Rainbow Covenant is a big, rich book. . . a very valuable and welcome popular introduction to the Noachide laws and the Universal Covenant. Rabbi Yoel Schwartz (author of Or L'amim, Light to the Nations, and many other books) and Rabbi Yechiel Sitzman, Yeshivat D'var Yerushalyim, Jerusalem
Absolutely essential reading. The best book available on the Hebrew concept of universal law and morality Rev. J. David Davis, Finding the God of Noah: the Spiritual Journey of a Baptist Minister from Christianity to the Laws of Noah
Welcome and timely, detailed and sound. . . Gives non-Jews an opportunity to become well-acquainted with their age-old obligations. . . enables Jews to become acquainted with their own heritage in a graphic and exciting manner as well. . . invites the reader to inquire further into the prolific source material presented in the notes. . . .
Professor Nahum Rakover (Bar-Ilan University, Israel), author of Law and the Noahides; Deputy Attorney-General of the State of Israel; editor, Jerusalem - City of Law and Justice (Israel Ministry of Justice/The Library of Jewish Law)
A very readable, painstakingly researched book exploring and illuminating God's universal laws of morality . . . Rabbi Eliezer Cohen, Congregation Ohr Chadash
Fascinating! Rabbi Yitzchak Feldheim, Philipp Feldheim Inc.
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 Simply the Best
There are a half-dozen books on the market that in one way or the other seek to deal with how non-Jews/Gentiles might relate to "Judaism," though really, in point of fact, a better way to put it might be this: If Israel is chosen by God for a special historic mission, what about the rest of humanity, equally beloved to the Creator? What this comes down to then, this matter of the "Rainbow Covenant," is about God and the Human, or God and People--as seen through the lens of the Torah, the unique revelation given into Israel's keeping.
In my view this book is the best of the best. Michael Dallen, who is a lawyer by training, is a perfect candidate for producing such a book as he has a very practical, down-to-earth orientation, thoroughly in touch with the "secular" or "real" world, and truly tries to show how the basic teachings of the Torah apply universally to the human condition--that is to life lived on planet earth! In that sense the book is not a typically pious "religious" work, as Dallen understands "religion" as dealing with real human issues and most of all the burning question: If God is God, how then should we live?
What makes the book so good is the depth to which Dallen has delved into Jewish tradition and the engaging ways in which he is able to discuss and communicate the complexities of a Torah based ethical system applicable to humankind. He writes clearly, faces complex issues head-on, and though provocative and challenging, he is never dull.
This book should be widely read, not just by those oriented toward Judaism or things Jewish, but by a broad spectrum of readers who just want to understand and hear, even as "outsiders," whether Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, secularist, or "spiritual," what the Torah and Jewish tradition has to say to the world. Judaism for too long has been seen as a particularistic faith, even by Jews, when in point of fact it is the most universal of all religious faiths, properly understood. That said, this book could most profitably be read by Jews as well, even Rabbis, whose training, for obvious reasons, has been more oriented toward their own community than those outside.
Prof. James D. Tabor
Chair, Dept of Religious Studies
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Author of Restoring Abrahamic Faith
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 A fun read for Jews, too
Michael Dallen has written one of the best Jewish law books for an author who is still on this side of the sod. His book, The Rainbow Covenent, is readable and enjoyable. This is a remarkable achievement because, in the end, this is a law book and a religious book. Its purpose is to tell and explain the one positive requirement that G-d expects of all people, according to the Bible (live in a place with courts of justice) and to teach against the six things that no human is allowed to do under ordinary circumstances (defame G-d, kill, steal, woship idols, eat flesh torn from living animals, and commit gross sexual immorality).
It is worthwhile to point out, that while the 10 commandments get a lot more press, they are not the subject of this book as they are not required by all people, but only by Jews. No gentile is forbidden to covet the donkey of his fellow according to Jewish tradition. This book covers only the seven commandments given to Noah before and after he left the ark. Since these commandments are more easily do-able than the 10 commandments, at least according to Jewish tradition, the book becomes a lot less burdensome to read and digest. Still, this is not to say that everyone will find that he already knows all that is in here.
Most of these 7 commandments, though rarely violated, are also rarely thought about. As a result, it is likely that the reader will learn something on most every page. If nothing else, the references are an impressive resource covering a wide array of biblical, talmudic and secular sources.
