People sometimes ask me, “Does Judaism say that only Jews go to Heaven?” While the good “go to Heaven” or have a place in the World to Come, the real goal is to bring Heaven down to Earth, which will happen when the Jewish Messiah comes. However, that is a subject for a different blog. According to Judaism, all people, regardless of origin have a place in the World to Come, provided that they believe in one G-d and follow seven basic rules that are intended for humankind. In fact, Judaism is the only religion I know of that has room in its “heaven” for those who are not members of the religion. The seven rules are:
1. Believe in one G-d
This includes a prohibition against worshipping idols or anything or anyone besides G-d.
2. Do not Blaspheme G-d
A person should recognize G-d as the Creator of all things and give Him due respect.
3. Do not Kill
It is important to regard human life as sacred and not to cause anyone harm.
4. Do not Commit Immoral Sexual Acts
One should not commit incest, adultery and other sins which undermine the family.
5. Do not Steal
Another’s property and rights should be respected.
6. Do not be cruel to animals
The commandment speaks specifically about eating the limb of a living creature, and is interpreted to encourage appropriate treatment of other creatures.
7. Create a judicial system
The purpose of this judicial system is to enforce the other six laws.
These seven laws are referred to as the Noahide Laws, and were revealed to the world when G-d made a covenant with Noah after the flood. However, they existed long before that time and were followed by Adam, the first human being. It was recently that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn encouraged the world to increase acts of goodness and kindness and to follow these seven laws to help bring the Messiah and an era of peace.