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Judaism and the Economy: A Sourcebook book cover

1st Edition

Judaism and the Economy A Sourcebook

Edited By Michael L. Satlow Copyright 2019
    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    224 Pages
    by Routledge

    Judaism and the Economy is an edited collection of sixty-nine Jewish texts relating to economic issues such as wealth, poverty, inequality, charity, and the charging of interest. The passages cover the period from antiquity to the present, and represent many different genres. Primarily fresh translations, from their original languages, many appear here in English for the first time. Each is prefaced by an introduction and the volume as a whole is introduced by a synthetic essay.

    These texts, read together and in different combinations, provide a new lens for thinking about the economy and make the case that religion and religious values have a place in our own economic thinking. Judaism and the Economy is a useful new resource for educators, students, and clergy alike.

    List of Contributors

    Introduction, Michael Satlow

     

    Section A: Ancient Sources

    Introduction to the Ancient Sources

    1. Responsibilities of the Bailee (Exodus 22:6-7)

      2. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    2. Lending to the Poor (Exodus 22:24-26)

      3. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    3. Sabbatical and Jubilee Years (Leviticus 25)

      4. Translation New Revised Standard Versin

    4. Tithes (Deuteronomy 14:22-29)

      5. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    5. Sabbatical Year (Deuteronomy 15:1-11)

      6. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    6. Righteousness and Redemption (Proverbs 10:2, 19:7)

      7. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    7. Debt and Egalitarianism (Nehemiah 5)

      8. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    8. Advice on Dealing with Money (Ben Sira 29)

      9. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    9. Do Not Steal (Philo, On the Decalogue, 135-137)

      10. Translation by Charles Duke Yonge, The Works of Philo Judaeus. London: H.G. Bohn, 1854-1890

    10. A Treasury in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-33)

      11. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    11. The Problem with Wealth (Matthew 19:23-26)

      12. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    12. Taxes and Religion (Matthew 22:15-22)

      13. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    13. God and the Poor (Matthew 25:31-46)

      14. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    14. Collecting for the Poor (2 Corinthians 9)

      15. Translation New Revised Standard Version

    15. Laws of Forgotten Sheaths (Mishnah Peah 6:5-7)

      16. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    16. Who is Poor? (Mishah Peah 8:8-9)

      17. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    17. Economic Speculation and the Sacred (Mishnah Sukkah 3:4; Babylonian Talmud Sukkah 34b)

      18. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50) and MS. Munich 95

    18. Regulating the Market (Mishnah Baba Metzia 4:12)

      19. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    19. Avoiding the Cancellation of Loans (Mishnah Shevi’it, 10:3-4)

      20. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    20. Usury (Mishah Baba Metzia 5:1)

      21. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    21. Risk and Liability (Mishnah Baba Metzia 7:8)

      22. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50), with corrections.

    22. Market Intervention and the Common Good (Mishnah Keritot 1:7)

      23. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    23. Laws of Inheritance (Mishnah Baba Batra 8:5-7)

      24. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    24. The Economic Relationship between Spouses (Mishnah Ketubot 5:9)

      25. Translated from MS. Kaufmann (A50)

    25. Receiving Charity (Tosefta Peah 4:10)

      26. Translated from Saul Lieberman, The Tosefta, 1:58

    26. Usury (Tosefta Baba Metzia 6:17)

      27. Translated from MS Vienna, Austrian National Library, Cod Hebr. 20

    27. Usury and Poverty (Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, on Exodus 22:24)

      28. Translated from Jacob N. Epstein and Ezra Z. Melammed (eds.), Mekhilta d'rabbi Shimon b. Yochai (Jerusalem: Mekize Nirdamim, 1953), 212

    28. Causes of Poverty (Sifre Zuta Deuteronomy 15:11)

      29. Translated from Menahem I. Kahana, Sifre Zuta on Deuteronomy: Citations from a New Tannaitic Midrash (Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 2002), 215.

    29. Wealth and Worthiness (Jerusalem Talmud Berakhot 9:1, 13b)

      30. Translated from Talmud Yerushalmi: According to Ms. Or. 4720 (Scal. 3) of the Leiden University Library: With Restoration and Corrections (Jerusalem: Academy of the Hebrew Language, 2005), 68

    30. Torah Study and Poverty (Jerusalem Talmud Peah 8:8, 21a-b)

      31. Talmud Yerushalmi: According to Ms. Or. 4720 (Scal. 3) of the Leiden University Library: With Restoration and Corrections (Jerusalem: Academy of the Hebrew Language, 2005), 112

    31. Wealth and the Divine (Jerusalem Talmud Peah 4:3, 18b)

      32. Talmud Yerushalmi: According to Ms. Or. 4720 (Scal. 3) of the Leiden University Library: With Restoration and Corrections (Jerusalem: Academy of the Hebrew Language, 2005), 95

    32. Market Intervention and the Common Good (Babylonian Talmud Pesachim 30a)

      33. Translated from MS. Munich 95

    33. The Requirement to Give Charity (Babylonian Talmud Baba Batra 9a-b)

      34. Translated from MS. Hamburg 165

    34. Poverty and Punishment (Babylonian Talmud Baba Batra 10a)

      35. Translated from MS Hamburg 165, with corrections from Genizah fragments

    35. Wealth and Divine Favor (Babylonian Talmud Nedarim 38a)

      36. Translated from the Vilna edition of the Babylonian Talmud

    36. Usury and the Poor (Exodus Rabbah 26); The text here is translated from MS Jerusalem, The National Library of Israel, 2º 4 5977, with emendations and corrections from other MSS.

