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

What are human rights?

• Human rights are basic freedoms and protections that all people are entitled to, simply because they are human beings

• These rights are meant to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect, no matter their race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other status

• In 1948, the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • This document outlines a set of fundamental human rights that should be protected for all people

  • The declaration includes 30 articles that cover rights such as the right to life, liberty, education, and work

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• There are many different aspects to human rights that all people should be entitled to including:

  • Civil and political rights: These include the right to life, freedom of speech, the right to vote, and the right to a fair trial

  • Economic, social, and cultural rights: These include the right to education, healthcare, and a decent standard of living

  • Environmental rights: These rights involve having access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment

Judaism and the importance of human rights

• Judaism teaches that each person has inherent dignity and worth because they are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)

  • This idea forms the foundation for the Jewish understanding of human rights

• Judaism places great importance on the sanctity of human life

  • Every human being has the right to live and should be protected from harm

  • The commandment ‘Thou shalt not murder’ (Exodus 20:13) reflects this belief and highlights the importance of all life

• Tzedek is central to Jewish teachings, and the Torah calls for fairness and equality for all people, regardless of their background

  • In the bible, Jews are instructed to treat others with dignity and respect and to seek justice, especially for the vulnerable in society (Deuteronomy 16:20)

• Judaism values freedom and the ability for individuals to make their own choices

  • The story of the Exodus, where the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, shows the importance of freedom

• The right to privacy is recognised in Jewish law, which includes respect for people's personal lives and property

  • This is seen in commandments related to not stealing (Exodus 20:15) and not gossiping (Leviticus 19:16)

• Judaism teaches that people should help those in need, such as through Tzedakah 

  • Jews are encouraged to give to the poor, provide for the needy, and act with compassion and kindness (Deuteronomy 15:11)

• Judaism teaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their background or status

  • This is reflected in the commandment to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18)

Jewish responses to situation ethics and human rights 

• Situation ethics is a moral theory that suggests decisions should be based on love (agape) rather than strict rules or laws

  • It teaches that in any given situation, the most loving action should be taken, which can sometimes mean breaking traditional rules if it leads to the greater good

• There are both similarities and differences between the views of Judaism and those who follow guidance from situation ethics

  • Situation ethics teaches that decisions should be based on what is most loving and caring in each individual situation

    • Human rights are protected if acting in someone’s best interest promotes love and well-being

  • In Judaism, human rights are based on the belief that every person is created in the image of God (B’tzelem Elohim)

    • Human rights are seen as something that reflects God’s commandments to protect life and bring compassion to all

  • Situation ethics takes a flexible approach and does not have fixed rules

    • It looks at the situation to determine the most loving action, and this might be applied differently depending on each situation

  • Judaism has more fixed moral principles based on the Torah and Jewish law

    • These rules are seen as universal and apply to all situations

  • Situation ethics focuses on what is best for the individual in any given situation

    • Human rights are based on individuals’ needs and well-being at different times

  • Judaism teaches individual rights but also the community’s responsibility

    • Jewish laws encourage people to support the vulnerable, highlighting the importance of social justice and caring for everyone

• Some Jews may follow more of a situation ethics approach in some circumstances, particularly if they believe that it will result in a positive outcome for the majority of people

Humanist and Atheist views on human rights

• Humanists are concerned about the rights of all humans because they believe that it is the way humans should live their lives

  • Humanism teaches that all people have inherent worth and should be treated equally

  • It teaches that human rights are based on human reasoning, empathy, and compassion, not religious teachings

  • Humanists believe that human rights are essential for a healthy society, founded on fairness, justice, and equality

  • Humanism would support the protection of the vulnerable and promote social justice

• Atheists might argue that religion itself has been responsible for human rights violations

  • Atheists believe human rights come from human agreements, not a divine source, and are based on reason and ethics

  • Atheists might say that humans have a responsibility to protect human rights for all, based on shared humanity

  • An Atheist may support secular laws to ensure equality and freedom for everyone

  • Atheists would oppose any kind of religious restrictions or oppression of human rights

Jewish responses to Humanist and Atheist views on human rights

• Jewish teaching on human rights share some similarities with Humanist / Atheist views but there are also differences

  • Both Jews and Humanists/Atheists may agree on the importance of equality and justice

    • These principles are present in both Jewish teachings (for example the Shema, which stresses the equality of all people before God) and in Humanist values

  • There are also areas of agreement in areas such as protecting the poor, preventing discrimination, and standing up for the rights of minorities

• However, Humanists and Atheists base their belief in human rights on reason, ethics, and science but Jews believe that human rights come from God’s commandments and teachings

  • For Jews, the foundation of human rights is often seen as part of a covenant between God and the Jewish people, which calls for justice and compassion

    • Jewish law (Halakhah) provides instructions on how people should treat one another, but atheists and humanists would base their opinions on human reasoning

  • Some religious Jews might disagree with Humanism and Atheism because they believe that ethical and moral values should come from God

    • However, other Jews who identify as Reform or Liberal Jews, may find more in common with Humanists and Atheists in supporting universal human rights, especially regarding equality, freedom of speech, and social justice