טֹהַר הַמִּדּוֹת

One term for integrity in Hebrew is יושר

, the quality of behaving in a way that is consistent with social rules and expectations – straightness.

Another term is טוהר המידות

– literally, purity of character traits. This is integrity in the more literal sense – that the person’s traits are integrated successfully into their character. While יושר is used more in conversation, טוהר המידות appears primarily in legal or philosophical contexts.

Take this excerpt from a treatise on ethics for example: (beginning of page 6)

טוהר מידות בשירות הציבור הוא נשמת אפה של הדמוקרטיה.

Integrity in the public service is the lifeblood (breath of its nose) of democracy.