     

    Section B: Medieval

    Introduction to the Medieval Sources

    1. Limitations on Property Ownership (Rashi on Leviticus 25)

      2. Translated from MS Leipzig 01. The transcribed text along with beautiful images of this manuscript that survives from the early thirteenth century Ashkenaz may be found at http://alhatorah.org/Commentators:Rashi_Leipzig_1.

    2. Lending to Non-Jews with Interest (Sefer Or Zarua Part III Bava Metzia § 208)

      3. Translated from Yaakov Farbstein, ed., Sefer Or Zarua (Jerusalem: Mekhon Yerushalayim, 2010), 276.

    3. Risk and Reward, Profit and Liability (Maimonides Mishneh Torah, Laws of Agents and Partners 2:2, 4; 5:1, 2)

      4. Translated from Maimonides, Mishneh Torah (Shabse Frankel Edition; New York: Congregation Bnei Yosef, 1990)

    4. Wealth and Prophecy (Maimonides, Guide to the Perplexed II:32)

      5. Translated from Moses Maimonides, Le guide des égarés: traité de théologie et de philosophie, ed. Salomon Munk (Paris: A Franck, 1856-66), vol. 2, 73b

    5. Charity and the Cosmos (Moses de León, Unnamed Composition)

      6. Translated from Ms. Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München, Cod. Hebr. 47, 337b-338a

    6. Almsgiving and the Kabbalah (Moses de León, selection from Sefer ha-Rimmon)

      7. Translated from Elliot Wolfson, The Book of the Pomegranate: Moses de León’s Sefer Ha-Rimmon (Scholars Press: Atlanta, 1988), pp. 111-117.

    7. In Praise of Poverty (Zohar III:223a Parashat Pinḥas, Ra’aya Meheimna)

      8. Translated from Zohar III:223a, found in Reuven Margoliot, ed., Sefer ha-Zohar (4th edition; Jerusalem: Mossad HaRav Kook, 1978.

    8. Obligations to the Poor and the Shekhina (Zohar III:273, Parashat Eqev, Ra’aya Meheimna)

      9. Translated from Zohar III:273, found in Reuven Margoliot, ed., Sefer ha-Zohar (4th edition; Jerusalem: Mossad HaRav Kook, 1978.

    9. The Problem of Wealth (The Hebrew Writings of the Author of Tiqqunei Zohar and Ra’aya Mehemna)

      10.

      Translated from Efraim Gottlieb, ed. and annot., The Hebrew Writings of the Author of Tiqqunei Zohar and Ra’aya Mehemna (Jerusalem: Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, 2003), 180.

    10. Poverty and Prayer (The Hebrew Writings of the Author of Tiqqunei Zohar and Ra’aya Mehemna)

      11.

      Translated from Efraim Gottlieb, ed. and annot., The Hebrew Writings of the Author of Tiqqunei Zohar and Ra’aya Mehemna (Jerusalem: Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, 2003), 15-17.

    11. Principles of Almsgiving (Sefer ha-Hinnukh §. 449)

      12. Translated from Charles Hayyim Dov Chavel, ed., Sefer ha-Hinnukh (Jerusalem: Mosad HaRav Kook, 1990), 575-576.

    12. Private Property in the Synagogue (R. Isaac bar Sheshet Perfet, Responsum 253)

      13. Translated from David Metzger, ed., She’elot U’teshuvot Yitzhak bar Sheshet (Jerusalem: Makhon Ohr Hamizrach; Makhon Yerushalayim, 1993), 324-325.

    13. Almsgiving and the Public Order (R. Joseph Karo); Translated from his comment on Jacob ben Asher, Arba’a Turim, Choshen Mishpat 1.

     

    Section C: Modern Period

    Introduction to the Modern Sources

    1. The Inevitability of Poverty (Keli Yakar on Exodus 22:24-26)

      2. Translated from K’li Yakar (Jerusalem: Orot Hayyim, 2001; 2 volumes), 1:364-7.

    2. "Workfare" (Keli Yakar on Exodus 23:5)

      3. Translated from K’li Yakar (Jerusalem: Orot Hayyim, 2001; 2 volumes), 1:367.

    3. A Plea for Jewish Toleration (Simone Luzzatto, Discourse on the Jews of Venice)

      4. Translated from Simone Luzzatto. Discorso circa il stato de gl'Hebrei in particolar dimoranti nell'inclita Citta di Venetia, di Simone Luzzatto, Rabbino Hebreo (Vernice, 1638), 8B, 9A, 15B, 19B.

