ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Capital and corporal punishment in Judaism

Capital and corporal punishment in Judaism are ways that bad behavior is punished in Jewish communities. Capital punishment means someone is put to death for a crime they committed, while corporal punishment means they receive physical punishment like being whipped or hit.

These punishments are based on Jewish laws that are found in the Torah, which is the holy book of Judaism. It describes different crimes and the punishments that should be given for each one. For example, it says that someone who commits murder should be put to death.

However, these punishments are not simply decided by anyone who wants to dish out justice. They are carried out by the Jewish courts, which follow strict guidelines about how to handle cases and how to ensure that the punishment fits the crime.

One reason why these punishments exist in Judaism is to create a sense of justice and deter others from committing similar crimes. It is also believed that these punishments help to restore balance to the community when someone has done something wrong.

However, it is important to note that many Jewish communities do not practice capital or corporal punishment today. Instead, the focus is on rehabilitation and helping people to make amends for their actions.