A big momentum is taking place in Israel right now. Lots of middle class people have been marching in protest, demanding social justice. Many of these are considering capitalism a chunk of the problem. Others say it is actually the solution. The big question is: what does Judaism feel about capitalism? Does it support it or is it against it?
Judaism always 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” (Mic. 4:4). However, Judaism also states that even though we are in possession of the land, we are not truly the owners of it. Every seven years, is a biblical year, and therefore the land has to rest. At the same time, when harvesting comes, part of the fruit should go to the poor. In fact, a tenth of your profit needs to go to the poor for charity. 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 then we can share it with others.
Submitted by rivki on Thu, 2011-09-22 11:43
