Hasidei Umot Haolam, is the term used in Jewish tradition for the righteous among the peoples of the earth at the same time the monotheistic concept in the Torah is thoroughly universal. This as G-d creates prototype man who is the ancestor of all mankind, Adam. When the Bible deals with general moral questions it tends to do so via the involvement of non-Jews (for example, Sodom and Gommorah, the Flood story, the Books of Job and Jonah). The Prophets also are replete with universalistic references. At the same time in Jewish mystical sources there is an elemental conflict between good and evil, the pagan nations of the world are viewed in thoroughly negative terms; they are labeled Amalek, Esau or Edom. This of course does not contradict the concept elucidated above that individual non-Jews who were virtuous could rise to the heights. There is an important differentiation between pagan idol-worshipers who are by definition corrupt and wicked, and of non-Jews in general. One definition of virtuous non-Jews is those who observe the seven Noahide laws. (Segments of this post were taken from a Masorti Halakhic Responsa on Jewish Universalim)
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