For Jewish people Judaism is much more than a religion is their way of life. There is a correct Jewish way of doing everything, and Judaism has an attitude and response to every moral issue. Ethics are concerned with human values and behaviour, and Jewish ethics define correct Jewish behaviour.
The Commandments of the Torah
- The most important source of ethical guidance for Jews is the Torah which encompasses the Written and Oral Torah.
- Jewish ethics is derived from the covenantal relationship where they were protected and taught their responsibilities towards God and other people.
- The 613 mitzvot offer the broadest application of Jewish ethical principles.
- These mitzvot represent the foundational tenets of Jewish ethics.
- The 613 mitzvot consists of both negative (commands to refrain from performing an act) and positive(commands to perform an act).
- It is the main parts of the 613 mitzvot.
- The Ten Commandments are:
2. You shall have no other gods but me.
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
-The Oral Torah
- The Oral Torah provides guidelines for the detailed application of the broad principles of the 613 mitzvot to the day to day life of Jews.
- Ongoing Rabbinic discussion ensures that the core tenets of Jewish ethics can be prudently applied to changing circumstances.
Ethical Personalities
According to Jewish philosophers, there are four types of people:
According to Jewish philosophers, there are four types of people:
The Natural ManWho has good intentions and acts instinctively towards others. He does not,
however, follow any formal moral code of action. |
The Functional EthicistWho seeks correct behaviour by avoiding extreme situations and controlling his
passions. He does not refer to any divine source of guidance. |
The Imitator of GodWho adopts God as his model. He makes careful decisions based on the rules of
Halachah (Jewish Law). |
The ChassidWho is concerned with imitating God, but whose main concern is personal
holiness. |
Bioethics
Abortion:
Judaism does not give potential life the same importance as existing life. So if a pregnancy is threatening the woman’s life, then abortion is acceptable. Abortion is definitely not permitted if the pregnancy is just ‘getting in the way’ of the women's life.
Contraception:
Contraception is generally allowed as long as the contraception method does not damage or prevent the sperm from getting to its proper destination. Contraception is accepted in modern Judaism when pregnancy may harm the mother, to limit the number of children or to stretch out the time between having children.
Euthanasia:
The Jewish tradition regards the preservation of human life as one of its supreme moral values and forbids doing anything that might shorten life. Jewish law forbids euthanasia and regards it as murder. There are no exceptions to this rule and it makes no difference if the person concerned wants to die.
Judaism does not give potential life the same importance as existing life. So if a pregnancy is threatening the woman’s life, then abortion is acceptable. Abortion is definitely not permitted if the pregnancy is just ‘getting in the way’ of the women's life.
Contraception:
Contraception is generally allowed as long as the contraception method does not damage or prevent the sperm from getting to its proper destination. Contraception is accepted in modern Judaism when pregnancy may harm the mother, to limit the number of children or to stretch out the time between having children.
Euthanasia:
The Jewish tradition regards the preservation of human life as one of its supreme moral values and forbids doing anything that might shorten life. Jewish law forbids euthanasia and regards it as murder. There are no exceptions to this rule and it makes no difference if the person concerned wants to die.
Social Ethics
Charity:
Charity expresses a Jew’s duty to their fellow humans. Accordingly, lack of charity is a sin. Jews may not judge others as inferior just because they are poor. Judaism holds that all earthly possessions belong to God. So a Jew’s worth is measured in commandments and not in
material goods. The Talmud states that mercy and kindness should be the defining qualities of
every Jew.
Charity expresses a Jew’s duty to their fellow humans. Accordingly, lack of charity is a sin. Jews may not judge others as inferior just because they are poor. Judaism holds that all earthly possessions belong to God. So a Jew’s worth is measured in commandments and not in
material goods. The Talmud states that mercy and kindness should be the defining qualities of
every Jew.
Environmental Ethics
Animal Rights and Welfare:
According to Jewish ethical tradition, prohibition against cruelty to animals is one of the basic laws of humankind. Indeed, animals are understood to not only have feelings, but to be capable of developing spiritually.
Animal rights receive considerable attention in Jewish scripture. Although Jews should not let a focus on animal rights distract them from the desperate situation of many humans, they should work towards a radically different ethical stance in regards to animals.
According to Jewish ethical tradition, prohibition against cruelty to animals is one of the basic laws of humankind. Indeed, animals are understood to not only have feelings, but to be capable of developing spiritually.
Animal rights receive considerable attention in Jewish scripture. Although Jews should not let a focus on animal rights distract them from the desperate situation of many humans, they should work towards a radically different ethical stance in regards to animals.