Many years ago, I was invited to give a presentation to a church group in New Orleans about Chanukah. After the presentation, I was asked by the pastor if I would be comfortable taking some questions from the group, which, of course, I was. During the Q& A session, the discussion came up about what Jews believe about “heaven” and the “world-to-come.” The audience was shocked when I told them that Judaism did NOT require one to be Jewish to have a place in what they would refer to as, “the Kingdom of Heaven.” I assume that this was different than what they were taught about their own faith and access to “heaven.”
What are the mechanics of this Jewish tenet? How indeed does a non-Jew gain potential entry to the “Jewish world-to-come?”
The Rambam teaches (based on the Sages of the Talmud) that there are seven universal principles called “the Mitzvot of Bnei Noach” (Noahide Commandments). He concludes that “Any person who accepts upon himself the fulfillment of these seven mitzvot and is precise in their observance is considered one of “the pious among the gentiles” and will merit a share in the world to come.”
What are these principles and how can they be implemented in contemporary 21st century living? What role must a Jew play in facilitating the fulfillment of these Mitzvot by the rest of humanity? The answer to these questions will be the focus of the upcoming course “For All Humankind” that is being offered by Chabad beginning at the end of April. We will talk about how Abraham introduced monotheism and a set of universal beliefs to humanity and how those principles shape the way we live in modern times. We learn about the importance of importing values to our children. We learn about the kind of world we can build if all of humanity lives by this formula for divine living.
As lagniappe, this course comes with CLE credits for attorneys. The course will be offered at lunchtime downtown at the offices of Egenberg Trial Lawyers (starting Tuesday, April 28) and in the evenings at Chabad uptown (Wednesday, April 29). For more info: www.chabadneworleans.com/JLI.
Chabad Metairie will also be offering the course – www.jewishlouisiana.com/JLI.
This course will be of great value and interest to all, regardless of religious background or knowledge level. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to learn.
I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin