Aligning Your Moral Compass

By Alyssa Appelman
KOC Editor
University of Missouri, Columbia

I enrolled in a class my sophomore year that was simply titled "Ethics," and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What could our professor tell us? "Be ethical" and "Do the right thing"? How do you discuss a topic as broad and vague as ethics in a setting as formal as a classroom?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the class was a study of comparative religions, exploring what different texts and groups offer as their basis for ethical living. I ended up writing a research paper comparing and contrasting traditional Chinese, Indian and Buddhist views of human nature. I concluded my paper with what I now recognize as a grammatically incorrect paragraph, which is why I’ve chosen not to include it here. But the gist of it was that despite different terminology and specifics, all three systems suggest that people can avoid external influences and achieve their moral potential through choice and education. Simply put, we all have the potential to be ethical.

I find religion fascinating. I always have. It offers people everything from community and a sense of belonging to tradition and a sense of history. But the fact that religion also provides the basic foundation for ethical discussion is icing on the cake. We make choices all the time and the thought-processes that go into those choices undoubtedly come from a variety of sources. But having a basic foundation to which to refer makes complicated decision-making a little easier to manage.

In this issue, we’re offering varied looks at the broad topic of "Jewish Ethics." Sam Kessler Gilbride, of New York University, describes the mitzvah of shmitah and understanding ethics through environmentalism. Rachel Weisel, of the University of Pennsylvania, explores the role Righteous Gentiles played in the Holocaust. Rabbi Elyse Winick reflects on the spirit of the season. Jonah Rank, of JTS/Columbia University kicks off our new Culture Corner feature with a look at how modern musical tunes may not do justice to Modern Hebrew pronunciations. KOACH Senior Interns Ashley Isenberg (York University) and Maury Jacobs (U of Texas) give us a window into the year ahead on campus.

Don’t forget to take a look at our plans for upcoming issues –– let us know if you’d like to write!

[Posted 09/12/07]