In a world yearning for meaning and moral direction, Judaism offers an ancient message intended not only for the Jewish people but, as the Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasised, also for all humanity. One of the lesser-known, but deeply inspiring aspects of his leadership, is his approach to what are called the Noahites: non-Jews living according to Noah's Seven Commandments.
Who was the Lubavitcher Rebbe?
For many, the name "Lubavitcher Rebbe" immediately conjures up images of a profound spiritual leader, a man of unfathomable wisdom, unprecedented empathy and superhuman devotion. But who was this man really? Why do so many, to this day, consider him their Rebbe - even if they never met him in person?
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson was born on 11 Nissan 5662 (1902) in Nikolayev, in the Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine). His father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, was a celebrated kabbalist and halachic authority, and his mother, Rebbetzin Chana, was known for her devotion and intellect.
At a young age, Menachem Mendel showed an extraordinary giftedness. He was immersed early on in Talmudic and Hasidic texts, as well as in the works of the Rambam, Nachmanides and profound Kabbalistic sources such as the Zohar and the writings of the Arizal.
In the 1920s, he moved to Berlin and then to Paris. There he studied mathematics, engineering and philosophy at university. His mastery of both secular and religious knowledge was second to none. He was fluent in several languages, including Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, French, English and German.
Yet his heart always remained connected to the teachings of Chabad and Judaism. He had not only knowledge, but also emuna (faith), humility and holiness.
In 1941, he fled to New York with his wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (daughter of the sixth Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn). After the death of his father-in-law in 1950, he accepted, with great reluctance, the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
From then on, an unprecedented period of innovation and expansion began.
The Rebbe saw the destruction of European Jewry during the Shoah not as the end, but as a call for reconstruction. Under his leadership, a global infrastructure of Chabad centres, schools, youth campaigns, shulas, shluchim (emissaries) and outreach initiatives emerged - from Buenos Aires to Bangkok, from Alaska to South Africa.
The Rebbe was not a traditional Rebbe in the sense of mysticism or closed court. His sichot (speeches) were deeply intellectual, steeped in halachic analysis, Hasidic spirituality, and philosophical precision. He could connect Rashi, Rambam, the Arizal, the Zohar and modern scholarship into an organic whole in a single speech.
His letters, thousands of which have been preserved, contain responsa, psychological guidance, blessings, and encouragement for people in all walks of life.
The Rebbe's view: universal, not uniform
The Rebbe emphasised that one does not have to become a Jew to live a meaningful, spiritual life. On the contrary, every person has a role in G-d's world, and for non-Jews that role lies in observing the Noahite commandments. He saw spreading these commandments not as religious conversion, but as an act of love and universal responsibility.
"When a Gentile lives according to the commandments G-d gave to Noah, he fulfils his purpose on earth and brings blessing to the world."
(Free paraphrase by the Rebbe from his letters)
Light for the peoples
The prophet Isaiah calls the Jewish people a "light to the nations" (Isaiah 42:6). For the Rebbe, this meant that Jews should not only grow spiritually internally, but also help humanity get in touch with the G-divine will. To him, teaching about the Seven Commandments was not an afterthought, but an essential part of the coming of the Geoela, the final redemption.
Practical: What does this mean today?
For Noahites:
- It is possible to live a sincere religious life without becoming Jewish.
- There are worldwide communities and study groups for Noahites seeking guidance in their spiritual path.
For Jews:
- There is a duty to share this message with non-Jewish people with love and respect.
- It can be through dialogue, education, or simply by being a good example.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe saw Noah's Seven Commandments as a key to world peace, spiritual harmony, and the ultimate fulfilment of prophecies about a world that will be "filled with the knowledge of G-d as water covers the sea" (Isaiah 11:9). It is a message of hope, responsibility and universal belonging.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe was a leader such as the world has rarely known. A Hasidic master, a world scholar, a shepherd of souls. But above all, he was a man of G-d, whose only desire was to make the world ready for the final redemption, a world of peace, G=ds consciousness and justice.
Written by Sarah Bakker
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