Election 2012: A Jewish Perspective

Is wealth a mark of sin, a sign that a person has greedily taken too much and necessarily impoverished others? Is poverty a sign of laziness, an outer indication of a poor character? We explore the Jewish view on why there is inequality in wealth, and what should we do about it.

Modern governments use their authority to tax their constituents and pay for public works and social services. How did Jewish communities understand their roles in furthering the welfare of the people? What is the Torah view on how a society can express compassion while also teaching individual responsibility?

How can we most fairly apportion the communal burden? Who should pay, and how much? And who decides where this money should go?

Who is responsible to pay for health care? Is health insurance a personal obligation or a community responsibility?

Is a campaign contribution considered bribery? Is it ethical for lobbyists to financially back a candidate?

Throughout our history, we Jews have known the need to immigrate. What is the right and just perspective on immigration?