How does Judaism view the world?

Answer 1

There are several central ideas in Jewish ethics. These include kindness to the needy, compassion for those suffering, and a peaceful disposition.

Answer:

Social Ethics

• Judaism has an all-enveloping and passionate dedication to the ideal of justice. The moral imperatives of justice, ethics and morality were taught by the Torah and the Jewish prophets, so that they are religious ideals and obligations, rather than just good behavior. The Torah teaches the ideal of justice for the benefit of society and the moral guidance of the individual. The relevant verses are mixed in with other Torah-topics so that the message is imbibed as part of the whole.

• Judaism addresses in depth and in detail the obligations of the individual to other individuals. A Jew has a legal obligation to help someone in need (e.g. Leviticus 19:16, Exodus 23:5); and to be a bystander in such a case is a Torah-violation. Tradition states that every Jew should exhibit the characteristic of chesed, meaning the ability to go beyond the requirement of the law to help others. The Talmud states that mercy and kindness should be among the defining qualities of every Jew (Talmud, Yevamot 79a).

Personal Relationships

• The rabbis stressed the necessity for people to help each other. In order to survive, all human beings must practice mutual aid. Rabbi Akiva qualifies that the initial duty of every person is to him/herself in order that s/he then be able to care for others.

• Compassion, humility, a charitable spirit, forgiveness and good manners are also desirable qualities of the Jew in personal relationships. The Jewish sages specified in detail the forms of behavior which are expected of us (see the attached Related Link).

Work and Business Ethics

• Being ethical in business is an essential value in Judaism. Dealing honestly in business, and avoiding causing damages, are discussed at great length in the Talmud. The Forefathers themselves were the earliest examples of this kind of carefulness, which has permeated the Torah ever since. (See for example Genesis ch.31, and Rashi commentary on Genesis 24:10.)

Environmental Ethics

• Judaism has a heightened sensitivity to the world around us, reflected in the Torah and by the Rabbis and their later rulings. Judaism created specific laws in this area that predated modern laws by thousands of years.
• The laws of sh'mittah, where the land must lie fallow every seven years (Leviticus ch.25), are to preserve the earth and make it more fertile.These laws are observed in Israel to this day, by religious farmers.
• It is dictated that there must remain distance between industrial and rural areas to create a healthy ecological balance. Garbage must not pollute public property. Maimonides states that damage causing air pollution through smoke, dust, and noxious smells is not permitted even if no one protests. Water must not cause damage or pollution. Noise must not create a nuisance to the human environment.

Answer 2

The ethical world view of Judaism includes that people are here to repair God's world - 'tikkun olam'. Within that, it is our responsibility to raise the fallen, aide the sick, free the captive, love our neighbor, and the stranger among us. By doing these things, following the commandments, and studying Torah - we make the world better.

Answer 3

Judaism sees the world as a place created by God, in which life is meaningful. According to the Torah, people are put here to withstand tests, to serve God and to do His will. We are given free choice and will be held responsible. We are given a soul that does not cease when the body dies.