"It is not enough for a man to dwell in the Land of Israel, he must also pray to be free." - Shmuel Yosef Agnon
Day #5 - Core Beliefs and the Branches of Judaism
You should be through with your reading in the Judaism chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. We can talk about the first batch of Judaism readings as well.
The B.C. Controversy: Believe it or not, seven years ago, one of the sources for claims of anti-Semitism and religious intolerance was the comic strip, B.C. Most of you probably know this comic's characters are cave people, dinosaurs, and other animals. Its author, Johnny Hart, often used the strip to express his own, pro-Christian, viewpoints. The strip published on Easter Sunday (a day which also marked the conclusion of Passover in 2001) drew a lot of criticism. Here is the evidence so that you can make up your own mind.
* This is the comic strip which ran on Easter Sunday in 2001.
* "Many take offense at a Sunday comic by Johnny Hart" explores reaction to the strip and the decision to publish, or not publish, the comic that day.
* "If You Ran the Newspaper" traces some of the controversy as it affected the StarTribune.
* "Johnny Hart and the "R"-word" Here's a defense of the strip from a member of the Jewish faith.
Basic Beliefs of Judaism: This is a list of 13 principles of the Judaic faith as identified by Rambam (or Maimonides), a medieval Jewish scholar and rabbi. They are not meant to be authoritative, but this is the most frequently referenced list.
The Covenant: At the center of the relationship between the Hebrew people and God was the covenant, or sacred, binding agreement. The Hebrew people would obey the law given to them, and their God would increase their number and protect them. Here is one translation of the Torah's mention of the covenant. (God is speaking to Abram (Abraham) after Isaac is nearly sacrificed.)
DO THIS: Brainstorm examples of the covenant expressed in historical and contemporary Judaism. Consider events, traditions, rituals, symbols, etc.
"Who is a Jew?" - Here is a nice overview of the topic if you are interested.
Defining terms: Gentile, conversion, matrilineal descent
Traditional interpretation holds that a Jew is anyone whose mother was a Jew or anyone who has gone through the formal process of conversion. (Conversion is viewed differently by various branches of Judaism, and it is not actively encouraged by most Jews.) More liberal forms hold that one is Jewish if either parent is a Jew and the child was raised Jewish.
The Branches of Judaism: There are three broad classifications of Judaism. A fourth, Reconstruction, is also recognized by some. We will do an activity that looks more closely at each of these branches, their similarities, and their differences.
Defining terms: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, halakhah, Hasidic
DO THIS: For "your" branch (Orthodox, Reform, or Conservative) of Judaism, consider the following, and be prepared to share your answers with the class: Your Smith book is a good source, as is this web site.
Reconstructionist: This is a largely American "offshoot" of Conservative Judaism. It sees Judaism as a "religious civilization" which must constantly evolve to contemporary life.
Hasidic: Several groups fall under this classification. The term "ultra-Orthodox" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe these Jews. They strictly adhere to the Law of Moses and mystical teachings. The groups are typically socially separate, and they are led by a rebbe, a spiritual leader who has inherited the position.
Homework for Judaism - Day #6
Please read the articles assigned for Judaism - Day #5 (I know, that's one day behind.) for class on Thursday.
We'll take the Judaism Multiple Choice quiz the later part of the hour on Monday, November 17th. Your Blog Entry - Judaism will be due before class time on Wednesday the 19th.
Day #5 - Core Beliefs and the Branches of Judaism
You should be through with your reading in the Judaism chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. We can talk about the first batch of Judaism readings as well.
- "Her Prayers of Forgiveness and Hope," The New York Times, October 5, 2008
- "Wedding March," The New York Times, September 14, 2008
- "Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Make Technology Work With Jewish Sabbath," The New York Times, September 2, 2008
- "Essay Linking Liberal Jews and Anti-Semitism Sparks a Furor," The New York Times, January 31, 2007
- "Kosher Wars," The New York Times, October 12, 2008
The B.C. Controversy: Believe it or not, seven years ago, one of the sources for claims of anti-Semitism and religious intolerance was the comic strip, B.C. Most of you probably know this comic's characters are cave people, dinosaurs, and other animals. Its author, Johnny Hart, often used the strip to express his own, pro-Christian, viewpoints. The strip published on Easter Sunday (a day which also marked the conclusion of Passover in 2001) drew a lot of criticism. Here is the evidence so that you can make up your own mind.
* This is the comic strip which ran on Easter Sunday in 2001.
* "Many take offense at a Sunday comic by Johnny Hart" explores reaction to the strip and the decision to publish, or not publish, the comic that day.
* "If You Ran the Newspaper" traces some of the controversy as it affected the StarTribune.
* "Johnny Hart and the "R"-word" Here's a defense of the strip from a member of the Jewish faith.
Basic Beliefs of Judaism: This is a list of 13 principles of the Judaic faith as identified by Rambam (or Maimonides), a medieval Jewish scholar and rabbi. They are not meant to be authoritative, but this is the most frequently referenced list.
- God exists.
- God is one and unique.
- God is incorporeal.
- God is eternal.
- Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other.
- The words of the prophets are true.
- Moses's prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets.
- The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses.
- There will be no other Torah.
- God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
- God will reward the good and punish the wicked.
- The Messiah will come.
- The dead will be resurrected.
The Covenant: At the center of the relationship between the Hebrew people and God was the covenant, or sacred, binding agreement. The Hebrew people would obey the law given to them, and their God would increase their number and protect them. Here is one translation of the Torah's mention of the covenant. (God is speaking to Abram (Abraham) after Isaac is nearly sacrificed.)
"Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. And I will give to you, and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Caanan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."
DO THIS: Brainstorm examples of the covenant expressed in historical and contemporary Judaism. Consider events, traditions, rituals, symbols, etc.
"Who is a Jew?" - Here is a nice overview of the topic if you are interested.
Defining terms: Gentile, conversion, matrilineal descent
Traditional interpretation holds that a Jew is anyone whose mother was a Jew or anyone who has gone through the formal process of conversion. (Conversion is viewed differently by various branches of Judaism, and it is not actively encouraged by most Jews.) More liberal forms hold that one is Jewish if either parent is a Jew and the child was raised Jewish.
The Branches of Judaism: There are three broad classifications of Judaism. A fourth, Reconstruction, is also recognized by some. We will do an activity that looks more closely at each of these branches, their similarities, and their differences.
Defining terms: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, halakhah, Hasidic
DO THIS: For "your" branch (Orthodox, Reform, or Conservative) of Judaism, consider the following, and be prepared to share your answers with the class: Your Smith book is a good source, as is this web site.
- What are the origins of this form of Judaism? (Consider time and place.)
- What is the language used in worship services?
- What role does the Torah and other scripture play?
- How strictly are the mitzvot (commandments) followed?
- Are people basically good or evil? What is human nature?
- How is the Shabbat (Sabbath) observed?
- Are there distinguishing traditions, clothing, or other features?
Reconstructionist: This is a largely American "offshoot" of Conservative Judaism. It sees Judaism as a "religious civilization" which must constantly evolve to contemporary life.
Hasidic: Several groups fall under this classification. The term "ultra-Orthodox" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe these Jews. They strictly adhere to the Law of Moses and mystical teachings. The groups are typically socially separate, and they are led by a rebbe, a spiritual leader who has inherited the position.
Homework for Judaism - Day #6
Please read the articles assigned for Judaism - Day #5 (I know, that's one day behind.) for class on Thursday.
We'll take the Judaism Multiple Choice quiz the later part of the hour on Monday, November 17th. Your Blog Entry - Judaism will be due before class time on Wednesday the 19th.
