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Oct. 14, 2011
Is Judaism for capitalism?
There should be a balance between individualism, community.
RABBI SHMUEL YESHAYAHU
Does Judaism support the idea of capitalism?
In Israel in recent months, many people have been marching in protest, demanding social justice. Many of these consider capitalism the main source of the problem. Others say it is actually the solution. What does Judaism say about capitalism? Does it support it or is it against it?
Judaism speaks about the idea of ownership of the land: “Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree and none will make him afraid.” (Micah 4:4) However, Judaism also states that, even though we are in possession of the land, we are not truly owners. Every seven years, the sabbatical year, the land has to rest. At the same time, when harvesting comes, part of the fruit should go to the poor. In fact, a 10th of your profit needs to go to the poor. Charity is to be considered a sign of righteousness, a way in which we as individuals do justice. The profit we make is given to us so that we can share it with others.
On Purim, we don’t say we are “giving charity” to the poor; we say we are “giving a gift to the poor.” This is because, when we give, we are actually receiving a gift, too. We are sharing something that’s been given to us for the purpose of sharing.
Most human beings dream of having their own property, a place of their own to relax and have some privacy. Judaism agrees with this. It wants us to be independent and it deeply respects the idea of privacy. This is why the highest level of charity is considered to be helping someone become financially independent. That way, the individual will be able to support themselves in the future without the help of others.
However, with independence comes a series of laws regarding our social obligations to society; that’s why the laws in the Torah mention, for example, paying on time and looking after your employees.
Winston Churchill said, “The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” In this respect, Judaism diverges from the more extreme beliefs of communism, as it does not see anything wrong with individuals working hard, taking initiative and creating companies that will make new jobs for people – as long as their employees are well treated.
So then, why are people complaining in Israel about the cost of living and prices going up?
In Judaism, there is a limit to the profit you are allowed to make from foods that are considered basic needs for individuals. In fact, halachah (Jewish law) gives precise instructions about pricing, including what constitutes overinflation and what is ethical.
The Mishnah says, “If I’m not for myself, who am I?” It means that we have to be independent and look out for ourselves, but, at the same time, it states, if all I do is care about myself, what am I? Without the latter concept, life has no purpose, no meaning.
Take Shabbat as an example. One of the reasons we have the day of Shabbat is to show us that money is only means to an end. Our real goal should be doing goodness in the world, helping our neighbors become independent. However, in the extreme, capitalism gives too much power to individuals and ignores the community; extreme communism, on the other hand, is misguided, too, as it opposes the concept of individualism.
There is a beautiful custom on Rosh Hashanah called Tashlich, where we go down to the water. There are many reasons for this; one is that we are reminded that we need to be like fish in one respect. One of the lessons that we learn from fish is social responsibility. Fish do not have eyelids – their eyes are always open. Having our eyes open means to always be aware of the needs of the people around us. We need to notice and react when we see people struggling; we need to be aware of our own needs, as well as those of others. By keeping our eyes open and being sensitive to others, may we merit that G-d will keep His eyes open to all of our needs and provide generously.
Every generation has a responsibility to make sure that the next generation is better off, trying to make sure that everyone grows more compassionate and kind to each other.
Shana tova u’metuka, a happy and sweet new year! May this coming year be filled with success, happiness, fulfilment and good health.
Rabbi Shmuel Yeshayahu is head of the Ohel Ya’akov Community Kollel. He wrote this article with Eitan Olevsky, a novelist and screenwriter from Lima, Peru, who now lives in Vancouver.
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