Ask the Rabbi - Customs and Practices
Teshuva for Noahides
Q: Does Teshuva – repentance – exist for Noahides?
Q: Hello Rabbi, does Teshuva – repentance – exist for Noahides? Does it have the same value in the eyes of G-d as that of a member of the Jewish community? Thank you again for this website and see you soon. Christian
A: The Bible shows that Teshuva is relevant for Noahides with respect to Ishmael (according to the interpretation of the text in the oral tradition) and in the cases of the inhabitants of Nineveh (book of Jonah) and Naaman the Aramaic (book of Kings). The question was debated in Beit Elohim of Rabbi Moshe of Trani at the 16th Century. The value of Teshuva in the eyes of G-d is a function of its authenticity and sincerity.