Judaism & Equality (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B) : Revision Note

What is Equality?

• Equality means ensuring that everyone is treated the same and have the same opportunities, regardless of their background, gender, race, religion, or any other characteristic

• Equality involves:

  • giving all people the same rights and freedom to live their lives without unfair discrimination or bias

  • treating people fairly and ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources

  • removing barriers that prevent certain groups of people from enjoying the same rights as others, such as discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, age, or disability

• Social equality is when all people in society are treated with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their background or characteristics

• Legal equality means that everyone is subject to the same laws and has the same legal rights and protections

  • Examples of equality include:

    • equal rights for women and men, such as the right to vote, work, and receive equal pay

    • equal opportunities for people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, ensuring there is no discrimination in employment, education, and public services

• Many religions, including Judaism, support equality as a fundamental value

Jewish teachings about the causes of inequality

• Jewish teachings identify several causes of inequality

  • Judaism teaches that inequality often arises from human actions and sin and people may choose to act unjustly, leading to inequality

    • For example, people may discriminate based on race, gender, or social status, which causes harm and division

  • The Torah warns against greed and selfishness, which can contribute to inequality

    • When people are obsessed with wealth and power without considering others' needs, it can result in inequality

  • Inequality can also be the result of not following God’s commandments, especially those related to justice and fairness

    • For instance, failing to give charity or to treat others with respect can contribute to social injustice

  • Jewish history, particularly the experience of being enslaved in Egypt, teaches that inequality can arise when powerful groups oppress the vulnerable

    • Jews are reminded to stand up for the rights of marginalised groups because they were once oppressed themselves

Jewish teachings about the problems caused by inequality

• Judaism teaches that there are several consequences caused by inequality

  • Inequality leads to injustice, where some people do not have access to basic rights, education, or healthcare, which results in suffering

• Judaism teaches that inequality is wrong in the eyes of God

  • The Torah and prophets often condemn inequality

    • For example, the prophet Amos condemned those who oppress the poor and take advantage of the vulnerable, warning that God will not tolerate such behaviour

  • Inequality can cause division within society

    • It creates separation between different groups of people, whether based on wealth, race, religion, or status and can lead to social unrest and conflict

  • Jewish teachings stress that society should work together as a community

    • Inequality weakens this unity and prevents society from functioning in harmony, as not everyone is treated equally

  • Judaism also teaches that inequality can lead to moral decay

    • When people allow inequality to exist without challenging it, it encourages a society where people may become indifferent to the suffering of others

What are Jewish teachings regarding equality?

• There are many Jewish teachings that relate to inequality and the need to help and support the marginalised and oppressed

  • One key Jewish teaching relating to inequality is the concept of Tzedakah, which is not just charity but a responsibility to help those in need

    • Jews are encouraged to give to the poor and support those facing hardship

  • Jews believe in the idea of Tikkun Olam, which means to repair the world and make it a better place for everyone

    • This includes working to end inequality, fighting for justice, and ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected

  • Jewish teachings place great importance on the concept of justice (Tzedek)

    • The Torah commands people to treat others fairly, to protect the vulnerable, and to pursue justice in society

    • This can be seen in teachings such as the commandment to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18)

  • Kavod Habriyot is the virtue of respecting human dignity and their basic needs

    • It is a core value of Jewish identity that encourages people to appreciate the world and all its inhabitants

Solutions to inequality in Judaism

• Tzedakah is a key Jewish solution to inequality because it is not just about giving money to the poor, but about acting justly and helping those in need

  • The Torah teaches that it is a moral responsibility to help others and this is particularly the case when there are inequalities in the world

• The Jewish belief in Tikkun Olam means trying to make a better, fairer, and more just place

  • Tikkun Olam encourages people to take action to fix the problems that cause inequality

• Tzedek is a core value in Judaism

  • The Torah commands Jews to pursue justice and treat everyone equally, regardless of their social or economic status

    • For example, Mishpat is a key principle, meaning that everyone should be treated fairly, whether in the courts, in business or in daily life 

• Judaism teaches the importance of protecting and supporting the vulnerable in society, including the poor, orphans, widows, and foreigners

  • Jewish law demands that people share their wealth and resources to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor

• The concept of Shmita (the Sabbatical year) and the Yovel (Jubilee year) also promote the idea of reducing economic inequality by giving land back to those who have lost it

• Jewish teachings highlight that all people are created equal in the eyes of God

  • This means that no one should be treated as inferior or less deserving of rights and respect