaks the language of his own theology, and uses its vocabulary to describe outsiders. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Yehudah Halevi]], some readings of [[Maimonides]], Rabbi [[Yosef Gikkitila]], Rabbi [[Ovadiah Seforno]], Rabbi [[Yaakov Emden]], Rabbi [[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], and Rabbi [[Abraham Isaac Kook]].
In this, he differs from the pluralist, who will address others in their own language. The pluralist can be criticized for trying stepping to step outside his own religious language rather than pushing its boundaries, but can be admired for naming others in their own terms.
===Universalist/Pluralist===
The [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralist]] accepts that truth is not in the possession of any one tradition, understanding religion as a way of approaching, rather than defining and naming, G-d. He accepts his limitations in understanding the wider world and believes G-d is present and active within the world. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Yosef Gikkitila]], some readings of [[Maimonides]], Rabbi [[Nathaniel ibn Fayumi]], Rabbi [[Jonathan Sacks]], Rabbi [[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], Rabbi [[Henry Pereira Mendes]], Rabbi [[Israel Lipschutz]], Rabbi [[Elijah Benamozegh]] and , Rabbi [[Nachman of Breslov]].For the exclusivist, the other religions are simply false. There is no broader, outside world whose claims need to be harmonized and addressed; there is only the realm of the “other side.” While this position may be at odds with ethical (and therefore universal) sensitivities, it plays a powerful sociological role for groups who feel embattled and threatened by the majority cultureRabbi [[Adin Steinsaltz]].
===Irrelevantist===
The irrelevantist considers other faith communities as religions worthy of tolerance without a theory of other religions. Although this approach is not particularly useful for understanding [[Noahidism]], it deserves mention because is the most common approach of halakhic Jews today. Some renowned authorities in this category are: Rabbi [[Menachem Meiri]], and Rabbi [[Joseph Soloveitchik]].
==Each of the above can be sub-categorized==
===Historical-Mission===
This variation maintains that Judaism has a messianic mission to spread the doctrine of monotheism throughout the world. The monotheistic religions of the other nations both reflect the success of the mission until now, and play a role in the mission’s continued advance toward the messianic age. It transforms the millennia of Diaspora into part of the redemptive progress of history, with all that entails for remembering and feeling the pains accumulated along the way.
===Metaphysical===
This variation maintains that nonNon-Jewish nations finds themselves not as part of a historical progression, but in the metaphysical realm. Other religions will be seen not as means of bringing individuals or nations to monotheism but as binding themselves to performing a metaphysical attributesrole. In this, it might be a particularly useful basis for discussions with metaphysically-inclined Noahide Noahite nations; For example a mutual encounter with the Greek Orthodox Noahides Noahites concerning theories of Divine glory, blessings and energies. However, metaphysical models are limited in their utility in an era where few embrace, or even understand, metaphysical language.===Heirachical===Israel is a chosen people, who transforms the world. Other religions share a common root of Judaism; all religions are of the same tree with Judaism as the trunk. The religions are not needed for Jewish self-understanding, but to fail to recognize the nature of the branch religions is to fail to properly understand the world.
===PluralisticHierarchical===
An approach that clearly affirms Israel is a chosen people, who transforms the world. Other religions share a common core root of Judaism; all religionsare of the same tree with Judaism as the trunk. The religions are not needed for Jewish self-understanding, which over time became encrusted and thereby lead but to devolution fail to recognize the nature of various faiths. In the modern age we now seek a collective activity of all humanity’s seeking branch religions is to return fail to properly understand the original coreworld. The Biblical vision Jews are to be role models, spreading the enlightenment of becoming a light unto the nations is as part experienced, non-intellectual knowledge of a joint effort God to worship together. The eventual goal is a messianic restoration to Edenall.
=="Category" tages used in Wikinoah=Collective===
Here is An approach that clearly affirms a brief overview common core of all religions, which over time became encrusted and thereby lead to devolution of various faiths. Unlike Hierarchical, each of these approaches (listed A-Z the nations have a unique perspective which cannot be shared or even understood by last name):the others. All nations must seek the collective activity of all humanity’s seeking to return to the original core. At Sinai the Jewish people were entrusted with teachings that can begin, but not complete, the process of reform. The Biblical vision of becoming a light unto the nations is as part of a joint effort to worship together. The eventual goal is a messianic restoration to Eden.
=="Category" tags used in Wikinoah=Rabbi Benamozegh===Liberal approach based in part on teachings rooted in Jewish mysticism. Assumes that current religions are distorted Bnei Noach faiths. This approach is [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralist]] and assumes that there are many Noahide faiths. This category includes the teachings of Rabbi [[Elijah Benamozegh]] and Rabbi [[Nachman of Breslov]] on Noahides.
[[Here is a brief overview of these approaches (listed chronologically):Category:Benamozegh Approach|Rabbi Benamozegh's Approach]]
===ChabadConservative===Conservative approach based in part on teachings rooted in Jewish mysticism. Assumes that current religions are false and obstacles to the emergence of a true noahide faith. Based on the teachings of the Arizal and Rambam, exile is a manifestation of the cosmic reality of breakage and evil. The nations are not merely the non-Jews or anti-Israel; they are the same stuff as the evil at the beginning of creation. This leads to the notion that non-Jews have no souls, although this has been modified by the teachings of Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneersohn]]. This approach is [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position|exclusivist]] and assumes that there is only one Noahide faith. This category includes the teachings of Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneersohn]] as well as any other exclusivists quoted by Chabad based Noahide groups.====Joseph Soloveitchik====
:''Main article [[:Category:Chabad Joseph Soloveitchik Approach|Chabad Joseph Soloveitchik's Approach]]''Conservative and isolationist approach. Held by the majority of halachic Jews today. Generally a "live and let live" approach. While denying that either Christianity or Islam qualifies as a Noahite faith, it does not require them to change their faith. This approach is irrelevantist and avoids the question as to the nature of the Noahite faith.
