What does this mean in practice?
The guiding principles of stewardshipTaking responsibility for looking after and caring for something on behalf of another person., compassionUnderstanding and appreciation of the pain and suffering of others. and justiceWhen the right and fair thing is done. may be applied to the question of wealth and poverty in a variety of ways. The TalmudA work that is part of rabbinic oral law and made up of the Mishnah and the Gemara (a commentary on the Mishnah). teaches the importance of not being greedy, but having sufficient wealth to survive in comfort. Many Jews believe wealth cannot be taken with you after death so its importance should be seen in perspective.
Judaism teaches that:
- wealth should not become a distraction from people’s faith
- wealth should be gained from honest work
- everyone has a responsibility to help those suffering from poverty
- it is important to show compassion towards others and that this follows the example set by God
Social justice is an important aspect of Jewish communities, where a balance in society between the wealthy and poor can be achieved through helping others.
Do not suppress this compassion, this sympathy, especially with the sufferings of your fellow man. It is the warning voice of duty, which points out to you your brother in every sufferer, and your own sufferings in his, and awakens the love which tells you that you belong to him and his sufferings with all the powers that you have...
