Sabbath keeping for non Isralites (Gentiles)
Question
Hello. I hope i find you well. My question is on Sabbath keeping. Is Sabbath mandatory for christian gentiles or its specifically for the Isralites. If the answer is no, are there any biblical texts and historical texts that support the answer.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
We believe that the commandments/mitzvot of the Torah were given to the Jewish people to observe.
With regard to shabbat it is written that it is to be observed specifically by the Jewish people. Exodus 31:16–17:
(16) “The Children of Israel shall keep the Shabbos, to observe the Shabbos throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant.
(17) It is a sign between Me and the Children of Israel forever;
We don’t believe that there is any benefit for non-Jews to observe them.
We believe that all that G-d wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws.” They are called “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).
The 7 laws are:
1. Don’t murder.
2. Don’t steal.
3. Don’t worship false gods.
4. Don’t be sexually immoral.
5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.
6. Don’t curse God.
7. Establish a system of justice.
You can pray to God in your own words and your own language.
Allow me to recommend the following sites to learn more about what G-d expects from Gentiles: https://sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com/ and https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring.