What are the social and political implications of judaism?

Answer 1

Social: Judaism expects its adherents not to learn from the negative aspects of the society around it (Leviticus 18:3, Ezekiel 11:12). It provides community in the form of the synagogue congregations. It provides observances such as the head-covering and modest dress, whereby Jews might recognize each other and also avoid assimilation.

Political: Judaism expects its adherents to be a moral bulwark in the wider society (see Isaiah 42:6), influencing government through the available channels such as elections and letters to the various representatives.

Economic: Judaism is relete with laws of charity, honesty, restitution for damages, and integrity. Also, every Jewish community has individuals and groups who give free help in loans of money or useful items, visiting the sick, preparing the dead for burial, assisting young mothers, etc. This is done voluntarily and is not for profit.

Answer 2

1) The Jews' monotheistic religious tradition shaped the Western beliefs about God.

2) The 7-day week, including a day of rest for everyone.

3) The concept of morality was also the work of the Hebrews, including the dignity and value of a person. 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.

Also:

4) Parents are responsible for teaching children. Illiteracy among Israelites, in every generation, was rare.

5) Infants are to be protected and cared for, whether or not they turned out to be the gender you were hoping for.

6) Cruelty to animals is not acceptable.

7) Government is accountable to a higher authority. 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 any citizen by his own decision. He was obligated by the Torah-procedures like everyone else.

8) A robber repays double to his victim, or works it off. Cutting off the hands of a robber is unacceptable. Debtors are not imprisoned or harmed. They are made to sell property and/or work to repay what they owe. Compare this to the Roman practice by which anyone could accuse a man of owing them money and the debtor could be killed.

9) It is the responsibility of the community to support the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger passing through.

It is important to note that every one of the above was instituted among the Hebrews (a.k.a. the Israelites) thousands of years earlier than in other nations. Here's just one example: Aristotle, who was among the greatest of the Greeks, and Seneca, the famous Roman, both write that killing one's young babies is perfectly acceptable.

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Answer 3

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