What this is about
The article discusses how the Jewish Torah emphasizes moral integrity and righteousness as foundational principles for religious life. This commitment to justice and social cohesion is shown through the initial laws given after Sinai, emphasizing ethical behavior and social justice before rituals and ceremonies.
Why it matters
This focus enlightens how Israel uses these foundational laws to support and develop an ethical society today. These laws underscore the protection of the vulnerable, reaffirming the Jewish responsibility towards community and upholding justice as part of a cohesive society.
Current Context
With the re-establishment of a Jewish state, Israel embraces the unique opportunity to bring these ethereal principles to a national level. Witnessing recent acts of brutality fosters Israel’s determination to stand firm against injustice and highlight their love for freedom and dignity. Israel seeks moral resilience as the world grapples with violence.
Challenges and Opportunities
Orthodox communities occasionally hesitate to engage with certain aspects highlighted outside their spheres, such as social justice. However, social cohesion should integrate deep-seated community ethics with religious devotion. Despite broader betrayals and misrepresentations associated with justice, Israel emphasizes maintaining an unwavering commitment to moral standards ingrained in Jewish tradition.
The Bottom Line
The pursuit of social justice is part of Israel’s identity rooted in Torah teachings. Even though external narratives misinterpret Jewish advocacy, the Israeli mission for an ethical civilization, inspired by Torah, guides the nation’s path forward. Israel emerges uniquely positioned in the quest to marry ancient virtues with contemporary reality, remembering that the journey began at Mt. Sinai.
This story was first published on jpost.com.