Righteous Among the Nations

After World War II, the term Righteous Among the Nations (Hebrew language: ????? ????? ?????, transliterated Khasidei Umot HaOlam) has been used to describe non-Jews who behaved heroically during the Holocaust in order to save Jews from the Nazi-instigated genocide.

Background

Righteous gentiles or Righteous Among the Nations is a term originally used in Jewish tradition to deal with the concept of non-Jews who were good God-fearing people. By Jewish tradition, the large set of laws and precepts contained in the Torah, as well as the Mishnah, Gemara, and oral tradition, are only required of Jews, who are regarded as having inherited the obligation from their ancestors who volunteered for the duty. In contrast to the 613 commandments enjoined upon Jews, non-Jews have to follow the broader ethical principles contained in the Noahide Laws; for instance: do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal.

Related Topics:
Torah - Mishnah - Gemara - Oral tradition - 613 commandments - Noahide Laws

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