By Arthur Gross Schaefer
The Answers, Please
There is often no one answer which everyone agrees is the most ethical
thing to do in a given situation. Moreover, additional factors not fully
provided in the questions above may greatly affect one's conclusion.
However, each of the scenarios above is directly tied to one of Eleven Core
Jewish values. The following brief description of those values will help
you determine an appropriate answer.
Scenario A--Honesty
Allowing someone to have a false impression is a form
of stealing. We are commanded by our tradition to be truthful and to
correct misimpressions. "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:13) We are also
taught that one should speak out against all forms of slander, defamation,
and misrepresentation, whether of an individual, a group, a people, a race,
or a faith. "They that deal truly are God's delight." (Proverbs 12:22)
Scenario B--Integrity
One is required to be consistent in words and actions. We often tell our
children that it is wrong to lie and then teach them to do so through our
actions. Integrity implies completeness, a consistency in word, action, and
conviction. "Mark the person of integrity, and behold the upright." (Psalms
37:37)
Scenario C--Brit
Keeping one's word is a sacred statement of one's spiritual commitment to
be in a covenantal relationship with the Divine. This means mirroring God
by fulfilling the letter and the spirit of our commitments to others.
Scenario D--Loyalty
Being in a trusting relationship means that one is
willing to publicly take uncomfortable stands to support one's friends. We
are expected to be loyal to God, to our parents (Exodus 20:12), to our
tradition, and to those with whom we have developed a trusting
relationship.
Scenario E--Tzedakah
We are taught to give charity, to refrain from excessive judgments, to
contribute directly to the needy, and to extend kind words. Tzedakah
involves both justice and righteousness. Isaiah 1:17 states: "Seek justice
and relieve the oppressed."
Scenario F--Chesed
One is to practice acts of mercy, acts of chesed
(kindness and compassion),
even when it may not be convenient. As God has dealt with us in mercy, so
we should deal with others. "Show mercy and compassion, every one to your
neighbor." (Zach. 7:9)
Scenario G--Respect for Human Dignity
Jokes are powerful teaching tools.
One's silence in the face of racism can be viewed as concurrence. Our
notion of the infinite worth of human life stems from the fact that all
people are created "in the image of God." Therefore, each individual is
deserving of respect as a unique creation of the Divine.
Scenario H--Respect for Law
There have always been laws such as taxes and
permits which we would like to ignore. However, Jewish tradition has always
demanded good citizenship, which requires following fair laws and showing
regard for the decision-making process of the community in which we live.
"The law of the state is the law." (Talmud, Gitten 10b) However, this does
not demand blind obedience to the community's laws where they are in
conflict with other ethical values.
Scenario I--Accountability
One cannot point the finger at others and
thereby avoid taking responsibility for inaction. Our tradition holds us
answerable to God and to others for our inactions as well as our actions.
"Judaism does not say, 'Thou shall believe' but 'Thou shall do.'" (Moses
Mendelssohn) "Thou shalt not stand idly by the blood of thy neighbor."
(Leviticus 19:16)
Scenario J--Taking Responsibility
We do our best teaching through our
actions and our associations. The choices we make for the sake of money
often speak more about our core values than anything else. Ethical people
accept responsibility for their decisions and set an example for others.
One is responsible whether the act is intentional or inadvertent. (Mishnah
Baba Kamma 1:2)
Scenario K--Tikkun Olam
While we cannot solve all the world's ills, we are commanded to help those
who are less fortunate, including those who labor under conditions of
oppression and exploitation. The concept of tikkun olam, literally "repair of
the world," has come to stand for our Jewish commitment to make the world
more merciful. Within our communities there are many shattered spirits,
broken holy vessels. Our mission is to help repair those spirits and to
share whatever God has given us with those less fortunate.
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