Is Slavery Acceptable from a Jewish Perspective?

This is a question that my 9th grade students discussed in a class the other day. Most of them agreed that oppression is not compatible with Torah teachings. Yet, we learned that there were Southern Jews who did own slaves. How could they justify their behavior?


Our tradition emphasizes obligations toward our fellow human beings. From the prohibition against oppressing a stranger and the commandment to pay the worker a just wage on time, through prophetic calls against social injustice to the great cry to never forget our own experience in Egypt, these should teach us empathy and solidarity with all the underprivileged and oppressed of the world. The Talmud even tells us that if we see evil happening and we are able to do something, but choose to do nothing, we are as accountable as the evil doer (Shabbat 54b).

Our tradition also tells us dina d’malchuta dina, “the law of the land is the law”: we are obligated to follow and obey secular laws established in the state we made our home (Baba Kama 113b). Most of the time, this rule is not an issue.  I understand why taxes and traffic rules are necessary. But it may become an issue if the laws clash with Torah teachings.

If we live under laws we find morally wrong we have a choice. We can either stand up, or we can do nothing, justifying our decision with the rule “dina d’malchuta dina”. That was the decision made by many of the Southern Jews in Antebellum America. They owned slaves and some participated in slave trade. Did they struggle with their decision? Or was it a no-brainer? My students made a great comment – in order to react to an evil act one needs first recognize it as such. It requires sensitivity to the suffering of others, courage and independent thinking. It takes selflessness and a set of priorities where the dignity of the other is placed high on top.

We know also about numerous Jews who chose the first option – to protest unethical laws through peaceful acts of civil disobedience, joining organizations supporting abused workers, or empowering underprivileged minorities.

Each of us has a chance to interpret our tradition in a personal way. Each of us has a choice.

~Rochel Czopnik
Judaics Instructor