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 highlight the different approaches a selection of Rabbis Rabbanim have been 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 give us develop the language to distinguish and describe approaches, websites, groups, and leaders.

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 Noachide 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 Noachide Noahite teachings through the lens of rationalism (Historical-Mission) or spiritually (Metaphysical)? Is Noahidism 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.

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.

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]].

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]].

Non-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 performing a metaphysical role. 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.

Here is a brief overview of these approaches (listed A-Z by last namechronologically):

===Rabbi BenamozeghConservative===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]] & collective and assumes that there are many Noahide faiths. This category includes the teachings of Rabbi [[Elijah Benamozegh]] and Rabbi [[Nachman of Breslov]] on Noahides.====Joseph Soloveitchik====

:''Main article [[:Category:Benamozegh Joseph Soloveitchik Approach|Rabbi BenamozeghJoseph 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.

====Chabad====:''Main article [[:Category:Chabad Approach|Chabad Approach]]''[[Image:Chabad.png|right]]Conservative approach based in part on teachings rooted in Jewish mysticismbut mostly on the [[Rambam]]. Assumes that current religions are false and obstacles to the emergence of a true noahide Noahite faith. Based on the teachings of the [[Arizal]] (who counts 72 nations) 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]] & metaphysical and assumes that there is only one Noahide Noahite faith. This category includes the teachings of Rabbi [[Menachem Mendel Schneersohn]] as well as any other exclusivists quoted by Chabad based Noahide Noahite groups.

===Oath Brit===:''Main article [[:Category:Rambam Approach|Rambam Approach]]''[[Image:Rambam.png|right]]An innovative Conservative and described as "harsh" Jurisdictional approach to , decreeing capital punishment for the Noahide lawssmallest crimes. Liberal approach based in Assumes that current religions are false, but part on a reading of the prophets and some Jewish mysticism, but mostly on process of preparing mankind for the teachings of Rabbi truth. Maimonides' writings are embedded within a more theologically contradictory halakhic grid. Maimonides' complex position is sometimes interprested as [[Moshe KerrJudaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position|exclusivist]]. This approach is , [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivist]] & Historicalor [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralist]], centered on historical-Mission and assumes that there is only one Noahide faith and attempts to define that faith in terms of traditions, customs and practicemission.

[[:Category:===Oath Brit Approach|Oath Brit Approach]]===

===Rambam===Conservative and described as "harsh" 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 Main article [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Exclusive Position:Category:Oath Brit Approach|exclusivistOath Brit Approach]], ''An [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Position|inclusivist]] or but Historical-Mission Jurisdictional approach based in part on a reading of the prophets and some Jewish mysticism. This is Rabbi [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Universalism/Pluralistic Position|pluralistMoshe Kerr]]'s and the Traditional Ashkenazi Approach. It agrees with Rambam that Hassidei Umot HaOlam must believe in Judaism as the one and only true faith and attempts to define that Brit-Oath Noahite level Judaism in terms of traditions, centered on historical-missioncustoms and practice.

====The Traditional Ashkenazi Approach====[[Image:Rashiwoodcut.jpg|right]]:''Main article [[:Category:Rambam 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|Rav Elijah Tsvi Soloveitchik]], [[Judah David Eisenstein]] and Rabbi [[Harvey Falk]]. It uses some terms defined by Rambam Approach.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.

===Rabbi SoloveitchikLiberal===Conservative and isolationist approach. Held by Any people who keep the majority of halachic Jews today. Generally a "live Sheva Mitzvot are Meshulam (in covenant with HaShem) and let live" approachChochmei Umot HaOlam. While denying that either Christianity or Islam qualifies as a noahide faith, it Judaism does not require go to war against them neither does it seek to change their faithexercise jurisdiction over them. This approach is irrelevantist category includes the teachings of Rabbi [[Elijah Benamozegh]] and avoids the question as to the nature Rabbi [[Nachman of the Noahide faithBreslov]] on Noahites and assumes that there are many Noahite faiths.

====Rabbi Benamozegh====[[Image:Benamozegh.png|right]]:''Main article [[:Category:Soloveitchik Benamozegh Approach|Rabbi SoloveitchikBenamozegh's Approach]] ===Tosafists==='' Liberal approach based what appear to be compromises for commercial and social reasonsin part on teachings rooted in Jewish mysticism. Assumes that current religions are distorted Bnei Noach Noah faiths. This approach is [[Judaism_and_Other_Religions#Inclusive Universalism/Pluralistic Position|inclusivistpluralist]] & hierarchical and assumes that there are many Noahide faithscollective. [[:Category:Tosafists Approach|Tosafists Approach]]

[[Category:Joseph Soloveitchik Approach]][[Category:Tosafists Petter Chamor Approach]] ==References==<references />