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

What is racial harmony?

• Racial harmony refers to a society or community where people of different races and ethnic backgrounds live together peacefully, treating each other with respect, equality, and understanding

  • It is about fostering relationships that overcome racial divisions and celebrate cultural diversity

• Racial harmony means that everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity, is treated equally and with respect

  • People should not be judged or discriminated against because of their race

• In a society with racial harmony, people celebrate each other’s differences, such as cultural traditions, beliefs, and values

• Racial harmony contributes to peace in society, where people from diverse racial backgrounds work together in cooperation

  • This leads to a more united, stable, and thriving community

• In a racially harmonious society, diversity is celebrated rather than feared

  • People from different races can share their cultural traditions, food, music, and customs, enriching the community

What does Judaism teach about racial harmony?

• Judaism teaches that racism is wrong and that racial harmony is good for society

• The Torah stresses the importance of justice and fairness (Deuteronomy 16:20)

  • This includes treating people of all races equally and fighting against prejudice and discrimination

• The prophets of Israel, such as Amos and Isaiah, often called for justice and fair treatment for all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity 

  • Amos 5:24 says, ‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ 

    • This reinforces the idea that justice should apply equally to all people, irrespective of their race

• Judaism teaches the Golden Rule, found in the Talmud: ‘What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow’

  • This teaching calls for mutual respect and fair treatment, which applies to people of all races and backgrounds

• The Book of Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman (Ruth) who converts to Judaism and is accepted into the Jewish community

  • This story shows that people from different nations and backgrounds can be included and that racial differences should not be barriers to inclusion in Jewish society

• Tikkun Olam encourages Jews to work towards creating a better, more just world

  • This includes fighting against discrimination, promoting equality, and ensuring that people of all races live in harmony

  • Leviticus 19:33–34 teaches about welcoming all strangers and that they should not be mistreated or discriminated against

  • Many Jewish denominations allow for the conversion of people from any race or background who sincerely wish to join the faith

    • The acceptance of converts highlights that people are judged based on their actions and beliefs, not their racial or ethnic background

What work do Jews do to achieve racial harmony?

• Jews engage in various efforts to promote racial harmony and combat discrimination

Work of Jewish organisations 

• Jewish organisations work to combat racism and antisemitism through education and public campaigns

  • For example, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is a Jewish organisation that works to fight antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate and discrimination

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Interfaith dialogue

• Many Jewish groups participate in interfaith dialogue with other religious communities to foster mutual understanding and respect

  • For example, The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) is a UK-based organisation that works to promote understanding, dialogue, and cooperation between Jewish and Christian communities

Civil rights movements

• Jewish individuals are often involved in civil rights movements and initiatives that promote equality for people of all races

  • For example, Rabbi Heschel played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement where he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in support of racial equality

Education and reduction of inequality

• Jewish schools and community centres often run programs that educate people about racial harmony, diversity, and the dangers of prejudice

• Many Jewish people volunteer for organisations that work to reduce inequality and support people from disadvantaged racial or ethnic backgrounds

  • This includes helping with refugee resettlement, supporting minority communities, and addressing issues of poverty and discrimination

How do the views of situation ethics differ from Jewish teachings on racial harmony?

• Situation ethics focuses on agape love (selfless love) as the guiding principle and suggests that decisions should be based on the most loving action in each situation

• It promotes equality and respect for all people, regardless of race, allows for flexibility and considers individual circumstances to achieve racial harmony

  • Both situation ethics and Judaism support love and respect for all people, encouraging equality and fair treatment of everyone, regardless of race

  • Jewish teachings, like ‘love your neighbour’ and treating strangers kindly, align with the loving approach of situation ethics

• There are some distinct differences between the two approaches

  • Situation ethics is flexible, allowing for individual circumstances to influence decisions, while Jewish views are based on fixed laws from the Torah, providing clear guidelines for racial harmony

  • Judaism places strong emphasis on following religious law and commandments, while situation ethics prioritises personal judgment and a loving response to each situation

What are the benefits for Jews of living in a multi-ethnic society?

• A multi-ethnic society is a society made up of people from different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and religions, where diversity is recognised and people live together in a shared community

• Living in a multi-ethnic society can offer several benefits for Jewish people

  • It encourages understanding and acceptance of different cultures and religions, allowing Jewish people to live in harmony with people from diverse backgrounds

  • Multi-ethnic societies provide opportunities for interfaith dialogue, where Jewish people can build relationships with people of different faiths

    • This can lead to greater cooperation and shared efforts on social justice, peace, and community projects

  • It allows Jewish people to experience and appreciate the cultures, languages, and traditions of other groups

  • In many multi-ethnic societies, laws are designed to protect the rights of all minority groups, including Jews

    • This ensures equality, protection against discrimination, and access to opportunities regardless of ethnicity or religion

  • In a diverse society, Jewish communities can form alliances with other minority groups, creating a strong network of support

    • This helps Jews protect their rights and address shared challenges related to discrimination and social justice