===Oath Brit=Chabad====An innovative approach to the Noahide laws:''Main article [[:Category:Chabad Approach|Chabad Approach]]''[[Image:Chabad. Liberal png|right]]Conservative approach based in part on teachings rooted in Jewish mysticism but mostly on the [[Rambam]]. Assumes that current religions are false and obstacles to the emergence of a true Noahite faith. Based on the teachings of the [[Arizal]] (who counts 72 nations) and Rambam, exile is a reading manifestation of the prophets cosmic reality of breakage and some Jewish mysticismevil. The nations are not merely the non-Jews or anti-Israel; they are the same stuff as the evil at the beginning of creation. This leads to the notion that non-Jews have no souls, but mostly on although this has been modified by the teachings of Rabbi [[Moshe KerrMenachem Mendel Schneersohn]]. This approach is [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Exclusive Position|inclusivistexclusivist]] & metaphysical and assumes that there is only one Noahide Noahite faith and attempts to define that faith in terms . This category includes the teachings of traditions, customs and practiceRabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneersohn]] as well as any other exclusivists quoted by Chabad based Noahite groups.
[[:Category:Oath Brit Approach|Oath Brit Approach]]====Rambam====
===:''Main article [[:Category:Rambam Approach|Rambam===Approach]]''[[Image:Rambam.png|right]]Conservative and described as "harsh" Jurisdictional approach, decreeing capital punishment for the smallest crimes. Assumes that current religions are false, but part of the process of preparing mankind for the truth. Maimonides' writings are embedded within a more theologically contradictory halakhic grid. Maimonides' complex position is sometimes interprested as [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position|exclusivist]], [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivist]] or [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralist]], centered on historical-mission.
[[:Category:Rambam ===Oath Brit Approach|Rambam Approach]]===
===Rabbi Soloveitchik===:''Main article [[:Category:Oath Brit Approach|Oath Brit Approach]]''Conservative and isolationist An [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivist]] but Historical-Mission Jurisdictional approach. Held by based in part on a reading of the majority of halachic Jews todayprophets and some Jewish mysticism. Generally a "live This is Rabbi [[Moshe Kerr]]'s and let live" approachthe Traditional Ashkenazi Approach. While denying It agrees with Rambam that either Christianity or Islam qualifies Hassidei Umot HaOlam must believe in Judaism as a noahide the one and only true faith, it does not require them to change their faith. This approach is irrelevantist and avoids the question as attempts to the nature define that Brit-Oath Noahite level Judaism in terms of the Noahide faithtraditions, customs and practice.
====The Traditional Ashkenazi Approach====[[Image:Rashiwoodcut.jpg|right]]:''Main article [[:Category:Petter Chamor Approach]]''This approach is only for Messianist non-Jews being the only Bnai Noah traditionally known to Ashkenazim. The approach follows both Talmuds and the Teliya in accordance with the teachings of [[Rashi]] and the [[Tosafists]] (especially [[Rabbeinu Tam]]), the Ashkenazi Hassidim (especially Rav [[Judah ben Samuel of Regensburg|Yehuda HeHasid]]), various [[Kabbalists]] (such as [[Nachman of Breslov]]), the authors of various Machzorim (such as the [[Mahzor Vitri]] and the Metsudah Machzorim for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur), [[Yakov Yisrael Emden|Jacob Emden]], the Ramdu, the Ramchal [[Baruch Fränkel-Teomim]], [[Soloveitchik Approach|Rav Elijah Tsvi Soloveitchik]], [[Judah David Eisenstein]] and Rabbi Soloveitchik's Approach[[Harvey Falk]]. It uses some terms defined by Rambam.It is jurisdictional hierarchical and [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position|Exclusivist]] but based on compassion and attempting to define one halakhic faith for the Hassidei Umot HaOlam in terms of traditions customs and practice. It assumes that the plethora of sects of Christianity and Islamism are corruptions of this system while all other traditional religions around the world are distortions of the [[Derekh Eretz]] practiced by the patriarchs before the rules for Gerim were revealed at Mount Sinai in the Mishnah and Torah which were codified in the Evangelion by [[Rav Shimeon HaKalpus]]in the late 80sCE.
===TosafistsLiberal===Liberal approach based what appear to be compromises for comercial Any people who keep the Sheva Mitzvot are Meshulam (in covenant with HaShem) and social reasonsChochmei Umot HaOlam. Assumes that current religions are distorted Bnei Noach faithsJudaism does not go to war against them neither does it seek to exercise jurisdiction over them. This approach is category includes the teachings of Rabbi [[Elijah Benamozegh]] and Rabbi [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivistNachman of Breslov]] on Noahites and assumes that there are many Noahide Noahite faiths.
====Rabbi Benamozegh====[[Image:Benamozegh.png|right]]:''Main article [[:Category:Tosafists Benamozegh Approach|Tosafists Rabbi Benamozegh's Approach]]'' Liberal approach based in part on teachings rooted in Jewish mysticism. Assumes that current religions are distorted Bnei Noah faiths. This approach is [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralist]] & collective.
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