Speaking of impressive, I was very impressed with two other things: the pictures, and the writing. The cartoon pictures illustrate, far more clearly than any set of words could, the difference between correct action and tartuffe. As one example, there is a wonderful picture on p. 66 illustrating the idea that no one is virtuous unless he goes so far as to do the very opposite of what the Noahide laws forbid. No set of words could do as well.
Also, while this book deals with that which is required and that which is forbidden, the writer avoids the heavy handed approach of many holy books in that it does not divide the world into actions prohibited and actions required, with nothing in-between. Instead, Mr. Dallen shows there is a healthy space in-between where a person to be Godly and himself. This is a good read, and that is not something you can say of most other books on things of this sort. |
 very useful book
"The Rainbow Covenant" is a helpful weapon in the most important war - the war with ourselves. If you are in quest of the meaning of life, you need this book.
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 Universal Laws for Perfecting the World
Prior to reading this book, my understanding of Noachism (the First Covenant Religion) has been based on mystical sources. Michael's open-mindedness and balance in writing about the Nations really came as a shock to me initially. This is partly due to me not knowing that Mainstream Jewish Orthodoxy (from which Michael draws his views) actually thinks quite differently from the Chasidim. If your exposure to Noachism has always been from Chasidic sources, you owe it to yourself to check out this book to hear what Jewish Orthodoxy has to say regarding the Universal Laws.
For those who are genuinely interested/passionate about Tikkun Olam (perfecting the world under the rule of God) and bringing about the Messianic Age, this book is a must read! |
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 A guide for modern man
To say this is a life changing book is an understatement. Even the author says that certain of his core beliefs were changed while researching this book.
Mr. Dallen, a lawyer by profession, presents a case for righteous behaviour that would sway any jury. The book is very well written, and easy to read and understand. The multitude of references that Mr. Dallen provides would easily take years to study.
This book is not a call to change a person's faith, nor a call to convert to any specific religion, but is instead a book calling us to come back to the minimum requirements that God has given for proper living.
Be forewarned, this book will change your life.
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A Must-Read for every Christian
I loved this book, and would recommend it to every Christian.
Its author has a friendly, well-researched but "non-schoolmastery" approach to teaching this subject.
I wish more Christians understood "the law" as the Jewish Faith does... Every commandment of God was issued to help us learn to love Him and to allow us to transcend our own wants and desires to become more like Him. The Jewish Faith was the first to call us to become more like G-d, rather than making the gods look like us. If becoming more like God is your goal, this book will bring you to a higher and deeper relationship with God.
A timely and wonderful book that will start you on the path to a completely different understanding of the Bible and your relationship with God.
D. Foster, "The Printer Lady" (Snohomish, Washington)
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The Rainbow Covenant -- A Review
In "The Rainbow Covenant," author Michael Dallen shows that in addition to the well-known ten commandments directed at the Jewish people, under biblical law there are seven universal commandments which should govern the conduct of the rest of mankind. Employing extensive research from the Torah and other sources, Dallen, himself Jewish, presents a compelling case that non-Jews can be righteous "as Israel's highest priest" in the eyes of the Lord.
The seven universal laws are sometimes known as the Code of Noah or the Noahide Code, and their history is thoroughly explored. Dallen painstakingly goes back to the ancient sources and shows how these laws continue to be highly relevant to life in today's society. This book answers many questions about universal law and morality which many great thinkers have struggled with through the centuries.
One cannot write seriously on religious topics without stepping on someone's toes, and Dallen is never afraid to do so. Contrary to one published criticism, Dallen does not advocate worship of Jesus. He simply observes that a wide variety of religious beliefs and practices by non-Jews will not be condemned by God provided that certain basic rules are followed. The author does not attack or endorse Christianity for non-Jews, though he expressly opposes it for Jews, whose duties go far beyond those of the seven commandments. In showing the potential compatibility of other religious traditions with the Noahide Code, Dallen cites Christian and Muslim authorities for their support of monotheism, a fundamental principle that is the bedrock of Jewish and much non-Jewish religious thought.
Dallen's detailed analysis discusses practical situations involving diet, property rights, gender roles, sex practices, murder, justice, idolatry, etc., and provides surprisingly clear answers to many thorny questions. Once again, toes are stepped on, as various groups may find that the word of God as recounted by the author from the sacred scriptures does not accord with their political views or their personal preferences in life. To Dallen, it is the word of God that controls, and other factors must take a back seat. But, Dallen also shows how the rules established in the biblical scriptures are positive rules that enhance the value of life on earth as well as one's spiritual well-being. To Dallen, even if God had not communicated these seven Noahide commandments, logic would inevitably lead mankind to the same principles anyway.
