Becoming Jewish

Noah
The Holy Scriptures - Jewish Publication Society (1917) pages 8-11
Bereshit: Chapter 6
9. These are the generations of Noah. Noah was in his generations a man righteous and whole-hearted; Noah walked with God. 10. And Noah begot three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11. And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12. And God saw the earth, and behold it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. 13. And God said to Noah: 'The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold I will destroy them with the earth. 14. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; with rooms shalt thou make the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15. And this is how thou shalt make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16. A light thou shalt make to the ark, and to a cubit shalt thou finish it upwardly and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17. And I, behold, do bring the flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; every thing that is in the earth shall perish. 18. But I will establish My covenant with thee; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. 19. And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. 20. Of the fowl after their kind, and of the cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. 21. And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.' 22. Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Bereshit: Chapter 7
And the Lord said unto Noah: 'Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation. 2. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven and seven, each with his mate; and of the beasts that are not clean two [and two], each with his mate; 3. Of the fowl also of the air, seven and seven, male and female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. 4. For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I blot out from off the face of the earth.' 5. An Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him. 6. And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. 7. And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. 8. Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the ground, 9. there went in two and two unto Noah, into the ark, male and female, as God commanded Noah. 10. And it came to pass after the seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. 11. In six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. 13. In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; 14. they and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after its kind, and every fowl after its kind, every bird of every sort. 15. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh wherein is the breath of life. 16. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. 17. And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. 18. And the waters prevailed, and increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. 19. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high mountains that were under the whole heaven were covered. 20. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. 21. And all flesh perished that moved upon the earth, both fowl, and cattle, and beast, and every swarming thing that swarmeth upon the earth, and every man; 22. all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, whatsoever was in the dry land, died. 23. And He blotted out every living substance which was upon the face of the found, both man, and cattle, and creeping thing, and fowl of the heaven; and they were blotted out from the earth; and Noah only was left, and they that were with him in the ark. 24. And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days.

Bereshit: Chapter 8
And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged; 2. the fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. 3. And the waters returned from off the earth continually; and after the end of a hundred and fifty days the waters decreased. 4. And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth days of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. 5. And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen. 6. And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. 7. And he sent forth a raven, and it went forth to and from, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. 8. And he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground. 9. But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him to the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth; and he put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her in unto him into the ark. 10. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. 11. And the dove came in to him at eventide; and lo in her mouth an olive-leaf freshly plucked; so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. 12. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; and she returned not again unto him any more. 13. And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the found was dried. 14. And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dry. 15. And God spoke unto Noah, saying; 16. 'Go forth from the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee 17. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee of all flesh, both fowl, and cattle, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may swarm in the earth, and be fruitful and multiply upon the earth.' 18. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his son's wives with him; 19. every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, whatsoever moveth upon the earth, after their families, went forth out of the ark. 20. And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt-offering on the altar. 21. And the Lord smelled the sweet savour; and the Lord said in His heart: 'I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. 22. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and hear, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.'

Bereshit: Chapter 9
And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them: 'Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2. And the dear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, and upon all wherewith the ground teemeth, and upon all the fishes of the sea: into your hand are they delivered. 3. Every moving thing that liveth shall be for food for you; as the green herb have I given you all. 4. Only flesh, with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it; and at the hand of man, even at the hand of every man's brother, will I require the life of man. 6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made He man. 7. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; swarm, in the earth, and multiply therein.' 8. And God spoke unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying: 9. 'Ad for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you; 10. and with every living creature that is with you, the fowl, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that go out of the ark, even every beast of the earth. 11. And I will establish My covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.' 12. And God said; 'This is the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you. for perpetual generations: 13. I have set My bow in the cloud and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14. And it shall come to pass, when I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow is seen in the cloud, 15. that I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.' 17. And God said unto Noah: 'This is the token of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is upon the earth.' 18. And the sons of Noah, that went forth from the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth; and Ham is the father of Canaan. 19. These three were the sons of Noah, and of these was the whole earth overspread.

