Sabbath in Noahide Law In the matter of Noahides observing the Sabbath, the rabbinic opinion (halacha) is a matter of “yesh omrim,” meaning, some authorities rule one way and other authorities rule a different way. Chabad generally takes a machmir (strict) view and forbids any gentile from keeping the Sabbath in any way, even to the extent of forbidding them to say, Shabbat Shalom or Good Shabbes. Most other authorities take the mekel (lenient) view that a Noahide who keeps the Seven Laws may observe the Sabbath in any way he or she chooses, so long as it is not exactly like a Jew. It is well known that it takes bigger shoulders to rule leniently than to rule strictly. It is an easy matter to forbid, but takes depth of knowledge and resolve to rule permissively. The final matter must be decided by the individual Noahide, for he can rely on a valid authority either way. Once a Noahide has accepted upon himself to keep the basic Noahide Laws, he can elect to be Sabbath observant within prescribed limitations and has a valid rabbinic authority upon whom to rely. Conversely, he can follow the other stream of rabbinic thought and avoid from any form of Sabbath observance. Both views are entirely correct. One stems from love and the other from fear. This is my view of the matter. Chaim Clorfene
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 09:54:06 +0000
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