Important articles Doctor Katriel Blad

The Gentiles and the observance of the dietary law regarding clean and unclean animals. The observance of the Sabbath.

Copied and translated from "Torah Daily Manna" by Dr. Katriel Blad.

Parashah #47 | Re'eh | Observe... For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. You shall not eat anything abominable... they shall be unclean to you... it shall be unclean to you... it shall be unclean to you... it shall be unclean to you... You shall not eat any animal that has died [of itself]. You may give it to the sojourner who is in your cities, that he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner, for you are a holy people to the LORD your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother's milk. (Deut. 14:2-3, 7b, 8b, 10b, 19b, 21 LBLA)

FOR WHOM ARE CERTAIN ANIMALS UNCLEAN? The laws of *kashrut*—*kashrut*, or fitness for Jewish consumption—regarding clean and unclean animals were given to the covenant people. There is a clear distinction between what the holy people—the priestly nation—may eat and what the rest of the nations may eat.

The laws given to Noah and his descendants did not forbid them from eating unclean animals; they only forbade eating them while alive (Gen. 9:4). However, when the people of Israel were consecrated and set apart from the nations, they received very strict dietary regulations. The Torah reiterates time and again that certain animals are unclean for them, implying that this is not the case for other peoples.

It is true that Noah knew which animals were clean and which were unclean (Gen. 7:2), but this had nothing to do with food, since before the Flood, humans could not eat animals—only vegetation (Gen. 1:29). It concerned which animals were suitable for sacrifice to the Eternal One. Permission to eat animals was granted after the Flood (Gen. 9:3). Even an animal classified as clean cannot be eaten by the children of the covenant if it has not been slaughtered correctly, according to the Jewish laws of *shechita* (ritual slaughter). An animal that has died in any other way cannot be consumed by the children of Israel; however, the Torah permits its consumption by a resident of the Land of Israel—a *ger* (sojourner)—who has not converted, and by a foreigner—a *nochri*—who does not live in the Land of Israel. So, what should the diet be for the chosen ones from among the nations who have been grafted into the holy people and sanctified by the blood of Yeshua? As I understand it, one cannot establish rules that legally forbid them from eating what is permitted to the other children of Noah. I am convinced that the millions of non-Jews who have received heavenly citizenship in the suffering Messiah—and who eat animals forbidden to Jews—are not sinning against the Eternal by consuming those animals. There are things that render a priest impure but not an ordinary Israelite. Likewise, there are things that render the children of the covenant impure but do not render the children of Noah impure. In other words, a non-Jew who eats animals considered impure for Jews does not become impure by doing so. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the holiness these children of Noah have attained—which has raised them far above their fellow citizens among the nations—requires of them not only a higher standard of morality but also a stricter diet; not as a matter of salvation, but as a matter of sanctification. In other words, it is advisable and healthy for the chosen ones from among the nations to adopt a diet similar to the Jewish diet, so that their bodies may be more sanctified and healthy, and consequently more pleasing to the Eternal. In conclusion, chosen non-Jews are permitted to eat animals that are impure for Jews, but it is not recommended that they do so. *Kol tuv!* All the best! KETRIEL http://www.messianictorah.org (trans.)

According to Dr. Ketriel Blad, must Noahides or Gentiles observe the Sabbath?

According to the biblical theology taught by Dr. Ketriel Blad, Noahides (or Gentiles) are not legally obligated to observe the Sabbath according to the Halakhic (rabbinic) restrictions binding upon the Jewish people; however, they do possess the spiritual right and benefit of setting apart the day of rest.

In his scriptural commentaries (*El Maná de la Torá*), this position is outlined based on the following principles:

1. It is not a legal obligation of the (Sinai) covenant

The 7 Laws: Non-Jews fall under the Noahide covenant. Technically, this universal code does not include the Sabbath commandment as a mandatory or restrictive law.

Distinct identities: Blad insists on maintaining a clear distinction of identities. Gentiles should not adopt—in a legalistic manner—the rites or the 39 prohibitions (*melakhot*) given exclusively to Israel. For example, a non-Jew should not recite liturgical blessings stating "...who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us...", as they did not receive that specific commandment at Sinai.

2. It is a benefit and principle of Creation (Genesis)

Edenic institution: Blad argues that seventh-day rest originated in the Garden of Eden (Genesis) and was reinforced by the manna in the wilderness, prior to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

Universal invitation: Therefore, the Sabbath holds a moral and physical blessing designed for the well-being of all humanity. Rest, the cessation of toil, and consecration to the Creator on that day are open—on a voluntary basis—to believers from the nations. A practical summary for a Noahide

From this perspective, the Gentile believer is not required (by penal or covenantal obligation) to observe the Sabbath, but may—and is encouraged to—celebrate it freely, enjoying physical rest, studying Torah, and worshipping the God of Israel, without imitating the liturgies and strict prohibitions of traditional Judaism.