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

Poverty refers to a lack of wealth and resources which can be caused by several factors

Poverty can be divided into absolute poverty and relative poverty

• Absolute poverty is when someone does not have the basic necessities to survive

• Relative poverty is when someone has fewer resources than others around them

Judaism teaches that wealth disparity can lead to poverty because some people may have more resources, while others lack the resources for their basic needs

• Judaism teaches that society must work to reduce this gap, as the rich have a duty to help the poor through charity (Tzedakah) and fair treatment

Judaism also teaches that poverty can arise from unfair practices or exploitation, such as:

• unfair wages

• greed

• dishonest business dealings

The Torah commands fair wages and honest work (Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14-15) to ensure that everyone has enough

Poverty can also be caused by a lack of:

• education

• job opportunities

• access to resources

Judaism teaches that society has a responsibility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and live with dignity

Sometimes, individuals fall into poverty due to personal circumstances such as illness, family issues, or misfortune

• Judaism teaches that these individuals should not be blamed but supported with compassion and help

Poverty can be caused by the systems in society or the economy when they are unjust or unequal

• Judaism drives for social justice and works to address the systems that cause poverty, such as lack of access to healthcare, housing, and education

Around the world, absolute poverty can be caused by many factors including:

• war

• natural disasters

• poor economies

• corrupt leaders

Judaism teaches that both wealth and poverty are significant

It offers guidance on how to manage wealth responsibly while showing compassion for the poor

Wealth is seen as a gift from God

Those who are wealthy have a responsibility to use their resources to help others

The Torah encourages generosity through Tzedakah (charity) and helping those in need

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says: ‘If there is a poor man among your brothers... do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted, but be open-handed’

• This teaches that wealth should not be hoarded but shared to support the less fortunate

Deuteronomy 14:22–29 teaches Jews about the importance of giving a portion of their wealth to support others, particularly the poor and needy

• The passage underlines the belief that God blesses those who give generously

Tzedakah is a core concept in Judaism and means giving to those in need and is considered a moral and religious obligation

• Jews are encouraged to give around 10% of their income to charity to help reduce poverty

Judaism teaches that wealth should not come at the expense of others' well-being

• Exploitation or greed is seen as wrong

• For example, the Torah commands fair wages and prohibits the exploitation of workers (Leviticus 19:13)

The Year of Jubilee (Yovel) and the Sabbatical Year (Shemittah) are Jewish practices designed to prevent the accumulation of wealth by a few

• They ensure that land is returned to its rightful owners, helping to address inequality

Poverty is not seen as necessarily negative in Judaism, but it is something to be addressed with compassion and action

• The Torah instructs the Jewish people to provide for the poor, such as through the practice of leaving the corners of fields for the poor to harvest (Leviticus 23:22)

Judaism encourages moderation in the pursuit of wealth

• Proverbs 30:8-9 teaches: ‘Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread’

• This reflects the idea that excessive wealth or poverty can lead to problems, and balance is key