8889 —הדרישות הייחודיות של התורה לבני ישראל לעומת בני נח

Shalom u'Vrachah! [5724] ... Regarding the comments in Sifrei Parshas Berachah: What the Holy One, blessed be He, said to the children of Esav (on the question of what is written in the Torah) – "Do not murder"; similarly to the children of Ammon and Moav – "Do not commit adultery"; and to the children of Yishmael – "Do not steal." However, this is not what is novel about Matan Torah, since these are among the seven Noahide laws. Note also Yevamos (47b): idolatry is forbidden to us; see there in the commentaries.

It can be explained that it was necessary to tell them specifically about these commandments because they are particularly severe for them, being contrary to their very nature (as is evident from each group's response: "That is our essence"). Even though they were already commanded regarding these (in the seven Noahide laws), it can simply be said that at Matan Torah, G‑d asked them if they would accept the Torah willingly, and each responded according to their essence, so it was impossible for them to accept.

Accordingly, we can simply understand Mechilta (Yisro 20:2), where it also states as above in Sifrei and concludes: The Rashba says that if with the seven mitzvos that Bnei Noach accepted upon themselves they could not uphold them, all the more so with the mitzvos of the Torah. Similarly, it appears in Sifrei which concludes: Perhaps they heard and accepted (the Torah)? The verse says: "And they shall not do them," etc. Rather, even with the seven mitzvos that Bnei Noach accepted upon themselves, they could not uphold them until they cast them off and gave them to Israel. This is clear.

To answer Sifrei by saying that what is meant by "do not murder," etc., is what is added by this commandment for Bnei Yisrael—beyond what was prohibited as bloodshed for Bnei Noach—is somewhat forced, because then a key point would be missing from the text. However, there is some proof for this from Ammon and Moav's response regarding "do not commit adultery," based on what is written: "And both daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father"—this prohibition regarding incest was added at Matan Torah but permitted for Bnei Noach. Similarly with Esav's response regarding "by your sword you shall live"; obviously Yitzchak's blessing did not intend for him to violate a Noahide commandment.

Regarding our sages' statement in Shemos Rabbah (30:9) that non-Jews were given raw commandments—note Ramban's commentary (Vayishlach 34:13): In my opinion, these are among their laws... See also Chullin (92a): Thirty commandments were accepted by Bnei Noach...

Summary

The letter explores how mitzvos given at Sinai uniquely address Jewish identity beyond universal morality. It highlights that while all humanity has basic obligations through Bnei Noach laws, Torah commands deepen and refine these duties specifically for Bnei Yisrael.