Ethics

Abortion

Judaism does not forbid abortion, but it does not permit abortion on demand. Abortion is only permitted for serious reasons.

Animals

Judaism teaches that animals are part of God's creation and should be treated with compassion.

Capital punishment

Someone who reads the Old Testament list of 36 capital crimes might think that Judaism is in favour of capital punishment, but they'd be wrong.

Circumcision

The circumcision ritual is an ancient practice that has been carried out by Jewish parents for more than 3,000 years but not all parents accept it.

Contraception

Contraception, including artificial contraception, is permitted in Judaism in appropriate circumstances.

Euthanasia and suicide

The Jewish tradition forbids doing anything that might shorten life. However, it does not require doctors to make dying last longer than it naturally would.

Genetic engineering

Jewish experts have thought particularly hard about genetic engineering, partly because their community has a particular genetic disease, Tay Sachs.

Organ donation

In principle, Judaism supports and encourages organ donation in order to save lives.

War

Judaism does not regard violence and war to promote justice as always wrong. It accepts that certain kinds of war will be ethically justified.