It has come to our attention that an unfortunate dispute is taking place between Noaḥide organizations in the United States.
Let us remember that no good comes from such disputes. According to the Ramban, “let him not be like Koraḥ and his followers” is a Torah prohibition.
There have always been different opinions amongst the sages of Israel. None of these disagreements cause the disqualification of other positions.
As for the matter in question, the Rambam‘s words about non-Jews who “are forbidden to innovate a religion and add commandments of their own accord” have been discussed extensively by the poskim, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that there are different opinions on this matter.
Some believe that this is a sweeping and general prohibition for anyone who is not part of the people Israel (Rav Moshe Feinstein).
Some believe that these words were spoken about the nokhrim (strangers) and not about the Bnei Noaḥ (Ḥatam Sofer) and some believe that this distinction refers to learning Torah and not observing the laws of Israel (Rav Ḥaim of Volozhin).
Others have made distinctions between different categories of commandments (HaMeiri), and still others maintain that officially committing to live according to the Noaḥide laws before a Jewish court of law allows non-Jews to also take upon themselves other laws and practices of the Israelites (Magen Avraham & Ḥafetz Ḥaim).
Therefore, whoever denigrates the legal positions of other scholars violates the prohibition against insulting Torah scholars, which is itself a serious transgression.
In the hope that peace will prevail, “great is the peace of your sons” (Yeshaya 54:13).
