Judaism and Social Justice

As we've discussed in class, a main tenet of the Jewish faith is social justice.  Proverbs and other readings from the Torah were (and still are) important resources for teaching ancient Hebrews (and modern-day people) about the law. 

Your assignment: Read the proverbs and teachings from the Jewish faith below. Then, think of a quote, song lyric, movie line or scene, etc. that reflects, connects to, or illustrates one of the ideas from the proverbs and teachings you read. Be prepared to share with the class. 

Thou shalt not stand by idly by the blood of thy neighbor.

– Leviticus 19:16.

If your brother becomes poor, … uphold him.

– Leviticus 25:35

Justice, justice you shall pursue.

– Deuteronomy 16:20

Devote yourself to justice;

Aid the wronged.

Uphold the rights of the orphan;

Defend the cause of the widow.

– Isaiah 1:16-17

Observe what is right and do what is just.

– Isaiah 56:1

A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

– Proverbs 15.1

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fatted ox and hatred with it.

– Proverbs 15.17

God has shown you, O Man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

– Micah 6:8

"In Judaism social action is religiousness, and religiousness implies social action."
– Leo Baeck, a 20th century German rabbi and scholar

"The greatest menace to freedom is an inert people."
– Louis Brandeis, Supreme Court Associate Justice

"Wake me up, God; ignite my passion, fill me with outrage. Remind me that I am responsible for Your world. Don't allow me to stand idly by. Inspire me to act. Teach me to believe that I can repair some corner of this world."
– Rabbi Naomi Levy, American rabbi and author