“The Jews started it all – and by "it" I mean so many of the things we care about, the underlying values that make all of us, Jew and gentile, believer and atheist, tick. Without the Jews, we would see the world through different eyes, hear with different ears, even feel with different feelings. And we would set a different course for our lives… Their worldview has become so much a part of us that at this point it might as well have been written into our cells as a genetic code.”
--- Thomas Cahill, The Gifts of the Jews
The number of fundamental ideas and values the Jewish People have given to the world is truly remarkable. And it’s also remarkable how most people don’t realize this.
We simply forget that these concepts and ideals were once not the way of the world. In fact, they were not only revolutionary but often at complete odds with conventional wisdom of the times. As Paul Johnson wrote in The History of the Jews, “All the great conceptual discoveries of the intellect seem obvious and inescapable once they have been revealed, but it requires a special genius to formulate them for the first time. The Jews had this gift.”
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s stop to appreciate some of the Jewish inventions taken for granted in our world:
1. Sabbath Day: The Romans ridiculed the Jews for their idleness but we have none but the Jews to thank for our weekend. Until the Jewish invention of Sabbath, every day, every month, every year was the same. We introduced the concept of taking out time to focus on the higher things in life and enjoying being and not just doing. Christians adapted the Jewish Shabbat to Sunday in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.1
2. Peace on Earth: In a world that revered the warrior above all others, survival of the fittest was the highest value. If you could get it, you took it. The cost in human life was irrelevant. Judaism introduced the altruistic concept that peace amongst men was preferable to my tribe’s enrichment.
As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them” (11:6).
And “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (2:4).
3. Universal Literacy and Education: In a world where literacy was a luxury enjoyed by the vast minority, the People of the Book taught that the pursuit of wisdom and learning was the highest pursuit and the right and obligation of every child and adult. No Jewish community existed without a school. Even the Greeks and Romans came nowhere near creating a written culture, 2 and the medieval world saw even greater drops in literacy. The Church, ancient Greece and the United States not only discouraged literacy for some (e.g. Blacks, slaves, non-clergy), but it took until 1918 for every US state to require students to complete elementary school. 3 It took India until 2009 to adopt what the Jewish nation has been practicing for 3,500 years.
4. Sabbatical Year: The idea for academics and some professionals (20% of UK companies now have a career break policy, and many more joining the trend! 4) to take a year off every seven years to focus on academic advancement, comes directly from the Torah. Judaism requires every farmer to take the entire seventh year off from work to focus on studying, self-improvement and inspiration. One can imagine the impact of that intellectual focus on the entire nation.
5. Justice for All: In a world where women, children, the poor, immigrants and other vulnerable members of society were systematically abused, the Jewish legal system was the first to protect the rights of the underdog and the helpless. As the Torah states, “You shall not wrong or oppress a foreigner, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse the widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry” (Exodus 22:21-23).
Jewish law ensured that every man and woman has the right to a fair trial, is innocent before proven guilty, and allows for no prejudice towards the rich or powerful.
6. Monotheism: Judaism revolutionized the concept of God; from a belief in multiple deities and idols that require our sacrifice (even humans), are created in the image of Man and can be bribed and manipulated, to recognizing the One Infinite, loving, altruistic Creator who is the unifying source of the entire universe, who needs nothing from mankind, and is equally available to every human being.
7. Infinite Value of Every Human Life: In a world of human sacrifice, murder of children (particularly baby girls), and wanton war and killing to further material gains, Judaism taught that every life is holy, created in the image of God, and of infinite value – even the old, the mentally or physically handicapped and the sick. If you think that is obvious, consider the practice of human sacrifice that was central to most South American civilizations until the Spanish Christians conquered them just 500 years ago.
8. The Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: While the founding fathers of America may have found “these truths to be self-evident”, in fact it was far from self-evident unless you were highly influenced by Jewish values (otherwise the Declaration of Independence in 1776 would not have been so revolutionary!). Many societies up to modern times have sought to limit individuality in the name of service to the state or religion or feudal lord (Communism, Nazism, many religions and all totalitarian regimes). But 3,000 years before 1776, Judaism introduced to the world that every human has the right, and obligation, to aspire to reaching his/her unique goals, personal fulfilment and potential.
9. Limited Governmental Powers: It took until the Magna Carta in medieval England for the first small limitations on the power of the ruler to be instituted. Until then despots of all kinds could and would take advantage of their citizens monetarily, militarily and judicially for their own gain. The king was omnipotent. The Torah was the first system to place limits on the powers of the monarch. His powers were overseen by an independent judicial branch of government (Sanhedrin/Supreme Court), thousands of years before the rest of the world was ready to adopt these ideas. And the Jewish king carried with him a Torah scroll, reminding him that he too is subjugated to all of its laws.
