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Question
What is the Jewish view of a gentile following the Noahide laws?
Answer
In terms of a Gentile following the seven Noachide laws, the Jewish tradition regards such a person technically as a "ger toshav" translated as a "resident non-citizen" or better "semi-convert" in various Rabbinic statements. Such a person according to the Rabbis is a "righteous person" and is entitled to full material support from the Jewish community should it be needed.
It is interesting that early on Muslims were considered Noachides = B'nei Noach because of their strict monotheism, but it took centuries for the Christian faith community to also be granted that Noachide status because of the trinity.
My own perception is that if all of humanity were to observe the seven Noachide laws, the world would be a better place, far better than it is now, and if there is indeed a reward or a place in the world to come that is a rewarded place, then all of humanity would be so rewarded.
Best
Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation
for Family Education (FFFE)
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