Key moral principles including justice, healing the world, charity and…

The idea

Judaism is built upon key moral principles that guide daily life and ethical decision-making. Justice (Tzedek) requires pursuing fairness and equality, often expressed through the prophetic command to 'let justice roll on like a river'. Healing the world (Tikkun Olam) is the active responsibility to repair societal brokenness through social action, environmental care, and volunteering. Charity (Tzedakah) is viewed not merely as generosity but as a strict legal obligation to give a proportion of wealth to those in need. Finally, kindness to others (Chesed) involves acts of loving-kindness, such as visiting the sick or comforting mourners, reflecting God's own compassion towards humanity.

What earns the marks

• Define Tzedek (justice) as a fundamental Jewish obligation to ensure fairness and uphold the law in society.
• Explain Tikkun Olam (healing the world) as the duty to take action to improve the world, often through environmental or social justice initiatives.
• Describe Tzedakah (charity) as a mandatory act of justice rather than optional philanthropy, typically involving giving ten percent of one's income.
• Illustrate Chesed (kindness to others) with practical examples, such as hospitality, supporting the vulnerable, and showing compassion.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Translating Tzedakah simply as 'charity' in the Western sense.

  Put it right by explaining it stems from the Hebrew word for justice and is a religious obligation.

• Treating Tikkun Olam as a purely modern, secular concept.

  Put it right by linking it to traditional Jewish teachings about partnering with God to sustain creation.

• Confusing Chesed and Tzedakah.

  Put it right by distinguishing Chesed as acts of loving-kindness (giving time or emotional support) and Tzedakah as the obligation to give material wealth.

Exam tips

• Use the Hebrew terms (Tzedek, Tikkun Olam, Tzedakah, Chesed) alongside their English translations to demonstrate deeper subject knowledge.
• Provide concrete examples of how a Jewish person might practice Tikkun Olam today, such as participating in a climate change charity or a food bank.
• Link these moral principles to the concept of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) when discussing Jewish ethical priorities in evaluation questions.