One of the greatest contributions Judaism has made to our world is in the realm of law.

The Mosaic codes, the Ten Commandments and Jewish law – in Hebrew halachah – have greatly influenced the development of civil law and how it is practiced today in democratic countries.

The first recognized civil code was established in Babylonia by Hammurapi about 3,750 years ago. The Mosaic laws were established beginning about 3,300 years ago.

There are many differences between these two law systems. The most significant one is that Hammurapi’s codes applied differently based on a person’s position in society while the Mosaic codes applied to everyone equally regardless of their wealth or societal standing.

Jewish law continues to develop and be interpreted. We base our evaluations on our Torah (biblical) texts, on the Talmud (rabbinic writings from 500 BCE to 1500 CE) and on modern and contemporary understandings, sensibilities and sensitivities.

Today, democratic societies are fortunate to live in a world of law. Unfortunately we are still working on order. We have a United Nations that is composed of recognized nation-states. This body acknowledges each nation’s right to safety and security while working together to establish a more safe and secure world. We also honor treaties and agreements between various countries that were agreed to in order to help establish more safety, security and order for the greater good of our world.

The election victory of Hamas in the Palestinian territories was certainly a surprise. More shocking, though, is the willingness of some countries to acknowledge Hamas as the legitimate leader of the Palestinian territories.

I have no quarrels with the results of the Palestinian elections. My hope is that Hamas will moderate its position about Israel in order to govern the Palestinians more effectively.

Hamas is devoted to the complete destruction of Israel. This purpose is a part of their constitution and their bylaws. For the Palestinian people to vote for Hamas is one thing. To have nations support Hamas while they advocate the destruction of Israel is another.

Once Hamas realizes that, as a governing party, it is part of a larger world of recognized nations, all of which need and deserve a sense of security and safety, only then should other nations embrace Hamas and help provide opportunities for growth and development within a free and democratic framework.

However, Hamas first must recognize Israel as its neighbor and begin to discuss opportunities for peace and reconciliation. Ruling parties cannot be accepted by other countries that are part of the United Nations if they are committed to the destruction of a recognized nation-state that is a member of the United Nations.

I am supportive of all efforts to make our world a more safe and secure place to live as far as peace efforts and as far as limiting nuclear capabilities. In this regard, the development and proliferation of nuclear capabilities by both Iran and India concern me.

India never signed onto the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. We must work with countries that are committed to the treaty and understand there are already too many nuclear weapons in our world. We do not need more. Until India can agree to the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, we should not agree to support and enhance its nuclear energy market.

India is an important democratic country and an ally. However, India first must agree to existing treaties that make our world a safer and more secure place before other countries support its nuclear energy needs.

The larger concern is Iran’s rapid development of nuclear capabilities despite the world’s opposition. The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty provides a framework by which the United Nations can oppose the development of nuclear capabilities by Iran. We must maintain the treaty in order to oppose unauthorized and unsafe development of nuclear capabilities. We need to do all we can to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms. We must do all we can to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons in our world.

We live in a world of law. We hope, someday, we will also live in a world of order. An effective United Nations and effective treaties can help provide more safety and security to a world that is regularly suffering from war, starvation, poverty and inequality.

Rabbi Barry Krieger is the rabbinic facilitator for the Hillel organization at the University of Maine in Orono. He may be reached via bkrieger56@aol.

com. Voices is a weekly commentary by Maine people who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.