Although the author rarely expresses doubt over anything on which he has expressed an opinion, he modestly advises the reader not to consider this work as dispositive, and expresses a hope that others will continue the study and research and develop further understandings.
If you were to find this book on a bookstore shelf, you might be fooled by the brightly colored cover into thinking this is a frivolous book, or book for children. To the contrary, Dallen tackles difficult religious and philosophical issues in a mature and pensive way, with scholarly attention to source material (one chapter has over 200 footnotes). Although some of his conclusions are controversial, intelligent people who approach religious thought with seriousness will find a great deal to study and to challenge them here, whether they end up agreeing with all of Dallen's conclusions or not. Religious thinkers of various stripes will enjoy an intellectual feast as they make their way through ancient and contemporary concepts ultimately rooted in the fundamental words of the Torah and the experience of thousands of years of history.
James S. Lawrence
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A life-changing book
[This review was originally posted on Barnes & Noble.com]
Years ago, an acquaintance told me about God's Seven Noahide Laws, His moral laws for all people. I read a number of books on the subject; Rainbow Covenant is the best. Michael Dallen writes with reverence, intelligence, clear analysis, and humor. The book is a complete introduction. It is thoroughly researched. Every spiritual institution (whether church, temple, synagogue, or mosque) should teach the Seven Universal Laws. Without eliminating existing religions, these sublime moral principles will eventually bring the world's peoples together in harmony and love. - Christean Rachel
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 Explores and illuminates God's universal laws of morality
The Rainbow Covenant is a very readable yet painstakingly researched book exploring and illuminating God's universal laws of morality according to Jewish tradition. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing what Jewish tradition considers every human's obligations to God and his fellow man.
Rabbi Eliezer Cohen, Congregation Ohr Chadash of Oak Park, Michigan
Rainbow Covenant is a gem of a book
Its gifted author has done a remarkable job of bringing together important primary source material on many profound and eternal ideas. But that's not all. He does so in such an inventive, creative way. Perhaps most dazzling, though, is the fact that this book will be as nourishing to the scholar as it will be to the beginner. Michael Dallen is an extremely talented educator.
Besides the Amazon review, above, the writer, Arthur Kurzweil, also sent M. Dallen this personal note: I just read, from cover to cover, your book. It's superb! I am now asking my father, age 83, to read it.
Arthur Kurzweil (author and publisher, San Francisco)
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An education in itself: no one should be without this book
When I was feeling lost during my search for a spiritual home a few years ago, an acquaintance told me about Noahism, the Bible's God-given Universal Law for all people. I began searching for books on the subject and ultimately read quite a few; The Rainbow Covenant is the best.
Mr. Dallen writes on a holy subject with reverence, intelligence, logic, clear analysis, and humor. The book is a warm and loving introduction to God's universal moral law. It is an education in itself, and is thoroughly researched. A reader will take pleasure in learning how to get directly to classic sources and will find joy in receiving accurate information on God's universal moral absolutes. No one should be without this book. (It also feels good in the hands; readers will know what I mean.) — Christean R (Ojai, California)
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"The" Guide to the 7 Laws
More in-depth than the Clorfene & Rogalsky-authored "Path of the Righteous Gentile" and more reader-friendly than Aaron Lichtenstein's "The Seven Laws of Noah," this book is really "the" guide to the 7 Laws. Whether you are a Jew or non-Jew; a practicing Ben/Bat Noach or one who is simply interested in learning more, "The Rainbow Covenant" and its author, Michael Ellias Dallen, will tell you all that you need to know. Also, visit the accompanying Web site. . . .
Heather F., "World Traveler" (Orange County, California)
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More than a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow
I won't offer any excessive praise. This is a very good book, but most of what's been said by other positive reviewers doesn't need any repetition. I will say this, this book works. It works very well. It works very well and can lead a person into a new, better understanding of the Bible. Mr. Dallen has a gift. . . .