10. Tzedaka and Tikkun Olam: In a world where the idea of giving away one’s property to others was seen as both bizarre and foolhardy, Judaism taught that we are obligated to donate 10-20% (tithe) of what we earn to make the world a better place. Judaism was trend-setting by millennium when it required us to lend money to our fellow man with no interest, to return lost objects, to refrain from verbal abuse and gossip, not to take revenge or bear a grudge, to protect animals from suffering, and to demand that we love every human being regardless of race, religion or color. "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18) was introduced 2,000 years before Christianity.
11. Sexism: Judaism taught that men and women are equal in the eyes of God (in fact the first “Man” was not actually a man but an androgynous male/female being which was then separated into two). From the earliest times women have held important leadership positions in the Jewish world. Our matriarchs were considered even greater than their husbands in prophecy and other areas. Judaism forbade sexual harassment of any kind. Way ahead of its time, a woman’s rights to sexual and emotional intimacy were enshrined by the first Jewish marriage contracts (ketuba). Men are obligated to honor their wives even more than themselves. Women in Judaism enjoyed more rights than in most of Western civilization. For example, it took until 1900 for all US states to allow women to buy, sell and own property or to write her own will and contracts.
Without the Jewish nation, the world as we know it would simply not exist. Paul Johnson summed it up beautifully: "To them (the Jews) we owe the idea of equality before the law, both divine and human; of the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person; of the individual conscience and so of personal redemption; of the collective conscience and so of social responsibility; of peace as an abstract ideal and love as the foundation of justice, and many other items which constitute the basic moral furniture of the human mind. Without the Jews, it might have been a much emptier place."
And while the world was busy absorbing Jewish inventions into their culture, they were simultaneously persecuting and not infrequently attempting to destroy us. How strange that one of humanity’s most positive contributors has been singled out for more hate than any other. Cahill observed this phenomenon: “Our history is replete with examples of those who have refused to see what the Jews are really about, who – through intellectual blindness, racial chauvinism, xenophobia, or just plain evil – have been unable to give this oddball tribe, this raggle-taggle band, this race of wanderers who are the progenitors of the Western world, their due.”
This Thanksgiving, let’s follow the lead of American President John Adams, who said, "I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize man than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that chance had ordered the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations.”
1. "Sabbath." Cross, F. L., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. New York: Oxford University Press. 2005
2. Ancient Literacy, 1991 William V. Harris
3. Graham, P.A. 1974). Community and Class in American Education, 1865–1918.New York: Wiley
4. Confederation of British Industry survey, 2005
(25) Morris Givner, November 24, 2019 11:56 AM
Jews have a deep and sincere respect for all living systems.
The 10 Commandments that Moses received from G-d are genuine treasures which could and have benefited all mankind. These demand ethical behaviour and respect for others including all life. One of the main causes of antiSemitism around the world is many people do not like ethical and moral behaviour. They are jealous,envious and resentful of
Judaism's demand for ethical conduct.
(24) thomas clarke, April 28, 2019 4:31 PM
for my phd
i am. trying to find out about edward teddie sassoon and minie lucy heseltine sassoon any help thomas clarke flat 14 42 great pulteney street bath ba24dr somerset england thanks for your help
(23) Anonymous, November 28, 2018 7:22 PM
Ibcredible
Lovely article. Very enlightening, encouraging, informative documentary on what we have done for the world and what we are responsible to keep doing. Thank you, Aish.com
(22) richard, November 26, 2018 12:41 AM
never saw it like that!
Very interesting article. I will have to go into the Torah more closely.
(21) Ralph, November 25, 2018 7:02 AM
I was reading the article, "How the Jews changed the world",
The Sabbath was Not an Invention of the Jews, The Sabbath was given to us by God at creation, and asked to remember it when he gave his children Israel his commandments at Sinai.
(20) Nurit Greenger, November 23, 2018 8:24 PM
The Jews gave the world the 10 Commandments, the basic of civility and human rights and discipline and for that the world has been hating us, Jews, ever since.
(19) Susan, November 22, 2018 6:03 PM
Thank you for the information. I love learning of the Jewish people’s contributions. And thank you for all you have given to the world.
(18) Anonymous, November 22, 2018 3:51 PM
Wow beautufil how truthful!!! Thank you Rabbi shore. I agree this should be everywhere!
(17) richard stachowski, November 22, 2018 12:47 AM
Likes it very much.
I found it interesting and truthfull.
(16) caprice adler, November 21, 2018 11:59 PM
Loved this article.
