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Cheating on Exams

Question

According to Jewish laws can somebody cheat on exams or not?

Answer

According to Jewish law it is completely forbidden to cheat on exams. In Exodus 23:7 the verse states “Keep away from anything false.”

It is also never sensible to cheat on exams either. Not only is their a risk of getting caught (which may lead to a much more serious Torah prohibition of profaning G-d’s Name), but it is bad for a person’s character and self-esteem.

I hope this answers your question. Good luck on the exam (or to whoever has to take an exam).

Rabbi David Sedley

Answered in cooperation with STAR-K Kosher Certification, Baltimore, MD