B'nei Noach Laws
A covenant is defined as an agreement. G-d gave Noah and all his descendants (B'nei Noach or "children of Noah") seven commandments that they are to obey. These seven commandments are symbolized by the seven colors of the rainbow. These Seven Commandments (mitzvot) are not arbitrary laws, but rather G-d's plan for mankind. Adherence to this moral code guarantees harmony among ourselves, with the rest of Creation, and with G-d. Non-Jews who (1) reject all idolatrous ideas and accept the kingship of the One G-d, (2) accept the priesthood of the Jewish people as the guardians and teachers of Torah, and (3) commit to following the seven commandments revealed to Noah are called B'nei Noach (aka Noachides) or "Children of Noah." The Rambam's, Rav Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides), commentary in The Laws of Kings 8:11 reads: "Anyone who accepts upon himself the fulfillment of these Seven Mitzvot [commandments] and is precise in their observance is considered one of the righteous among the nations and will merit a share in the World to Come." B'nei Noach are permitted to keep any of the 613 mitzvot given to the Jews with these exceptions:
1) Observing Shabbat in the same manner as the Jews;
2) Observing the Jewish holy days in the same manner as the Jews;
3) Studying the parts of the Mishnah/ Talmud that are not related to the B'nei Noach mitzvot;
4) Writing a Torah Scroll;
5) Receiving an aliyah;
6) Making, writing, or wearing tefillin

Law #1: Prohibition of idolatry and Law #2: Prohibition of blasphemy
This can be derived from Genesis 4:26 - 'And as for Seth, to him also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. Then to call in the Name of Hashem became profaned. This is a reference to the beginnings of idolatry, which in and of itself is a form of blasphemy. This verse is saying that calling out in prayer to anything but Hashem profanes Hashem's name (Blasphemy). These people call to idols - whether natural phenomena or actual wood and stone.

Law #4: Prohibition of murder
This one is pretty simple. Cain kills Abel...Cain is punished. And again in Genesis 4:23-24 Lamech rues over the punishment he will receive for committing an accidental murder. Also Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood shall be shed...' This also is a reference to the establishment of courts....if one commits murder, then it is up to the courts to convict and punish.

Law #5: Prohibition of sexual misconduct
This is derived primarily from the relationship between Adam and Eve. Eve is created as a 'helpmate' to Adam. Together, they are given the command to 'be fruitful and multiply' Genesis 1:28. Thus, sexual conduct within a husband/wife relationship is sanctified and all other types of sexual conduct are not sanctified. There are several examples of the consequences of this: the serpent's attempted seduction of Eve...In Lamech's wives Adah and Zillah (it is derived that at that time men would take 2 wives...one to bear them children and the other for fun. Zillah was the one for fun as evidence by her giving birth to Tubal-Cain where Genesis 4:22 says And Zillah too. A Midrash brings down that it was through Tubal-Cain that Lamech came to slay Cain...and then in his grief, killed Tubal-Cain. (In Genesis 23 Lamech says: Have I slain a man by my wound and a child by my bruise? Lamech was blind ...the man was Cain (a target identify by Tubal-Cain) and the child, Tubal-Cain himself.) Then in chapter 6, we see that as a result of the 'sons of rulers' who take whatever women they chose, Hashem issues the decree that in 120 years, He will destroy mankind Genesis 6:3. And again in Genesis 6:12 '...for all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth'.

1. Against having union with his mother. (Leviticus 18:7)
2. Against having union with his sister. (Leviticus 18:9)
3.) Against having union with the wife of his father. (Leviticus 18:8)
4. Against having union with another man's wife. (Leviticus 18:20)
5. Against copulating with a beast. (Leviticus 18:23)
6. Against a woman copulating with a beast. (Leviticus 18:23)
7. Against lying carnally with a male. (Leviticus 18:22)
8. Against lying carnally with his father. (Leviticus 18:7)
9. Against lying carnally with his father's brother. (Leviticus 18:14)
10. Against engaging in erotic conduct that may lead to a prohibited union. (Leviticus 18:6)