RW
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The best practical guide
I needed a practical guide to the Noahide laws. I heard about Michael Dallen's book, and ordered it. I waited, quite impatiently, I might add, for it to come in the mail. My anticipation and agonizing wait were re-paid, in abundance! Michael Dallen explained that, according to ancient Hebrew Tradition, God gave seven commandments for all humans at the dawn of history. In outline, these fundamental laws were 1) do not commit idolatry, 2) establish courts of justice, 3) avoid profaning God's Name, 4) do not murder, 5) do not steal, 6) do not commit sexual immorality, and 7) do not treat animals unkindly.
Over the millenia, these laws became obscure, almost forgotten. Now, people from many religious traditions are rediscovering them.
Dallen says, "The Jews have their covenant of Sinai; the vast majority of humanity, the rest of the Children of Noah, have the Rainbow Covenant, yet ultimately man's obligations are the same--obey God's laws. It should go without saying that people must study these laws if they wish to know how to keep them."
This book is friendly to the beginner and the scholar alike. It is written with a touch of wit, a warmth the reader can feel, and a reverence for the Law of God. It is the best, in my opinion, of all the books on the subject...and I have read many.
Thanks, Michael Dallen!
Extremely well documented
Addressed to the young as well as the old, one may use this book - which is packed with ancient wisdom - as an excellent source for the classroom or a prompt for further studies. Given the dearth of research on the subject matter it is a pioneer's work which, though occasionally controversial, is extremely well-documented and written. When reading just a few chapters of it, one can't help but fall in love with Judaism and the First Commandment, the ultimate root of the 7 Universal Laws and the very backbone of justice, freedom, and human dignity. |
Exquisitely Intelligent!
Finally, a book that is fit to be studied by Noachides at many different levels. For the beginner the book is written to provide clear and concise information on the Noachide Laws. The Advanced student isn't excluded. The richness of Dallen's research and notes provides years of study. This book is the ideal textbook for a class on the Noachide Laws.
Adam Penrod (Dallas, Texas)
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At last -
What a joy to read this book about the Noachide laws!
As an observant jew, I have long searched for a book to give non-jewish friends information about these little-known laws that is readable, accurate, and interesting. Michael Dallen's book fits the bill to a T and a bit more...
It is a wonderful primer for those who know nothing and yet has enough information for an advanced student of the laws to continue their studies. I was very happy to see the book explain and do away with some common misconceptions regarding judaism and the noachide laws, too. For those out there who maintain that there exists a grand jewish conspiracy, with the jews putting themselves at top and everyone else at the bottom this book explains in real, concrete, practical terms what the seven laws of Noah really mean. The details are to be worked out by every country by themself, as long as they conform to the basic law. No jew will lord over others.
In fact, Dallen makes it clear that the only thing which really distinguishes jews from non-jews is that jews must follow more laws, and jews have more responsibility to their creator and the creation.
Most of the ethical/legal struggles of today are issues that have already been debated from every possible angle and decisions have been arrived at by jewish sages already hundreds of years ago. It is not enough to read the bible, you must also know how to take the general laws there and expound them into detailed laws. the jews have inherited keys to interpretation direct from Mount Sinai. Without those keys it is not possible to take something vague like "love your neighbor as yourself" and know exactly what that means in every possible situation. Terry Schiavo? The law has already defined what is permissible there. Abortion? also. And what may surprise the uninformed, the law is fluid and deals with each and every nuance of circumstance.
I think Michael Dallen has also successfully depicted the beauty of the law, so often described as being dry and legalistic. But these laws express beauty in their apparent simplicity and yet complexity of detail. They were meant to express harmony, harmony is their nature, and a world of beauty (if they are lived) is their outcome.
Thank you for this book!
Shoshana Clark (Safed, Israel)
A revolutionary, life-changing book
Michael Dallen's The Rainbow Covenant is a true roadmap to a better world, a peaceful, dynamic, wholesome world. There are laws, it explains, that apply to all people, regardless of their faith or creed. And then, in beautifully simple terms, it lays out those laws. This is a revolutionary, life-changing book.
— Suzanne Carrol (Dallas)
Rainbow Covenant is excellent, I recommend it highly
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Rachav (Victoria, Australia) |
The Rainbow Covenant is a well written and easily understood book, especially for the lay person. It explains many of the details of the Noahide laws and their application. At the end of each chapter all the references are supplied, along with further explanations, which I found most helpful.
I have a number of books on the Noahide Laws but this book is, in my opinion, the best one for anyone who is seeking to learn more about how to live by them than any of the previous books I have read on this subject.
If you buy no other book on the Noahide Laws, this is the one to buy.
