Jewish ethics

Questions of right and wrong considered within a Jewish context. In Judaism, guidance over moral issues and social conduct is given in the Torah, which is believed to come directly from God through Moses. The Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments), including the Ten Commandments, that Jews should follow in order to serve God, develop the self, and hasten the coming of the Messianic age, a time of world peace and holiness.

Jews believe that God showed Moses how to use and interpret the commandments, passed down in the oral tradition, so that the Torah could be applied to new situations. The priests, prophets, and biblical judges gave guidance over the interpretation of the Torah, and this was eventually written down in the Talmud, a compilation of Jewish law and tradition. Jewish laws can be condensed to three basic rules: follow the laws, worship God, and show kindness to all. Jews are bound by the Talmud to follow the secular law of the land that they live in, unless it violates human rights or prevents them from practising their religion.

Family life The family plays a central role in Judaism, both socially and in transmitting the traditions of the religion. To honour one's father and mother is one of the Ten Commandments. Jewish families try to have close, respectful family relationships, with care for both the elderly and young. Religious observance is an integral part of home life, including the weekly Sabbath and keeping kosher dietary laws. The Talmud tells parents to teach their children a trade and survival skills, and children are asked to look after their parents.

Marriage and sexual relations Marriage is called kidushin, or ‘making holy’. To set up a family home is to take part in an institution imbued with holiness. Celibacy is regarded as wrong because in the Torah (Genesis 2:18 and Isaiah 45:18), God told Jews to multiply. Sex is not considered acceptable outside marriage, but it is an important part of the love and care shown between partners. Sexual relations are forbidden during the time of the woman's period. A week after her period has ended, she will go to the mikveh (the ritual immersion pool) where she will fully immerse herself and become ritually clean again. Sexual relations may then resume. Married couples need to find other ways of expressing their love for each other during these times, and many say that the time of abstention enhances the relationship.

Adultery, incest, and homosexuality are prohibited in the Torah (Leviticus 18:6-23). However, Reform and Liberal Jews accept homosexuality, and homosexuals are not persecuted by Orthodox Jews. Prostitution is forbidden, but this is tempered with understanding and a caring attitude for people who, for reasons of poverty, may have chosen to resort to prostitution.

Divorce No grounds are needed for a divorce in Judaism, but it must be by mutual agreement. A ‘get’ is handed to the wife in rabbinical court. In some countries, such as the UK, Jews do not accept civil divorces.

Birth control and abortion Contraception is acceptable for medical or psychological reasons, but not for convenience, and can only be used by women. Abortion is considered to be murder unless the mother's life is at risk.

Attitudes to body Cleanliness is emphasized. The Talmud instructs people to wash their hands, face, and feet daily; their mouth before praying; and their hands before meals or using the toilet. Alcohol is not forbidden but excessive use of it is. Smoking and drug use are frowned upon as damaging to the body.

Suicide and euthanasia Suicide is considered to be murder (Deuteronomy 32:39), and Jews who have committed suicide will not be buried in the main body of the cemetery. Euthanasia is also considered to be murder, but in some circumstances it is acceptable to withhold treatment if the person is absolutely beyond hope of surviving, and is suffering.

Wealth and charity Materialism is thought to lead people to forget God, but self-imposed poverty is frowned upon (Proverbs 30:8-9, 23:4). Jews set aside 10% of their income, which automatically belongs to those in need. With wealth comes the responsibility to use it wisely and for the good of all. In the same way, problems of poverty and need are the responsibility of the whole community. People with money may give financially, but everyone is free to give of themselves with their time and assistance. Tzedakah (‘correctness’) is charitable giving. There are often charity boxes at home for collecting. The money is not given as a favour because it belongs to those in need, and the self-respect of the person receiving the charity must be considered. It is better to give inconspicuously, and it is even better is to help someone to become self-supporting.

Suffering and evil Jews believe that suffering happens for many reasons, and that it is a part of the freedom of choice given by God and a fact of life. Suffering may occur as a direct result of wrongdoing, or it may be for someone's ultimate benefit. Jews look to the Book of Job, in which the prophet questions the undeserved suffering of the righteous when God is believed to be all-powerful and good; he finally concludes that only God holds the meaning of everything. Jews believe that people have a duty to alleviate the suffering of others, and that with free will comes the responsibility to choose between good and evil.

Peace The Jewish concept of peace, or shalom, is not a passive ideal, but can only be achieved through truth, justice, and mercy. Aaron, the elder brother of Moses, is regarded as a role model for maintaining peace between individuals. He would go separately to two quarrelling individuals and tell them how much the other wanted to make peace between them. Jews believe that they should always work for reconciliation, and that the same ethics apply between nations. They believe that war is avoidable if justice prevails, and should be avoided if at all possible. However, defence, particularly of life, home, or belief, is permissible if other attempts at resolution have failed. War fought to build an empire or take revenge on others is strictly forbidden. Jews are expected to treat their enemies with care and thought (Proverbs 25:21, Kings 2 6:21-23).

Relationship to non-Jews (Gentiles) Jews are strongly influenced by the exhortation, ‘Remember the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt’ (Deuteronomy 10:9), especially as this refers to the Exodus celebrated at Passover. Jews are expected to show hospitality to all, and to consider the needs and feelings of anyone who may be marginalized, for whatever reason. In biblical times, the slaves of Jewish people had special rights that preserved their dignity as equal human beings, allowed them freedoms, and forbade mistreatment.

Jews do not actively convert others to Judaism; in fact conversion to Judaism is a lengthy and difficult process. They are respectful of other religions, but cannot actively approve of religions that appear to worship many gods or images of gods, for example, Hinduism or Buddhism.

Jews believe that Gentiles who follow the Noachide code, the minimum ethical and religious requirements for all non-Jews, will be equally recognized by God. The laws of the Noachide code are: worship only one God; do not insult God with blasphemy; do not murder; do not steal; do not commit adultery; do not mistreat animals or cause them pain; live in harmony through just laws.

Animal rights Consideration for animals is an important part of Judaism. It is part of the Noachide code. Resting on the Sabbath also meant providing rest for the working animals, and people are instructed to feed their animals before they sit down to eat. At harvest time, the working animals must not be muzzled, so that they can eat of the harvest as they work. All animals must be kept in adequate conditions. Sports like bullfighting are forbidden. Animals may be eaten as long as they are killed as painlessly and humanely as possible using the method known as shechitah, where the animal is killed by having its throat cut swiftly using a specially sharpened knife. Jewish butchers have a special training in this which must meet the requirements of kashrut. Animals may also be used in medical research if it will help people in need, and if the animals do not undergo any unnecessary suffering.

Environmental issues Jews believe that God gave people control over the fish, birds, animals, and earth (Genesis 1:26). Genesis 2:15 emphasizes that people were put in the world to maintain it and care for it. The Talmud teaches that wasting or destroying anything on earth is wrong. Pollution is an insult to the created world, and it is considered immoral to put commercial concerns before care for God's creation. However, humans are regarded as having a special place in the created order, and their well-being is paramount. Humans are not seen as just another part of the ecosystem, so moral decisions about environmental issues have to take account of the well-being of humans.