1. To appoint judges and officers in each and every community. (Deuteronomy 16:18)
2. To treat the litigants equally before the law. (Leviticus 19:15)
3. To inquire diligently into the testimony of a witness. (Deuteronomy 13:15)
4. Against the wanton miscarriage of justice by the court. (Leviticus 19:15)
5. Against the judge accepting a bribe or gift from a litigant. (Exodus 23:8)
6. Against the judge showing marks of honor to but one litigant. (Leviticus 19:15)
7. Against the judge acting in fear of a litigant's threats. (Deuteronomy 1:17)
8. Against the judge, out of compassion, favoring a poor litigant. (Exodus 23:3; Leviticus 19:15)
9. Against the judge discriminating against the litigant because he is a sinner. (Exodus 23:6)
10. Against the judge, out of softness, putting aside the penalty of a mauler or killer. (Leviticus 19:15)
11. Against the judge discriminating against a stranger or an orphan. (Deuteronomy 24:17)
12. Against the judge hearing one litigant in the absence of another. (Exodus 23:1)
13. Against appointing a judge who lacks knowledge of the Law. (Deuteronomy 1:17)
14. Against incrimination by circumstantial evidence. (Exodus 23:7)
15. Against punishing for a crime committed under duress. (Deuteronomy 22:26)
16. That the court is to administer the death penalty by the sword. (Exodus 21:20; Leviticus 26:25)
17. Against anyone taking the law into his own hands to kill the perpetrator of a capital crime. (Numbers 35:12)
18. To testify in court. (Leviticus 5:1)
19. Against testifying falsely. (Exodus 20:13)

Law #7: Prohibition of eating live meat
This seventh law is clearly stated in Genesis 9:4 'But flesh, with its soul its blood you shall not eat.'

1. Against eating a limb severed from a living animal, beast, or fowl. (Deuteronomy 12:23)
2. Against eating the flesh of any animal which was torn by a wild beast which, in part, prohibits the eating of such flesh as was torn off an animal while it was still alive. (Deuteronomy 14:21)

B'nei Noach in the Talmud
Sanhedrin 56a and 56b - blasphemy, seven laws
Sanhedrin 57a and 57b - blasphemy, murder, sexual misconduct
Sanhedrin 58a and 58b - sexual misconduct
Sanhedrin 59a and 59b - eating live meat
Sanhedrin 60a and 60b - blasphemy, idolatry
Sanhedrin 96b - B'nei Noach
Avodah Zarah 2a and 2b - idolatry
Avodah Zarah 3a and 3b - idolatry
Avodah Zarah 64b - idolatry
Avodah Zarah 65a and 65b - idolatry
Bava Kamma 38a - seven laws
Chullin 92a - B'nei Noach

B'nei Noach Prayers
*These prayers are only suggestions and are based upon traditional Jewish prayers.*

B'nei Noach and Biblical Holidays
Chanukah
While Chanukah is not a "Biblical Holiday", it has become an important holiday in the Jewish world because of its association with the re-consecration of the Temple. Noachides are permitted to celebrate this holiday but not in exactly the same manner as a Jew. It is permissible for Noachides to light Chanukah candles but the blessings should not be made and the candles should not be set in a window or at the door as the Jews would do. Prayers for the return of the Temple and the worship at the Temple may be said.

Pesach (Passover)
Pesach is a celebration of freedom from slavery. It is recommended that the Noachides do a thorough house cleaning in remembrance of the slavery of the Hebrews in Egypt, the benefits of the exodus for the entire world, and a cleansing of bad habits. On the eve of the first day of Pesach, Noachides should have a festive meal including wine and matzah as a celebration of the exodus and the freedom of all people. A special emphasis on freedom for all is a special part of Pesach that should be observed by Noachides. Agreeing to purchase chametz from a Jew during Pesach can be a mitzvah Noachides may perform (speak with a local rabbi for more information). It is permissible for Noachides to attend a Seder but it is recommended that one contact the rabbi before attending to find out what restrictions may be placed upon the Noachides.

Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the day that G-d created mankind and is a day of introspection and a day of planning changes in one's life for the next year. Noachides should spend the holiday in a time of reflection and introspection about oneself and one's interaction with G-d and mankind. Noachides may recite certain prayers from the Machzor (speak with a local rabbi for more information). It is permissible for Noachides to attend services but it is recommended that one contact the rabbi before attending to find out what restrictions may be placed upon the Noachide.

Shavuot
Shavuot is a harvest festival that has become traditionally associated with the giving of Torah at Mount Sinai. Noachides should use this day as a time for Torah study - especially those sections dealing with the Noachide mitzvot. It is permissible for a Noachides to attend services but it is recommended that one contact the rabbi before attending to find out what restrictions may be placed upon the Noachides.