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If you are searching for truth, you need this book.
The Rainbow Covenant is the number one book on what it truly means to live in this world according to God's design. Easy to read and understand, Mr Dallen documents everything he writes with sources from Biblical, Talmudic, and other writings. I would strongly recommend this book to every person with a desire for education and learning on any level, regardless of their current beliefs. |
A wonderful, timely book
What does our Creator require of the Children of Noah? The Rainbow Covenant speaks to the heart of every human being. As an observant Jew, I thought I knew this subject, but I was amazed at the complexity of the details of these seven essential universal principles. Presented in a very readable, engaging book, there is a flow from one to the other, bringing a richness of the scope of each one. For instance, the author brings a concept that the negative commandments cannot be truly fulfilled without doing the opposite--the positive: the opposite of blaspheming God is to sanctify His Name. With the numerous pages of references notes, this book can be studied time and again, on ever deeper levels. Of the books on this subject, this is the best I have read. Every so often a book comes into our world from Heaven; The Rainbow Covenant is one of these.
Miriam Ben-Yaacov (San Diego)
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A must read for everyone
Michael Dallen's book, The Rainbow Covenant, is a must read for everyone. I have studied "The Seven Laws of Noah" for several years and have found Michael Dallen's book a great read for both the novice and the serious student. This book is both wide in scope and inclusive. You do not need to be a religious person to read The Rainbow Covenant for it is the stuff that nations are built on.
Dr. Terry D. King (Beaufort, South Carolina)
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Now, the True Rainbow Covenant for All
I have read The Rainbow Covenant by Dallen, it is really an excellent work by a genius. The whole material presented in a simple and effective for anybody to understand and follow the Covenant.
The greatness of the book lies in the author's honesty with the facts - Nothing has been changed, twisted or mutilated. This makes this books a wonderful for reading - while traversing thru the Truth. The more you go in depth the more you are involved in it. It is a wonderful experience.
The Rainbow Covenant ultimately restores the proper mental, spiritual attitude that is all important for man to connect with God.
A must read for everybody whether Jew or Gentile.
Ramaswamy Kannan Nagarajan (Baroda, India)
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Universal laws for all nations
The Rainbow Covenant is one of the best books a person can buy on the Universal Laws outlined in the Torah (i.e. Old Testament), for all nations to follow. For individuals wishing to have a greater understanding of what God expects of us in our day to day lives this book is a must read.
John Muglia (Toronto, Ontario)
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If you're looking for answers
The Rainbow Covenant by attorney Michael Dallen is one of those books that once you've picked it up you just can't put it down until you've devoured every word. He informs the reader that the Ten Commandments were never intended for the non-Jew. However, there is a standard for all of us. In ancient times it was known as the Seven Laws for the Children of Noah.
If you're looking for answers, you absolutely must start with the Rainbow Covenant. Even if I didn't acknowledge the existence of a G-d, I'd have still recognized quickly that the contents of this book were extremely beneficial. The first chapter alone was so powerful that it sent a shock wave through me that could only be described as the most intense spiritual arousal that I personally have experienced. It was as though the Torah Laws were standing naked before me that I might witness their incredible brilliance and beauty.
Finally, someone is ready to share with us what the G-d of Israel expects of the non-Jew. Author Michael Dallen has made it easier then ever to understand. Every page is filled with wisdom. . . .
— Theresea Wyatt
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Morally speaking
I picked up this book at a friend's suggestion. It's rather easy to read and provides an overview of the "Seven Universal Laws" that, according to Jewish tradition, are to be observed by all nations of the world.
If you're worried about your kids being a bit too influenced by "Britney" et al., you'd be smart to grab a copy of this book. It offers a roadmap to living a moral life and it lives up to its billing as the "antidote to today's neo-paganism."
Anonymous ("A reader")
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If you want to know what G-d expects of you -
If you want to know what G-d expects of you . . . If you want to know what you're supposed to do in today's amoral world . . . If you're looking for peace of mind, start with The Rainbow Covenant. It's where you find ancient Torah truths written in a style that is not only easy to understand but thoroughly enjoyable. It has everything from idolatry to sacrilege and sex, all written in a scholarly but enlightening way. The Rainbow Covenant became the recipe for my personal growth through G-d's Laws. It was a fast read that put me in touch with how G-d wants me to live my life. I have come back to The Rainbow Covenant again and again. . . .
— Harriet D.
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