This should be reproduced in most newspapers. I know I am being silly, but there is so much anti-Semitism.... mostly out of ignorance.
A little reminder i.e. this article would be illuminating!!!!!
(15) Thomas clarke, November 20, 2018 9:54 PM
Minnie Lucy heseltine sassoon
I am trying to find out about minnie lucy sassoon and Edward teddie sassoon thank you Thomas clarke
(14) Jeanne Lewis, November 20, 2018 9:18 PM
Share with ALL.
This article needs to be shared in all the regular media in the United States and Canada.
(13) Anonymous, November 20, 2018 9:16 PM
These concepts, most of them , we given by G-d (Not the Jews) to the Jews and thrught them, some of them, to the world. That is an important difference in meaning.
Kevin, November 21, 2018 2:50 AM
I agree with # 4 & # 13. It is a gift from G-D to the Jewish people. ' I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you.' To Abram 1st. And to this day the promise stands. Yes , the Jewish people have given more good things to the World than any other people -by far! Shalom for Jerusalem-Isreal!!
(12) Josh, November 20, 2018 7:12 PM
Rabbi Ephraim Shore. Thanks what the Jews gave us. Spiritual, cultural and progressive wealth. We always stand with Israel. Shalom! And hoping that Genesis 12:3 the blessing also applies to me.
(11) Leizer Saul, November 20, 2018 6:11 PM
Am scris o carte in acest sens intitulat[ă-Minți strălucitoare evreiești.
(10) Scott Edelman, November 20, 2018 5:09 PM
Excellent
Facts that must be taught again and again until we have "five finger clarity!" Thanks R Ephraim!
(9) Cliff, November 20, 2018 4:38 PM
Thank you
Thank you Rabbi. I love learning these things or relearning them. May you and your family have a wonderful day Thanksgiving Day.
(8) Austin Kuder, November 20, 2018 4:06 PM
far out
I have always been puzzled by the persecution of the Jews. Thanks for the information about their historic contribution to civilization. I appreciate and admire them. Only two things that may isolate and draw ire are the "chosen people thing" and the weird appearance of orthodox Jews.
(7) Donald R Levitt, November 20, 2018 3:43 PM
Cahill is not the only gentile to write about Jewish contributions. You might like reading "The Israel Test," by George Gilder
(6) Anonymous, November 20, 2018 3:15 PM
Sexism
A little fuzzy here. Women in judaism did not hold the same place in the Temple, they needed the husband's permission for divorce. Not as equal as the article makes it seem
david kantor, November 20, 2018 5:45 PM
husband will give divorce document or
If he doesn't want to it's considered as if he has done evil force in him which others BEAT out if him until he gives the document.
MESA, November 21, 2018 3:41 PM
Not quite
First, no, a woman doesn't hold the same place. She holds a different, but no less important, place. I have my own responsibilities as a Jewish woman and I don't need to do everything the men do in order to be worthy in anyone's eyes, especially those of Hashem.
Second, she may ask for a divorce and if he doesn't give her one, he's the one in trouble.
Nancy, November 22, 2018 12:59 PM
To commenter Mesa
You express everything in such an articulate manner! If you don;t mind me asking, did you grow up in a religious home? I will understand if that question is too personal to answer. I grew up in a very Secular home and am making up for lost time. Aish helps my Jewish education tremendously!
MESA, November 26, 2018 3:49 PM
answer to Nancy
I did grow up in a Torah-Observant home, but my father is a ba'al teshuvah. I'm very proud of my dad and I'm proud of you for trying to learn and grow as a Jew.
Nancy, December 20, 2018 11:58 PM
To Mesa
Please excuse my late response to your very kind words. I’m so lucky to have encountered people like you, my rabbi, my friends and aish! :-)
(5) Rachel Shillingford, November 20, 2018 2:30 PM
Love this , excellent article, truth
I love this and will be sharing
(4) Debbie R, November 20, 2018 12:30 PM
God gave this to the Jews
I know it was not your intent but it seems you left something out. WE must always remember that God gave all of this to the Jews before they gave it to the world. God said He would bless the world thru the Jewish nation. Without God and the Torah that He gave Moses and the Jewish nation none of this would be possible. All Praise and Glory to Hashem our Almighty Father.
(3) Anonymous, November 20, 2018 8:50 AM
It Is God who changed the world
Jews were on the right path , but it is God who gave them that path ... God is the one that changed the world for better , people only made it worse
(2) anonymous, November 20, 2018 8:18 AM
Beautiful
Let us all Live this in bringing Light to the World.
(1) Lawrence Levine, November 19, 2018 10:27 PM
a very great explanation of what it means to be a Jew !
proud 2 B Jewish !