The Jewish Impact on Civilization

Aish
HaTorah
PRESENTS
WorldPerfect
... the world...

The Source of Our Values

Let's explore the Jewish perspective on these values.

wp04t10a.jpg (298399 bytes) Value of Life

The sanctity of life is one of the most important concepts in the Jewish worldview. This idea is expressed, clearly and simply, in the sixth commandment of the Ten Commandments.

Explore the Jewish Concept of the Value of Life

 

World Peacewp04t20a.jpg (309472 bytes)

The idea of humanity living in peace and harmony is a Jewish invention. Peace is a central concept of the Bible, and we see it beautifully described by the prophets. (The word "Shalom" appears 240 times in the the Bible!)

Explore the Jewish Concept of Peace

 

Equal Justice

wp04t30a.jpg (312674 bytes)"Justice, Justice you shall pursue."  DEUTERONOMY 16:20

The word "tzedek" -- "justice" -- appears 120 times in the Jewish Bible. Jews are obsessed with the concept of equality before the law. The requirements for a judge to be fair and not to take sides are constantly restated throughout the Bible.

The Jewish Legal System

The Jewish Concept of a Ruler

 

Education

wp04t40a.jpg (308565 bytes)The Jewish obsession with education is well known.

To take responsibility and affect positive change in the world, a human being must be educated.

Explore the Jewish Ideals of Education

 

Family  Values

wp04t50a.jpg (311446 bytes)A strong family is of central importance to the Jews.

In the areas of sexuality and the relationship between men and women, Judaism has introduced some very significant innovations.

Explore the Jewish Concept of Family

 

Social Responsibility

wp04t60a.jpg (311179 bytes)The Jewish People view every person as being responsible for society and the world.

This social consciousness goes all the way back to the Bible.

Explore the Social Responsibility in Judaism

 

Conclusion

wp04t70a.jpg (263194 bytes)

The Jewish People have not always been perfect, nor was everyone else evil. Jews have made plenty of mistakes individually and nationally. However, the Jewish People have always stood for these six fundamental values that comprise our vision of a perfect world. Judaism contributed to humanity a unique moral vision, a blueprint for an ideal world.

Despite horrendous persecutions for centuries, the Jewish People has maintained a level of humanity and caring that exceeded the surrounding civilizations.

 

What gave the Jewish People the unique insight and genius to bring these values to the world, something ancient Greece and Rome were unable to do?

Continue WorldPerfect

Hear this section in RealAudio from a live seminar

Jewish outlook on these Values:

Value of Life

World Peace

Justice and Equality

Education

Family

Social Responsibility

 

Conclusion




Get the tape of WorldPerfect

 

Home to 'aish.edu' Aish
HaTorah

Navigation Bar
Copyright, © 1999 Aish HaTorah

Visit the Aish website