The Contribution of Jews and the Torah to the World, apart from the the spiritual benefits that the Jewish nation provides to the World continually by performing the Mitzvot, is immense – much beyond the scope of this post.
One Article that talks about Judaism’s contribution to society is called
World Perfect – Jewish Impact on Civilization (press here to read article)
Other link:
Here is the audio link:
World Perfect – Jewish Impact on Civilization (press here to listen to audio)
Here are some contributions:
Civil Law – most civil law is based upon the precepts learned in the Talmud
Human Rights – most human rights are based upon the precepts learned in the Talmud
Freedom, Liberty and Equality – are concepts learned from the Torah
Tolerance – the definition of tolerance is not accepting what is wrong as being right – that is decadence. Tolerance is respecting the dignity of people regardless of their race, color or political views. According to Torah we are enjoined to act respectfully to each person even if they are a criminal.
Animal Rights – Tzaar Baalei Chaim (causing pain to animals) – are Jewish laws that prevent cruelty to animals. Also one of the seven laws for all humanity (for Jews and Gentiles), the Noahide Laws deals with not paining animals
Respect for Opposite Genders – laws of Yichud – that disallow a man to be secluded with a woman that is not his wife or immediate family – to prevent adultery and other improper relations. There are also laws of Kraiva – that prevent one from becoming unnecessarily close with members of the opposite gender – which tell what is proper to do to keep a respectful rapport with others.
Respect for the environment – the Torah disallows us from cutting down trees for no reason, and from wasting (bal tashchit). The green revolution is not new – it’s seeds have been around for over 3,300 years when we received the Torah at Mount Sinai.