Judaism remains one of the three most practiced religions in the world today. It is a name and a title which is recognizable nearly anywhere on the globe. Yet how much do we really know about this spiritual identity which guides millions?
Many believe Judaism describes an ethnic group or a racial category. Few, however, truly understand the deeply spiritual values and virtues which define Jews as a people, as a powerful religious movement, and as individuals.
Most spiritual virtues in Judaism derive from the Ten Commandments, which God sent down to the Jewish people through the prophet Moses:
1. I am the Lord your God.
2. Thou shall have no other Gods before me.
3. Thou shall not take the Name of the God in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy
5. Honor thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shall not murder.
7. Thou shall not commit adultery
8. Thou shall not steal.
9. Thou shall not bear false witness.
10. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's possessions
Jews view these commandments as a large part of their covenant with God as the Chosen people. Jews are expected to abide by these rules and the values set forth in the Jewish Torah. Following are a few of the most important virtues valued in Judaism.
Reverence for God
Judaism, first and foremost, believes in one God, who is creator and eternal ruler of the world. This God is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Jews find meaning in life through God.
Equality
Judaism holds that all men are created in the image of God: And God created a human [being] in [God’s] image. In the divine image God created the human… And God saw all that [God] had made, and found it very good (Genesis 1:27, 31).
As such, all human beings are created equal in the eyes of God. Therefore, the taking of a human life is among the worst violations of God’s covenant: When one destroys a single individual, it is as if that person destroyed the whole world (Sanhedrin 4:5). Other human beings provide a pathway and a means to recognize God’s majesty in the everyday world.
Love and Kindness
The message of this value can best be described in the simple words of the Rabbi Hillel: "What is hateful to you, don't do unto your neighbor. The rest is commentary. Now, go and study." If one must take away any singular thought from Judaism, this is it. In Judaism, one must do more than simply believe. An individual must take his spiritual experiences and put them to work in his society. True spiritual love is realized through actions and behaviors toward others. Compassion and empathy for every human being one encounters in one’s life validates and pays ultimate homage to God’s creations. If spiritual realization does not lead to changes in behavior, then the experiences are ultimately empty. Since spiritual aspirations are so entwined in social conduct, that is why Jewish rules exist governing relationships, business, worship, and day-to-day activities.
Justice and Mercy
Humans should seek justice for wrongdoing. However, the pursuit of peace is among the highest Jewish virtues. Jews are allowed to engage in obligatory war (Milhemet Mitzvah), which refers to acts of self-defense. If the Jewish nation is threatened in any capacity, then the Torah allows for retaliation in the name of self-preservation. Otherwise, Jews are instructed to exhaust all avenues of non-violent negotiation before practicing acts of war or violence: When you approach a city to do battle with it you should call to it in peace (Deuteronomy 20:10-12). When war is the only option, then Jews must maintain the integrity of human life. For example, non-combative civilians must be given an opportunity to evacuate. Soldiers must honor peace treaties, and even in victory must not rejoice. Rather, they must show proper respect for the human lives which were lost.
Respect for Nature
Humans can also find God’s glory in the natural world. The beauty and harmony evident in every animal, plant, sea, mountain, and desert reminds one every day of a higher purpose and reason for being. Humans must honor this creative process through maintenance and reparations, not destruction.
Truth, Intellect, and Free Will
Our greatest likeness to God lies in our comprehensive capacities and understanding. As a result, humans have free will to pave their own choices and destinies in life.
Study and Prayer
Jews celebrate their spirituality through careful study and prayer. Studies include absorbing ancient texts (such as the Torah) which enlighten about Jewish history, prophecy, and traditions. However, study goes beyond the traditional sense of the word. Just as we find God within others, we also honor God through careful examination of ourselves and our actions. We may come to these discoveries through peak experiences—events which alter our lives and our understanding in some profound way. Such an experience may come in a dramatic flash of inspiration or as simply as a stroll along a serene mountain path.
In addition to Torah (study) and Gemilut Hesed (loving-kindness), Jews also keep in touch with their spiritual side through Avodah, or prayer. Three prayers are conducted during the day in honor of three great Jewish patriarchs. These are times to reaffirm faith and cleanse the heart and soul of any wrongs committed during the day. Prayer is no light matter. Rather, it is conducted with the whole spiritual being directed to heaven—a pure prayer.
The most enduring representatives of Jewish spiritual virtues are the three men who kept the Jewish prayer system alive for all who would come after them. Each of these patriarchs symbolized a set of everlasting Jewish values:
Abraham—kindness and love
Isaac—justice and reverence
Jacob—truth and mercy