    4. A Plea for Jews’ Economic Integration into Britain (John Toland, Reasons for Naturalizing the Jews)

      5. Translated from John Toland. Reasons for Naturalizing the Jew of Great Britain and Ireland on the Same Foot with all other Nations. Containing also, A Defence of the Jews against all vulgar Prejudices in all Countries (London: J. Roberts, 1714), 6, 15-17.

    5. A Limit on Charity Contributions? (Joseph Emden, Responsa I 3)

      6. Jacob Emden, Teshuvot HaYavvetz (Lemberg 1884), I 3, 10b-11a.

    6. An Obsession with Wealth (Rabbi Nachman from Breslov, "The Tale of the Master of Prayer")

      7. Translated from Zvi Mark,　The Complete Stories of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav, Miscal (Tel Aviv and Jerusalem: Yediot Ahronoth and Chemed, 2014), 332-334.

    7. Richness and Torah (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutey Moharan 60)

      8. Translated from Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Likutey Moharan (rpt. Jerusalem: Imrey Shefer), 142.

    8. Charity and Salvation (Hayim David Hazan, Sermon in Izmir)

      9. Translated from Hayim David Hazan, Yitav Lev: Drosh Le’Shabbat Halbasha (Izmir, 1853), 4.

    9. Anti-Mammonism in Ante-Bellum America (Isaac Mayer Wise, "The Age and its Corruption")

      10. Isaac Mayer Wise, "The Age and Its Corruption," The Israelite, January 9, 1857; "The Age of Corruptions II: Mammonism and Science," The Israelite, January 30, 1857.

    10. Scholars and the Communal Tax (Eliyahu Bechor Hazan, Responsum)

      11. Translated from Eliyahu Bechor Hazan, Nediv Lev: Choshen Ha-mishpat (1866), siman 66.

    11. Slavery (Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Isaac Meir Dik. Di Shklaveray)

      12. Translated from Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Isaac Meir Dik, Di Shklaveray, Oder, Di Laybegenshaft (podanstvo) (Vilna: Tipograf Romm, 1868).

    12. Priority for the Distribution of Charity (Yechiel Michael Epstein, Aruk Ha-Shulchan)

      13. Translated from Yechiel Michael Epstein, Arukh ha-Shulkhan, Yoreh Deah (1884-1908), 251:3-45.

    13. Poverty and Laziness (Mendele Mokher Sefarim (S. J. Abramowitz), Sefer HaKabzanim)

      14. Translated from Mendele Mokher Sefarim (S. J. Abramowitz), Sefer HaKabzanim, in Kol Kitve Mendele Mocher Sefarim (Dvir: Tel Aviv, 1947), 116.

    14. Poverty and the Religious Life (Rav Zadok ha-Kohen of Lublin, Machashavot Charutz)

      15. Zadok ha-Kohen of Lublin, Machashavot Charutz (Pyotrekov, 1712), 72

    15. The Poor Person and the Self (Hermann Cohen, selection from Begriffe der Religion)

      16. Translated from Hermann Cohen, Der Begriff der Religion im System der Philosophie [The Concept of Religion in the System of Philosophy] (1915), reprinted as vol. 10 of Werke, edited by Helmut Holzhey (Hildesheim: Georg Olms, 1996), 72-81.

    16. Democracy and Dues (President’s Message, Congregation Adath Israel)

      17. "President’s Message," November 18, 1919, Board Minutes of Congregation Adath Israel, Louisville KY (American Jewish Archives).

    17. The Working Class (Michael Gold, "The East Side I Knew")

      18. Michael Gold, "The East Side I Knew," Jewish Life November 1954, vol. IX #1 (97), 25-27. Reprinted Courtesy of Jewish Currents.

    18. Middle Class in America (Rabbi Edgar Siskin, "Do You Live According to Your Means?")

      19. American Jewish Archives, Papers of Rabbi Edgar Siskin, manuscript collection #64, folder 2, box 2. Sermon: 1/20/56 "Do You Live According to Your Means?" Reprinted courtesy of the American Jewish Archives.

    19. Is Wealth Compatible with Spirituality? (Lucy Dawidowicz, "Middle Class Judaism")

      20. Lucy Dawidowicz, "Middle Class Judaism: A Case Study," Commentary Magazine, June 1960, 492-503. Reprinted Courtesy of Commentary Magazine.

    20. A Bill to Allow Banking (Heter Isqa); Translated from http://online.pagi.co.il.

     

    Bibliography

    Index 

    Biography

    Michael L. Satlow received his PhD in Ancient Judaism at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and is Professor of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies at Brown University, USA. His research focuses on the social and religious history of Jews in antiquity. His most recent book is How the Bible Became Holy (2014). He has held fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies among others.

    "Recent financial crises, rising income inequality, and the acceleration of economic globalization have posed some new moral questions, but they have also prompted renewed interest in longstanding concerns of economic ethics. When is property private? What is usury? What are the motivations and implications of charity? Michael L. Satlow, along with an international team of experts, has produced an indispensable resource for understanding different ways in which Jewish authors have attempted to answer such questions since antiquity. Through clear translations and helpful introductions, this volume enables readers to explore intersections of Judaism and economic thought across nearly three millennia."

    - G. Anthony Keddie, University of British Columbia, Canada

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