Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 9

Hook

Ever wonder if there are some basic rules that just make sense for everyone, everywhere? Like, super-duper universal guidelines for being a decent human? Jewish wisdom says, "Yep!"

Context

Here's a quick peek into where this idea comes from:

• Who: Maimonides, a brilliant Jewish teacher from long ago.
• When: He wrote this important work in the 12th century.
• Where: Mostly in Egypt, where he was a doctor and scholar.
• Key Term: A Mitzvah is a divine command or a good deed.

Text Snapshot

Maimonides writes about the very first human, Adam: "Six precepts were commanded to Adam: ...a) the prohibition against worship of false gods; ...c) the prohibition against murder; ...e) the prohibition against theft; ...f) the command to establish laws and courts of justice. The prohibition against eating flesh from a living animal was added for Noah... Thus there are seven mitzvot." (Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 9:1:1, https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah%2C_Kings_and_Wars%2C_9:1:1)

Close Reading

Insight 1: Universal Values

Jewish thought suggests some core rules apply to everyone, not just Jewish people. These are often called the Noahide Laws.

Insight 2: Common Sense Goodness

These rules aren't just divine commands; they're also things our own "common sense" tells us are right. Like, "don't steal" – pretty straightforward, right?

Apply It

This week, pick one of these universal ideas (like "don't steal" or "be fair"). For just a minute each day, think about how you can practice it. Maybe return a misplaced item, or just be extra honest.

Chevruta Mini

1. Which of these seven universal rules feels most important to you right now, and why?
2. How might the world change if everyone truly focused on just one of these basic rules?

Takeaway

Fundamental human decency is a shared, timeless journey.