What Animals Can I Eat?

Fish must have scales and fins. That excludes shellfish, octopi, squid, catfish, jellyfish, sea mammals, sharks, amphibians (including frogs). Basically, any animal that carry their home on their backs is a no-no. Scavengers and bottom feeders are also forbitten.

Other acceptable animals are cattle, deer, bison, goats, sheep, fish, and poultry. Chickens, believe it or not, are clean species. Turkeys, ducks, and geese are all clean species, while crows and ostriches are not. Birds who have cruel habits use their feet and claws for eating and tearing their food and are forbitten. Birds who pick up their food with their beaks are considered "clean." Most of the time, the clean animals are the animals that predators pursue.

Horses are unclean, dogs, cats, rabbits, bats, reptiles, hippos, rhinos, camels, llama, bears, monkeys, all insects except for certain grasshoppers, kangaroos, marsupials, and rodents are unclean.

To Pork or Not to Pork

Observant Noahides don't eat pork for different reasons:

1. Pigs are sensitive. They squeal from pain and fright as a human being might.

2. Pigs have unclean habits. Their dung is remarkably foul and copiously excreted.

3. Pigs eat dung, vermin, and carrion.

4. Pigs do not work--they cannot be ridden--they do not produce milk or eggs for human use.

5. Pigs' flesh resemble human flesh in its texture and aroma. Burnt human flesh smells like burning bacon.

6. To eat the flesh of pigs, the Torah teaches, is an abominable thing.

The 7 Laws of Noah

In case you're wondering what the Seven Laws of Noah are:

1. Belief in one G-d.
Do not believe in idols.

2. Respect G-d and praise HIM.
Do not blaspheme HIS name.

3. Respect human life.
Do not kill.

4. Respect the family.
Do not commit immoral sexual acts.

5. Respect for others' rights and property.
Do not steal.

6. Creation of a judicial system.
Pursue justice.

7. Respect all creatures.
Do not be cruel to animals.

The Holiday Season

As a Noahide, I gave up celebrating Christmas even though it seems like it's more about the jolly big man with a white beard than the birth of Jesus.

When I converted to the Noahide belief system, I decided to observe all 7 laws of Noah. Since Noahide parallels Judaism in a sense, I knew that I had to give up celebrating Christmas. It bothered other people than it bothered me. Actually, not spending my hard-earned dollars wasn't going to be a problem, but that's not the reason I gave Christmas up.

Christmas is the time of year when all Christians celebrate the coming of the Savior. We all know that no one knows the exact date of Jesus' birth or even what month it fell on, but Christians around the world know one thing--25 Dec is the day they celebrate the birth of Christ.

It really irks me to learn that some Muslims, Jews, atheists, and other non-christain belief systems celebrate the birth of the one person they don't believe in! They reason that they do it for their kids. Well, what about teaching their kids about the Koran or the Torah. These Holy Writings DO NOT include Jesus.

I don't celebrate Hanukkah either because I want to understand it fully before I even attempt to light the first candle, if I'm entitled to even light the first candle. So, the holidays are just another set of days for me. I do enjoy this time of year. I love the lights and the festive mood everyone is in. Too bad, people can't continue their cheerful disposition throughout the year. And if my family invites me over for Christmas dinner, I will be more than happy to attend. After all, it is still my family.

Be safe everyone and drink responsibly.

Shalom!
Sally

Welcome Noahides

Hey,

I've started this blog in hopes of meeting other Noahides so we can learn from each other.

What made you convert to the Noahide belief system?

How long have you been a Noahide?

Is there a Noahide gathering in your area?

What is your favorite Noahide website?

I'll start first by answering my own questions.

I converted because I never really believed in christianity when I was Catholic. I didn't believe in the 3-in-1 concept of the trinity nor did I believe that Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit. G-d created sex so man and wife could procreate. I believe that Joseph was Jesus' biological father.

I became a Noahide in 1999. The closest Noahide gathering is in Dallas TX. Vendyl Jones is a Noahide and conducts Torah readings at his home.

My favorite Noahide websites are:
http://www.noahide.com/
http://www.vendyljones.org.il/

I hope you enjoy these websites as much as I do.