The Pirkei Avot, also known as the “Ethics of the Fathers” or “Fundamental Principles”: The recognition of ethical maxims derived from the high regard in which the Torah, Mishnah, and Talmud hold such wisdom. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18), an injunction that Rabbi Akiva in Genesis Rabbah 24:7 famously calls a “great principle” of the Torah.

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HOSPITALITY to the stranger is a key precept among all of the major religions and spiritual traditions of the world.

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BIBLICAL Old Testament / Tanakh

Exodus 22:20: “You shall not wrong nor oppress the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

Leviticus 19:34: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.”

Deuteronomy 10:18-19: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. You are to love those who are foreigners.”

BIBLICAL New Testament

Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show kindness to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels unawares.”

Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Mark 12:31 states, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these,” 

ISLAMIC 

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor and be generous to his neighbor. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 47

Do not harm others with your tongue or hands. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 130

Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free those who are in captivity. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 64, Hadith 274

If a person’s neighbor is hungry and he sleeps full, he is not a true believer. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 44

BUDDHIST

Metta Sutta: a discourse identifying fifteen moral qualities and conditions conducive to the development of Loving Kindness (mettā). These include such qualities as being non-deceptive (uju), sincere (suju), easy to correct (suvaco), gentle (mudu) and without arrogance (anatimānī)

Heart Sutra — a key text that summarizes the essence of the Perfection of Wisdom teachings emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things.

INDIGENOUS/ANIMISTIC/PAGAN

Seven Grandfather Teachings, from the Nottawaseppi Huron band of the Potawatomi:

• Love: Unconditional love fosters peace and harmony with all creation.
• Respect:Honoring all people and things, showing appreciation and consideration.
• Bravery: Facing challenges with integrity and courage, standing up for what is right.
• Truth: Understanding and honoring cultural teachings, acting without regret.
• Humility: Recognizing equality among all beings, demonstrating compassion and patience.
• Honesty: Being truthful in actions and words, reflecting sincerity in character.

“ALL MY RELATIONS” – Interconnection is a central core of First Nations, Inuit and Metis worldviews and ways of knowing. Some First Nations sum this up with the phrase “All my relations”. This mindset reflects people who are aware that everything in the universe is connected.

Australian Aboriginal teachings emphasize a deep spiritual connection to the land, viewing it as a living entity that sustains life and culture. This interconnectedness extends to relationships with family, community, and all living beings, highlighting the importance of harmony and respect within the environment. firstnationspedagogy.ca workingwithindigenousaustralians.info

Norse mythology: The teachings of Odin, particularly those concerning compassion and kindness, are significant in understanding the ethical framework of Norse culture. These virtues are intricately woven into the fabric of their stories, highlighting the importance of empathy and community. https://norse.mythologyworldwide.com/the-allfathers-teachings-on-compassion-and-kindness/

Pagan: Interconnectedness, Respect for All Life, Community and Reciprocity. Do no harm.  https://thepaganproject.org/pagan-ethics-and-morality/