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

What does Judaism teach about the distribution of wealth?

• Judaism teaches that wealth should be distributed fairly and used to promote social justice and help those in need

• One of the most important principles in Judaism is Tzedakah, which means charity or justice

  • The Torah says that 10% of earnings should be given as charity (known as ma'aser)

  • Judaism teaches that wealth should not be hoarded but should be shared fairly

    • Leviticus 19:13 says, ‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbour’

  • Jews believe that every 50th year, known as the Jubilee year, land is to be returned to its original owners and debts forgiven (Leviticus 25)

    • This idea ensures that wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few for too long and promotes fairness

• Jews are encouraged to look after the most vulnerable members of society, including the:

  • poor

  • orphans

  • widows

  • strangers

• In the Book of Ruth, Boaz allows poor people to gather leftover grain from his fields as an act of charity

• Greed and the exploitation of others are condemned in Jewish teachings

  • The Ten Commandments include laws against coveting others’ possessions (Exodus 20:17)

• Judaism encourages the idea of Tikkun Olam, meaning the repair of the world

  • This includes addressing poverty and inequality, ensuring that wealth is used to make the world a better, fairer place for everyone

What is social justice?

• Social justice refers to the idea that everyone in society should have equal access to:

  • resources

  • opportunities

  • rights

• This equality should be regardless of factors like:

  • race

  • gender

  • economic status

  • social background

• Social justice aims to create a fair and just society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and have the same opportunities to succeed

  • It also means addressing the barriers that prevent certain groups, like the poor or minorities, from enjoying the same rights and opportunities as others

  • A key part of social justice is the protection of human rights, including the right to life, freedom, and equality before the law

• Social justice involves making sure that everyone has their basic needs met and can live a life of dignity and respect

• Social justice aims to reduce poverty and inequality in society

  • This might involve advocating for fair wages, better access to housing and healthcare, or supporting people who are disadvantaged due to race, gender, or other factors

• Social justice seeks to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be treated equally in society and that unfair treatment, discrimination, and prejudice are challenged

  • This includes fighting against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that harm individuals and communities

What does Judaism teach about Social Justice?

• Social Justice is important within Judaism which teaches that everyone should be treated fairly, with dignity and respect

• Jewish prophets, such as Isaiah, Amos, and Micah, highlighted the importance of social justice

  • Isaiah 1:17: ‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow’

  • These teachings stress the need for action to ensure that justice is done in society, especially for those who are vulnerable

• The Torah contains many laws that encourage fairness in society, such as:

  • Fair treatment of workers: Workers should be paid promptly and fairly (Deuteronomy 24:14-15)

  • No favouritism in judgment: Judges should not show favouritism in legal cases and must be impartial (Leviticus 19:15)

• Every 7th year, the Shemittah (Sabbatical Year) is observed, where land is left to rest, and debts are forgiven

  • This system aims to prevent economic inequality and wealth accumulation by a few (Leviticus 25:2-7)

• Judaism teaches that peace is a key aspect of social justice

  • The Talmud says, ‘The whole world is sustained by the breath of children studying the Torah’ 

  • This means that justice and peace come from the active work of individuals in communities to pursue righteousness and equity

• Exodus 22:20–26 outlines several laws that focus on justice, fair treatment, and compassion for vulnerable groups in society

• Tzedakah means both charity and justice in Judaism

  • Giving to the poor is not just a kind act but an obligation to create fairness and help those in need

• Judaism teaches that all people are equal in the eyes of God

  • The idea of equality is reflected in the commandment to love all people equally, and it challenges any form of discrimination that may lead to social injustice

How do Jews work towards achieving social justice?

• There are many ways in which Jews work to achieve social justice

Acts of kindness

• Jews are encouraged to perform acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim) to help others in their communities

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• This could include volunteering, helping the sick, or providing support to those in financial hardship

Charity

• Jews give money, food, and resources to help those in need, through donating to charity or supporting local causes

  • Many Jewish people set aside a percentage of their income (often 10%) for charitable purposes

Volunteering

• Jews actively volunteer in their communities to support those who are vulnerable

  • This could involve helping at homeless shelters, food banks, or supporting elderly people

Jewish organisation

• Jewish organisations, such as the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE), work to raise awareness about issues like discrimination and racism

  • They campaign for equal rights, justice, and fair treatment for all people, regardless of race, religion, or background

  • Jews support the rights of refugees and migrants, offering assistance through donations, and legal help

  • Many Jewish organisations work to provide housing, education, and support services for people who are fleeing conflict or poverty

  • Jewish people are often involved in social justice movements that protest for gender equality, racial equality, and workers' rights

    • They may participate in protests, sign petitions, or support organisations that fight for human rights

How do the views of situation ethics compare with Jewish beliefs about social justice?

• Situation ethics is an ethical theory developed by Joseph Fletcher

• It teaches that in every situation, the most loving action should be taken

• When it comes to social justice, situation ethics emphasises that:

  • Love is the guiding principle, and it requires actions that promote the well-being and dignity of others

  • The context of each situation matters, and a person should act based on the specific circumstances, rather than follow rigid rules

• Social justice is about helping others, especially the vulnerable, by making decisions based on love and compassion in each situation

Similarities between Jewish teachings and situation ethics

• Situation Ethics has some similarities to Jewish teachings in its approach to social justice concerns

  • Both situation ethics and Judaism stress the importance of helping the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and the poor

    • In Judaism, this is reflected in the Tzedakah (charity) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), while situation ethics promotes love for those in need

  • Judaism teaches that justice should be fair and compassionate, especially for those who are oppressed

    • Situation ethics also values compassionate action, where decisions should be made with love and care for others, reflecting similar values

Differences between Jewish teachings and situation ethics

• There are also some distinct differences between the approaches

  • Judaism tends to follow specific rules and commandments focusing on a set of moral laws

    • Situation ethics, however, allows flexibility and believes the loving decision depends on the specific situation rather than following a set rule

  • Situation ethics prioritises love as the central moral principle in every decision, whereas Judaism focuses on law and commandments (like the Torah) as the basis for actions

    • In Judaism, following God's commands is seen as essential, while in situation ethics, rules can be broken if it leads to a more loving outcome