{"id":33107,"date":"2026-03-30T20:15:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T23:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/?p=33107"},"modified":"2026-04-05T17:41:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T20:41:50","slug":"pesach-and-bnei-noach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/en\/pesach-and-bnei-noach\/","title":{"rendered":"Passover and Bnei Noach"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Relationship Between Non-Jews and Pesach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose of this class is to explain the relationship, if any, between non-Jews and the holiday of Pesach. This also applies to other holidays, but right now we are going to talk about Pesach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What can they do? What can they not do? Are they obliged to do anything? And so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sources for this class are actually quoted in the description of the class. Let&#039;s go through a few fundamental Jewish laws for non-Jews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Law Number One: Resting on Shabbat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-Jew cannot rest on the day of Shabbat, meaning the seventh day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, a non-Jew cannot rest on any other day of the week as a religious day. That means you cannot take a day and say: \u201cThis is a religious day that I&#039;m going to rest because God created the world in six days and on the seventh He rested.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I&#039;m going to rest on Shabbat, or I&#039;m going to rest on Wednesday, or whatever day\u2014that is not allowed according to Jewish law for non-Jews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you tired and want to rest? Okay, go ahead and rest. Rashi actually says you should not do that, but the common understanding is: if you&#039;re tired, you can rest. Just not as a religious observance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So don&#039;t rest on Shabbat, and don&#039;t choose any other day as a religious resting day. That&#039;s fundamental number one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Law Number Two: Do Not Create a New Religion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not allowed to make a new religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What does that mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a person chooses to create, invent, or make up a new religious act\u2014for example: \u201cI&#039;m going to eat this particular thing and say I&#039;m doing this for God, this is my offering\u201d\u2014and we don&#039;t find this in Judaism, then you are making up a religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Furthermore, if a person keeps a command that they are not commanded to do\u2014for instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God commanded the Jews to eat matzah on Pesach. Matzah is a specific type of bread that we eat on Pesach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a non-Jew says: \u201cI&#039;m going to eat matzah because God told us to eat matzah,\u201d that is incorrect. You are making up a religion, because God did not command non-Jews to eat matzah on Pesach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can Non-Jews Do Other Commandments?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#039;s continue with this idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are not commanded to do something, you are not obligated to do it. And you should not do it <em>as if you are obligated<\/em>, because you are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Rambam (Maimonides) says clearly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a non-Jew wants to keep a mitzvah that they were not commanded to do, they <em>dog<\/em> do it according to Jewish law\u2014with some exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exceptions are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shabbat\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning Torah beyond what relates to the Seven Noahide Laws\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the other mitzvot\u2014out of the 613\u2014non-Jews could do them, as long as they understand they are not doing it because they are commanded, but because they want to, possibly to receive reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Two Ways to Understand the Rambam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two ways of understanding this Rambam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>First way:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-Jew can only do <strong>rational commandments<\/strong>\u2014things that make sense anyway, even without a command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second way:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-Jew can do <strong>even non-rational commands<\/strong>, as long as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They know they are not obligated\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are doing it voluntarily, perhaps for reward\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again, this does not apply to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shabbat\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Torah learning (beyond what is relevant)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And some comments add that this also does not apply to certain mitzvot like tefillin, mezuzah, and sefer Torah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact details are not the focus right now. The main point is:<br>A non-Jew may do certain mitzvot, depending on how we understand the Rambam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What About Passover?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pesach has several commandments for Jews, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eating matzah\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not possessing chametz (leavened bread)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not benefiting from chametz\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not seeing chametz\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Telling the story of the Exodus\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drinking four cups of wine\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eating bitter herbs\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can Non-Jews Do These?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Point number one:<br>These commandments are <strong>not commanded for non-Jews<\/strong>. They are specifically for Jews, at a specific time and in a specific way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a non-Jew wants to do them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>According to the opinion that allows even non-rational commands\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And if they understand they are not obligated\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then they <em>could<\/em> Do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They must do it properly<br>They should speak to a rabbi and ask how to do it correctly<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are they obligated?<br>No, not at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ask yourself: Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you choose to do these things, ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why do I want to do this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do I want to look like a Jew?<br>Do I want to be a Jew?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the answer is yes:<br>Then go convert. Talk to a rabbi and convert properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If not, then you need to understand your motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Lessons of Pesach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This discussion does <strong>not<\/strong> apply to the lessons of Pesach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can learn any lesson you want from Pesach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One important lesson:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The word \u201cMitzrayim\u201d (Egypt) is related to \u201cmeitzarim,\u201d which means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restrictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br>Oppression<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going out of Egypt is an ongoing process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every day\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Every moment\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every human being is expected to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go beyond themselves\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop themselves\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break their own limits\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes the limits come from yourself.<br>Sometimes from your environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your job is to go beyond them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do These Lessons Apply to Non-Jews?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Yes, absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of the lessons of Pesach\u2014and other holidays\u2014apply to non-Jews as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Words<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, to summarize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The commandments of Pesach do <strong>not<\/strong> apply to non-Jews\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If they want to do them, they must:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask why\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do them properly\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand they are not obligated\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They may receive some kind of reward (the exact nature is unknown)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pesach is very much centered around food:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What you can eat\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What you cannot eat\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Closing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The traditional greeting is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We should have a Passover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With the proper foods\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With happiness\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And with joy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rambam, Laws of Kings, ch. 10, laws 9 and 10<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Radvaz, there<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rashi on Sanhedrin 58b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sefer Sheva Mitzvot Hashem, Fundamentals of faith, ch. 3, laws 2, 3 and 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sefer Mitzvot Hashem, p. 432<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Relationship Between Non-Jews and Pesach The purpose of this class is to explain the relationship, if any, between non-Jews and the holiday of Pesach. This also applies to other holidays, but right now we are going to talk about Pesach. What can they do? What can they not do? Are they obligated to do&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/en\/pesach-and-bnei-noach\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More \u00bb<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Passover and Bnei Noach<\/span><\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33104,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3176,2283],"tags":[3272,3208],"series":[],"class_list":["post-33107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-bnei-noaj","tag-english","tag-pesach"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VIDEOS-EN-Varios-4.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/avatar1400.jpeg","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"light","subscribeUrls":{"castbox":{"key":"castbox","url":"","label":"CastBox","class":"castbox","icon":"castbox.png"},"rss":{"key":"rss","url":"","label":"RSS","class":"rss","icon":"rss.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/en\/feed\/podcast\/rabino-tuvia-serber","embedCode":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"FQcFjaJIPH\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/en\/pesach-and-bnei-noach\/\">Pesach and Bnei Noach<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/tuviaserber.com\/en\/pesach-and-bnei-noach\/embed\/#?secret=FQcFjaJIPH\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" title=\"&#8220;Pesach and Bnei Noach&#8221; &#8212; Rabino Tuvia Serber\" data-secret=\"FQcFjaJIPH\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! 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