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How did Hebraic law protect hired servants, widows, orphans, and people with disabilities?
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History of ethics
Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, portrait bust.
Hebraic law and the subsequent rabbinic tradition established a comprehensive social welfare framework rooted in the concept of imitatio Dei—the ethical imperative to emulate divine compassion and righteousness. This system mandated that the community protect vulnerable members, viewing such care as a religious obligation rather than a mere social preference.12
- Widows and Orphans: Biblical tradition describes God as the protector of the fatherless and the widow, a principle that became foundational to community structure. Rabbinic law furthered these protections by requiring sons to maintain their widowed mothers and unmarried sisters, ensuring their financial security.34
- Hired Servants: The tradition emphasized ethical conduct in labour relations, viewing unfair treatment of workers as a religious sin. Specific regulations were developed to govern contracts and the fair treatment of hired laborers, reflecting the broader injunction to be merciful and righteous.241
- People with Disabilities: The Code of Holiness explicitly included obligations toward the physically handicapped. This was part of a broader social welfare system that mandated medical assistance and care for the sick, which were considered essential religious duties.142
These protections were reinforced by the belief that all human beings are ethically responsible creatures tasked with "walking in all His ways" through acts of justice and mercy.1