Sukkot
Sukkot is a harvest festival when the Jews and Noachides made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. In Zechariah, it is predicted that the Temple will be rebuilt during Sukkot and all nations will make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Noachides should use this time to study Torah, observe and celebrate nature, and celebrate with fellow Noachides. It is permissible for a Noachides to attend services but it is recommended that one contact the rabbi before attending to find out what restrictions may be placed upon the Noachides.

Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is a day set aside as a day to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them. Noachides are not to fast on this day but the atonement for the sins is a responsibilty of Noachides on this day. Noachides may recite certain prayers from the Machzor(speak with a local rabbi for more information). It is permissible for Noachides to attend services but it is recommended that one contact the rabbi before attending to find out what restrictions may be placed upon the Noachide.

The Seventh Day
It is forbidden for Noachides to celebrate Shabbat in the manner of a Jew. It is permissible for Noachides to light a candle in honor of the Seventh Day that was given to Adam and Noah and recite a blessing thanking G-d for creation and acknowledging that G-d rested on the seventh day. It is recommended that Noachides have a festive meal on Friday nights. Reciting Tehllim associated with the Seventh Day, family time, and Torah study are also recommended. Noachides may also light a candle and recite a blessing for giving Adam fire and to mark the differentiation between the Seventh Day and the First Day. It is permissible for Noachides to attend religious services at a local synagogue but it is recommended that one contact the rabbi before attending to find out what restrictions may be placed upon the Noachides.

Recommended Tehllim
Read Tehllim
Psalm 19, Psalm 29, Psalm 33, Psalm 34, Psalm 90, Psalm 91, Psalm 92, Psalm 93, Psalm 95, Psalm 96, Psalm 97, Psalm 98, Psalm 99, Psalm 100, Psalm 104, Psalm 135, Psalm 136, Psalm 145, Psalm 146, Psalm 147, Psalm 148, Psalm 149, Psalm 150

Friday Night Blessing
Blessed are you, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has given fire to Adam and the Seventh Day to Adam and Noah.

Havdalah
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who separates between holy and secular, between light and darkness, between day and night, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the first day of the week. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who separates between holy and secular. Amen

Date	Parsha
10/06/07	Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8)
10/13/07	Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)
10/20/07	Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)
10/27/07	Vayera (Genesis 18:1-22:24)
11/03/07	Chaya Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)
11/10/07	Toledot (Genesis 25:19-28:9)
11/17/07	Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3)
11/24/07	Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43)
12/01/07	Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)
12/08/07	Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1-44:17)
12/15/07	Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)
12/22/07	Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)
12/29/07	Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)
01/05/08	Va'eira (Exodus 6:2-9:35)
01/12/08	Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)
01/19/08	Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:15)
01/26/08	Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)
02/02/08	Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)
02/09/08	Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)
02/16/08	Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)
02/23/08	Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)
03/01/08	Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)
03/08/08	Pekudi (Exodus 38:21-40:38)
03/15/08	Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)
03/22/08	Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
03/29/08	Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
04/05/08	Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)
04/12/08	Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)
04/19/08	Acharei (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)
04/26/08	Pesach (Exodus 13:17-15:26)
05/03/08	Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)
05/10/08	Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)
05/17/08	Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2)
05/24/08	BeChukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34)
05/31/08	Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)
06/07/08	Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89)
06/14/08	Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16)
06/21/08	Shelach (Numbers 13:1-15:41)
06/28/08	Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)
07/05/08	Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1)
07/12/08	Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9)
07/19/08	Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1)
07/26/08	Matot (Numbers 30:2-32:42)
08/02/08	Masei (Numbers 33:1-36:13)
08/09/08	Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22)
08/16/08	Vaetchannan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11)
08/23/08	Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)
08/30/08	Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)
09/06/08	Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)
09/13/08	Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)
09/20/08	Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)
09/27/08	Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20)
10/04/08	Vayeilech (Deuteronomy 31:1-30)
10/11/08	Haazinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52)
10/18/08	Sukkot (Numbers 29:17-25)
10/22/08	Vezot-Haberachah (Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12)

70 Nations
These are the 70 nations that descended from Noah and from which all non-Jews come.

JAPHETH (יפחת)
And he said, "Blessed is Hashem, the G-d of Shem; and let Canaan be a slave to them. May G-d extend Japheth, but he will dwell in the tents of Shem; may Canaan be a slave to them." (Genesis 21:26-27)

