How Judaism Has Helped America's Modern Day Society

Judaism is the monotheistic religion of the Israelites. It is the oldest monotheistic religion and was founded circa 3,500 years ago in the Middle East. Judaism has not only influenced the two other monotheistic religions, but has also influenced today’s Western culture. Judaism has mostly helped America’s modern day society with fair trial, rule of laws, and one’s individual worth.

First, it has impacted fair trial. There is evidence in the 6th amendment. The 6th amendment talks not only about the right to speed, but the right to a fair trial. “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and a public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” This evidence proves that even the founding fathers wanted fairness and the truth, and not just accusations that determine one’s future. This also sets the bar for fairness in the society.

Secondly, it impacted rule of law. There is evidence right in our school. At Duxbury Middle School, there is a set of rules called the DMS Handbook. There are a variety of rules, from how they handle behavior mishaps to dress code. For example, a rule about gum chewing, “Because gum has not been disposed of properly and has interfered with a positive school climate, gum chewing will not be allowed. If after a student has been warned, he/she continues to chew gum, the student will be subject to the rules stated in the Code of Conduct.” Rules are in place to prevent chaos, to keep people inline, and to have sets of boundaries. Plus, if you think about it, rules are everywhere. There are laws for the country and states, rules at public places such a school and work offices, rules for children to follow at home, and the list goes on and on. Many places still value the code of law, even though it has been many, many years.

Lastly, Judaism has impacted individual worth. As quoted by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Equality is the key to success. Not all of us can succeed if some are held back, or told that they are not worthy of something or forbidden to do something.

Let’s fast-forward back 3,500 years ago. Rule of law was in effect, and there were the 10 commandments, with rules such as no stealing, no killing others, to honor your elders, and many more. Fair trial was in place to find out who was telling the truth in a trial. Individual worth was valued. Now back to today. There are laws in every state and general laws for the whole country. Fair trial is going on everyday in court, and fairness is apart of society, as the children are being taught to be fair, and fairness is considered to be a good trait to have. Individual worth is getting better everyday with slavery being outlawed, women having the same rights as men, and gay marriage being legal. Judaism has impacted Western Civilizations, starting with America with the help of fair trial, code of laws, and individual worth.