We are taught to respect and obey the civil laws of the local government, which enable the authorities to maintain “law and order”. “Pray for the wellbeing of the government, for were it not for the fear of its authority, a man would swallow his neighbor alive” teaches Rabbi Chanina in Pirkei Avot 3:2 (Ethics of our Fathers).
However, it seems clear a major issue that needs to be addressed, both in understanding the cause and finding a solution, is the ethical and moral essence of the city. The topic of human ethical behavior and its importance for the individuals as well as the society is one of the foremost tenets of Judaism.
In fact, a major part of the Torah is dedicated to ethical teachings. The entire tractate called Pirkei Avot — often translated as “Ethics of our Fathers” — as well as a plethora of Talmudic, Midrashic and historical teachings — focus on helping us live as positive, moral and ethical human beings.
I once heard a fascinating idea and story that illustrates this point. The first mishna in Pirkei Avot begins with the words “Moses received the Torah from Sinai….” Rabbi Ovadia from Bartenura asks a basic question: In what way are these teachings about ethics part of the Torah that they are taught in this tractate? He answers that these teachings are not merely wise statements from a group of wise men. Rather, they are every bit a part of Torah Judaism as keeping Shabbat or keeping Kosher.
Here’s a brief story to illustrate this point. A group of nine anthropologists discovered an uncivilized man in the wilderness and took him back to civilization to “civilize” him. A dinner was prepared to educate him in the etiquette of dining. But lo and behold, only nine portions of food were on a platter for the ten people! They eyed each other for a moment, wondering what to do. Suddenly the lights went off. A few seconds later they went back on. The nine “civilized” people were holding forks and stabbing at the platter, while the “uncivilized” man’s hand was on the platter with nine forks stuck in it. Torah ethics means that even when there is a “moral dilemma” a person must be above reproach, and be guided only by truth and honesty.