Jewish communication theory: Biblical law and contemporary media practice

The most significant biblical law concerning communication between humans is the prohibition to divulge and publish information that may damage a person’s reputation. The Jewish rules of interpersonal communication have implications also for mass communication - thereby showing how Jewish communication theory has a contemporary relevance. Jewish ethics is most visible in the religious media. Both the ultra-orthodox and the modern orthodox outlook respect the values of freedom of expression and the freedom of the press. The difference between a media system functioning in accordance with Jewish communication theory and one operating in accordance with Western theory frequently comes to expression in the public sphere in Israel. This chapter shows examples that illustrate the clash between Jewish and Western thinking on questions such as the right to know in secular and religious media; televised comedy about religious personages; the public’s right to pornography; and Sabbath public broadcasting in Israel.