What new ideas did the Hebrews develop and contribute to later civilization?

Answer 1

From my perch atop the shoulders of giants, I've gathered a few thoughts

on the same question posted here by other contributors:

A few examples of new ideas developed by the Hebrews and adopted by later civilizations:

1) In other ancient societies, the monarch was all-powerful. Among the Israelites,

however, the king was under the constant scrutiny of the Divinely-informed prophets,

who didn't hesitate to castigate him publicly for any misstep in the sight of God.

And, other than for the crime of rebellion, the king couldn't punish citizens by his

own decision. He was obligated by the Torah-procedures like everyone else.

2) Under Israelite law, killing an infant is full-fledged murder. In other ancient nations,

including the Greeks and Romans, killing unwanted babies was completely condoned.

3) Under Israelite law, everyone had recourse to the courts. A child, widow, wife, etc.,

could initiate legal action against any citizen to redress perpetrated harm. Compare this

to those societies in which only mature, land-owning males had rights.

4) In Israelite society, anyone could become a Torah-scholar and receive deserved

acclaim. The Sages included individuals who were strikingly beautiful (Rabbi Yochanan)

as well as those who were the opposite (Rabbi Yehoshua). There were sighted people

as well as the blind (Rabbi Yoseph), vastly rich Sages (Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah) and

extremely poor ones (Rabbi Akiva), physically strong Sages (Rabbi Elazar ben Shimon)

as well as a quadriplegic (Rabbi Nachum Gamzu). And no one's opinion or behavior was

above criticism. The greatest of the Sages could have an insult thrown at him by a lesser

Sage if he spoke without thinking (Talmud, Bekhoroth 23b). The sages of the Holy Land

could criticize a ruling of the Sages of the Babylonian Talmud (Yoma 57a), and the

Babylonian Talmud faithfully records their strong words. Even the royally-descended

Rabbi Gamliel could be demoted by his peers (Talmud, B'rachot 27b) when they felt

he'd exercised more than his prerogative.

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If you follow the < Related Link > below, it'll tell you more about the following

examples of Hebrew ideas:

-- Respect for Human Life.

In a perfect world, all people would be guaranteed certain basic human rights,

paramount among which must be the right to life. They should be able to live that

life without constant fear of its loss and with certain basic dignity.

-- Peace and Harmony.

On all levels-whether communal or global-people and nations should co-exist in

peace and harmony with respect for each other.

-- Justice and Equality.

All people, regardless of race, sex, or social status should be treated equally and fairly

in the eyes of the law.

-- Education.

Everyone should receive a basic education that would guarantee functional literacy

within society.

-- Family

A strong, stable family structure needs to exist to serve as the moral foundation

for society and as the most important institution for socializing/educating children.

-- Social Responsibility.

On an individual, community, national and global level, people must take responsibility

for the world. This should include an organized social network to address basic concerns

such as disease, poverty, famine, crime, drug-related problems, as well as environmental

and animal protection issues.