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

What is racial discrimination?

• Racial discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, or skin colour

  • It involves treating people differently or denying them rights and opportunities because of their racial background

• Racial discrimination can occur in many areas of life, such as:

  • education

  • employment

  • housing

  • public services

Forms of racial discrimination 

• Direct discrimination: 

  • Treating someone unfairly because of their race

  • For example, refusing service to a person because of their ethnic background

• Indirect discrimination: 

  • When policies or practices unintentionally disadvantage people of certain racial groups

  • For example, a workplace dress code that disadvantages people from certain cultural backgrounds

• Institutional racism: 

  • When social institutions or organisations (e.g., schools, businesses, governments) have practices or policies that systematically disadvantage people from particular racial groups

What does Judaism teach about racial discrimination?

• Judaism teaches against racial discrimination and promotes equality and respect for all people, regardless of their race or background

  • Judaism teaches that ‘All People are Created in God's Image’ (Genesis 1:27), meaning all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, deserve respect 

  • The commandment ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18) applies to all people, not just fellow Jews

  • In Genesis 3:20, Adam names his wife Eve, ‘the mother of all the living’ suggesting a universal human connection and a shared humanity and the idea that no race is superior or inferior to another

  • The Torah commands Jews to ‘welcome the stranger’ and treat them fairly (Leviticus 19:33-34) including people from different races and backgrounds

  • The Exodus story is a reminder for Jews to show empathy and not discriminate against others, especially those from different backgrounds

  • Judaism teaches the Golden Rule, ‘What is hateful to you, do not do to others’ (Talmud, Shabbat 31a)

    • This teaches that we should treat others with the same respect and fairness we want for ourselves, regardless of their race

  • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), a central Jewish prayer, expresses the oneness of God

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• Many Jewish thinkers interpret this to mean that all humans are part of God's creation, promoting unity and respect across all races and cultures

• Tzedakah (charity) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) are core Jewish values that encourage Jews to work for social justice and equality for all

  • These principles call on Jews to fight against oppression, including racial discrimination, and work towards creating a fairer, more equal world

What problems does racial discrimination cause in society?

• Racial discrimination can cause a great deal of harm to all members of a society

• It creates tension between different racial groups, leading to social unrest and division

• Discriminatory practices limit opportunities for certain groups, leading to unfair treatment in areas like:

  • education

  • employment

  • housing

• It results in the marginalisation of certain racial groups, denying them basic rights and equality

  • Racial discrimination can lead to unequal access to resources, causing poverty and limiting progress for affected groups

  • It causes stress, lower self-esteem, and mental health issues for those who are discriminated against

• Jews believe that racial discrimination can cause great harm within society

  • Judaism teaches that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), so racial discrimination goes against the belief in equality

  • Discrimination causes injustice by treating people unfairly based on their race, which contradicts Jewish values of justice (Tzedek)

  • Racial discrimination divides communities and causes conflict, going against the Jewish teaching of peace and unity (Leviticus 19:18)

  • It denies people from discriminated groups the chance to contribute fully to society, preventing social progress and equal opportunity

  • Discriminating against others harms both our relationship with God and our ability to follow the commandment to love others (Leviticus 19:18)