The best “stock shares” that we can undertake in the Jewish stock market are framed in our sacred texts. Their quotes are always on the rise and together they represent the index of Jewish ethics. Let us see what they are and their keys on the board:

-The sanctity of life. JAIM

According to Jewish tradition, life is something precious. Therefore, everything possible must be done to preserve and improve it. Both the individual and the community have the obligation to care for the sick, the elderly and the weak. They must never be abandoned. Even the life of animals is precious as well. Jewish law prohibits sport hunting. An animal can be killed only to feed us and this must be done according to our laws that minimize its suffering.

-The search for peace. SHALOM

Our sages translate the sixth commandment as “You shall not murder.” Judaism allows people to defend themselves, even by killing an aggressor when there is no other alternative. Killing is not the same as murder. Jewish tradition has never glorified military victories. At the Passover seder we pour a few drops of wine to symbolize our sadness at the loss of Egyptian lives. Even in our time, Israel has never celebrated its military triumphs with parades. We all know the prophecies of Isaiah that describe the Jewish vision of peace.

-Justice. TZEDEK

Peace cannot exist in a society that is not just. “Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20) is a biblical commandment. The Jewish legal system protects the rights of the individual and condemns a society that allows exploitation, poverty and ignorance.

-Mercy. HESED

A just society can also be cruel unless it is administered with mercy and compassion. God is presented to us in the sacred texts as someone who is just but also merciful.

– Perfecting the world. TIKUN OLAM

One of the best-known prayers is the Aleinu, which is said at the end of all prayers. In it we express our desire and our obligation to act to improve the world. Our vision of perfection refers to “this world” and not to the world to come.

It is worth investing in these “stocks”. It has been proven that their return has always been the highest in the history of humanity.

By Marcos Gojman

Bibliography: Embracing Judaism, by Rabbi Simcha Kling and revised by Carl M. Perkins.