Adding customs in worship, but not a new religion

The prohibition called chidush da’as in Hebrew includes human innovation of new (post-Sinai) religious observances in the format of divine commandments. Rabbi Moshe Weiner explains that this applies even to the worship of Hashem by Noahides. However, adding customs with a logical basis is permitted for Noahides.

Noahides are Gentiles (or in Hebrew, B’nai Noach) who observe the Seven Laws of Noah. (The word Hashem in Hebrew refers to the One True G-d.)

For a more complete explanation of adding commandments versus adding llogical customs, see The Divine Code, 4th Edition, by Rabbi Weiner. He explains these topics in Part I, Chapter 3: The Prohibition Against Making a New Religion or Adding a Commandment. See also Part II (The Prohibition of Idolatry), Chapter 6 (The Prohibition of Creating a New Religion).

The printed or ebook editions of The Divine Code, 4th Edition, by Rabbi Weiner are available through our web page. The printed book is available from Kehot or Amazon.com.