Non-Jew Seeking Hashem
Question
Raised Christian, I've rejected that teaching since childhood due to many errors. it's clearly an invention by Paul. For decades I've searched various faiths and keep coming back to the Tanakh. I feel compelled to act on this but don't know what to do. Should I convert, should I learn to live as a Noahide? It is important to me to seek truth and learn how to properly communicate with Hashem, as well as live my life the way he wants me to, but where does a non-Jew go to learn the truth and how to live?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
It is wonderful that you believe in the One God of Israel...the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God 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.
Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven. There is no need to follow any other religion. 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. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!