V. Ethics and security
Ethics, or moral philosophy, are the intangible
concepts that an individual, or the society have
in order to define which is a right behaviour and
differentiate it from what is considered wrong.
The hebrew term “musar” which derives
from “discipline” is used to translate the word
“ethics”. Jewish ethics are known to follow their
holy texts (mostly, the Torah) and teachings within
them, as well as having a legal positivistic doctrine
(follow human-made national laws). As a product
of globalization and history, Judaism and their eth-
ic code has fused with some concepts in Western
philosophy.
There are also a rabbinic laws, which
are religious codes of behavior. Their principal
function is to explain and dictate other prohibit-
ed behaviors which may not be punished under
national laws. Most of these texts surged during
medieval times as musar literature. Some of these
rabbinic texts, strongly associated with their ethics
are the Halakhah, the Mishnah tractate of Avot
(translated as The Father’s Ethics), and the Talmud.
Other texts with a secondary importance are Cho-
vot ha-Levavot (Heart’s Dutty), Maálot ha-Middot,
Orchot Tzaddikim (Ways of the Righteous) and the
Kad ha-Kemah.
Some examples of these points on these texts are:
“Whatever you have to have done unto you, do no
wherefore do not hurt him, do not speak ill of him;
secrets to others; let his honor and his property b
own” (Written on the Midrash Avot, by early 1st ce
“Six hundred and thirteen commandments* were given
reduced them to eleven, Isaiah to six, Micah to three, Is
(Maintain justice and do what is right), and the Habakku
“The righteous person live by his faithfulness” (Rabbi Si
“Falsehood, flattery, perjury and false
swearing are forbidden; the reputation
of a fellow man is sacred” (Ex 21:1).
“The world rests upon three things: To-
rah, service to God and showing loving
and kindness (Pirkei Avot 1:2).
Key points on these holy texts:
Kindness to people in need
Benevolence
Compassion for suffering people
Peaceful and loving attitudes
Humble ways
Contrite spirit
* These 613 commandments or “mitzvot” are the
original ones contained on the Halakha.