B'NAI NOACH

In Judaism, B'nai Noach (Hebrew, "Descendants of Noah"), and Noahide, are non-Jews who live in accord with the seven Noahide Laws (below).

In the United States a few organized movements of non-Jews (primarily of Christian origin) have been influenced by Orthodox Judaism; but, rather than converting to Judaism, they have chosen to live by the Noahide Laws.

1. the prohibition of idolatry,
2. the prohibition of blasphemy,
3. the prohibition of murder,
4. the prohibition of forbiden incest, sodomy, male homosexual sex acts and adultery),
5. the prohibition of robbery,
6. the prohibition of eating a limb from an animal while it is still alive,
7. the obligation to establish courts of justice.

The Talmud says: "Righteous people of all nations have a share in the world to come." (Sanhedrin 105a). Any person who lives according to these laws is known as "the righteous among the gentiles". Maimonides states that this refers to those who have acquired knowledge of God and act in accordance with the Noahide laws. Judaism generally holds that most Christians and Muslims fall into this category.

According to Judaism, these laws apply to all humanity through their descent from Noah after The Flood.

See also: Judaism, Religious pluralism, Sons of Noah