Parshat Re'eh: Uprooting Idolatry from the Heart
Parshat Re'eh, describes one of the most important demands in the Torah regarding the struggle against idolatry: "And you shall tear down their altars and smash their pillars... and you shall destroy their name from that place" (Deuteronomy 12:3). The Torah requires not only the destruction of idols themselves but also the eradication of their remembrance and influence. This particular command — to actively smash and destroy idols was given to the people of Israel regarding the Land of Israel. For Noahides, the obligation is not to serve, honor, or give importance to idolatry in any way.
In the modern world, where many remnants of ancient pagan cultures still exist, this biblical commandment has a very practical meaning for Noahides: The prohibition of naming places after idolatry is essential. It is forbidden to give new places, institutions, or sites names that glorify or represent ancient idols. One should avoid using the name of a house of idolatry or streets named after idols as a meeting point or reference point. Such use grants the place importance and status, which contradicts erasing the memory of idolatry.
A person's name represents their spiritual essence. Naming a boy or a girl after characters from pagan mythologies (such as Roman, Greek, or Eastern idols) is not recommended. Since a person's name expresses spiritual essence, it is preferable not to choose names derived from pagan deities. Nevertheless the real problem is with names that are actively used in worship. In our time, names that have become secular and carry no living idolatrous meaning, are generally permitted.
Nowadays, the struggle against false beliefs is not waged through force or violence, but through paths of peace and pleasantness. When meeting people who are still immersed in idolatrous beliefs, the role of Noahides is to act with a welcoming countenance and logical explanation. The correct way is to bring those people closer to the truth by spreading and making accessible the Seven Noahide Commandments. When showing the world the beauty and logic within Divine morality and faith in one G-d, light naturally drives out the darkness, and they leave idolatry of their own free will.
According to the approach of Rambam and other authorities the concept of "sheetuf" should be rejected. Sheetuf refers to associating another being together with G-d in worship. G-d is Absolutely One and Unique. There is no other being, force, or power that is equivalent to Him or exists independently. Uprooting idolatry at every level, is a preparation for the era when all humanity will be busy to know G-d. Therefore, it's crucial for Noahides to adhere only to the belief in one G-d (this view is following the stance of the Rambam /The Divine Code/Likutei Sichos etc). Erasing the memory of idolatry from the heart means the clear realization that there is no independent power in the world besides the Creator. This is the path to bring about the repair of the world and the blessing of the true and final redemption.
Sources: Deuteronomy 12:3. Rambam Laws of idolatry chapter 1. The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner, Part 2 Prohibition of Idolatry 1-2. Likutei Sichot, Vol. 9, p. 94. Sanhedrin 63b. See Likutei Sichot, Part 27, page 246, where it is written: "And the entire world's occupation shall only be to know G-d, which simply includes all the nations of the world... 'the entire world' means Noahides as well."
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Questions and Answers for Noahides: Q&A about the Seven Noahide Laws