>Genealogy of Japheth ben Noach<

Gomer; Ashkenaz; Riphath; Togarmah
France, Spain, Wales, Armenia, Germany

Magog
Romania, Ukraine

Madai
Iran, India

Javan; Elishah; Tarshish; Kittim; Dodanim
Greece

Tubal
Georgia

Meshech
Moscow and Surrounding Area

Tiras
Yugoslavia

HAM (חם)
And he said, "Cursed is Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be to his brothers." And he said, "Blessed is HaShem, the G-d of Shem; and let Canaan be a slave to them." (Genesis 21:25-26)

Cush; Seba; Havilah; Sabath; Raamah; Sheba; Dedan; Sabteca; Nimrod
Ethiopia

Mizraim; Ludim; Anamim; Lehabim; Naphtuhim; Pathrusim; Pelishtim; Casluhim; Caphtorim
Egypt

Put
Libya

Canaan; Zidon; Heth; Jebusite; Amorite; Girgashite; Hivite; Arkite; Sinite; Arvadite; Zemarite; Hamathite
Israel, Jordan

SHEM (שם)
And he said, "Blessed is HaShem, the G-d of Shem; and let Canaan be a slave to them. May G-d extend Japheth, but he will dwell in the tents of Shem; may Canaan be a slave to them." (Genesis 21:26-27)

Arpachshad; Shelah; Eber; Peleg; Joktan; Almodad; Sheleph; Hazarmaveth; Jerah; Hadoram; Uzal; Diklah; Obal; Abimael; Sheba; Ophir; Havilah; Jobab
Arabia

Lud
Western Turkey

Aram; Uz; Hul; Gether; Mash
Syria

Elam
Persia/Iran

Asshur
Assyria

Jewish Attitudes Toward Righteous Gentiles
Judaism maintains that the righteous of all nations have a place in the World To Come. Traditional Judaism generally recognizes that Muslims and other B'nei Noach worship the same G-d that Jews do and those who follow the tenets of their religions can be considered righteous in the eyes of G-d. The most commonly used word for a non-Jew is goy. The word goy means nation and refers to the fact that goyim (plural for goy) are members of nations other than the Children of Israel. There is nothing inherently insulting about the word goy. Because Jews have had so many problems with anti-Semitic non-Jews over the centuries, the term goy has taken on some negative connotations, but in general the term is no more insulting than the word gentile.

Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does not maintain that Jews are better than other people. Although Jews are referred to as G-d's chosen people, Jews do not believe that G-d chose them because of any inherent superiority. According to the Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b), G-d offered the Torah to all the nations of the earth, and the Jews, who were the last ones offered the Torah, were the only ones who accepted it and then only because G-d held a mountain over their heads. (In Exodus 19:17, the words generally translated as "at the foot of the mountain" literally mean "underneath the mountain".) Another traditional story suggests that G-d chose the Jewish Nation because they were the lowliest of nations and their success would be attributed to G-d's might rather than their own ability.

Because of the Jews' acceptance of Torah, Jews have a special status in the eyes of G-d. That special status is lost when the Jews abandon Torah. Furthermore, the blessings that Jews received from G-d by accepting the Torah come with a high price: Jews have a greater responsibility than non-Jews. While non-Jews are only obligated to obey the seven mitzvot given to Noah, Jews are responsible for fulfilling the 613 mitzvot in the Torah, thus G-d will punish Jews for doing things that would not be a sin for non-Jews.

Inter-marriage
Jewish Law does not permit interfaith marriages (Deuteronomy 7:3). The Torah states that the children of such marriages would be lost to Judaism (Deuteronomy 7:3-4), and experience has shown the truth of this passage many times over. Children of intermarriage are rarely raised Jewish; they are normally raised Christian or non-religious. This may reflect the fact that Jews who intermarry are not deeply committed to their religion in the first place. Statistics are sufficiently alarming to be a matter of great concern to the Jewish community. The 2000 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) performed by the Council of Jewish Federations found that only 33% of the children of intermarriage today are being raised Jewish and the majority of converts out of Judaism are children of intermarriage as compared to 28% in the 1990 NJPS.

Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin provide an excellent discussion of the issues involved in intermarriage in their book The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism (Simon & Schuster, 1981). They note that if the non-Jewish spouse truly shares the same values as the Jewish spouse, then the non-Jew is welcome to convert to Judaism, and if the non-Jew does not share the same values, then the couple should not be marrying in the first place.