Business Ethics

Ethics in the business realm are a paramount concern in Jewish thought. It is taught in the Talmud that the first thing the soul is asked after leaving its earthly vessel is: Nasata V’netata Be’emunah – “Did you conduct your business affairs with honesty and ethically.” In all we do, we are tasked to go beyond the norm and strive for excellence. This encompasses those who pursue business and interact with customers and people regularly. One who is unscrupulous and cheats his or her customers violates many Biblical and Talmudic norms. While business is entirely of the earthly, mortal realm, it is indicative of how our soul responds to the needs of others. In Jewish thought, being honest in business goes beyond economics. It is a matter of propriety and holy empowerment. If we are present and honest in how we conduct business, so are we with making the commandments of Torah manifest in this world.

• Jewish Business Ethics: Proper Marketing and Selling, Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, Jewish Journal

• Intro to Business Ethics, Uri L’Tzedek
• Chillul Hashem: A New Model of Business Ethics, Rabbi Zachary Truboff
• Linfei Iver and Business Ethics, Yoel Tobin
• Joseph’s Economy: The Business Ethics of “Insider Information,” Sarah Robinson
• Accountability and Transparency, Rabbi Ysoscher Katz
• Taxes and Tzedakah, Rabbi Josh Yuter

• If you are treated unfairly by a business, talk to the owner or manager. Tell them that what they are doing is unfair.
• Encourage local businesses to join Better Business Bureaus to make sure that their practices are graded and in the public record.
• Write positive reviews for businesses that go above and beyond.