Chapter 3: Jewish Traditions
Describe Ashkenazim?
Jews that went to France and Germany
WHAT IS THE INAUGRATION RITUALS OF Jewish Kings?
New king anointed with oil Mashiach (messiah derived from this) as is Greek form "Christos", hence Christ - is related to ritual, means anointed one David was a messiah
Describe the three sections of the Hebrew bible
Torah: broad sense designates law or instruction of god, refers to Hebrew bible as whole Narrow sense, refers to first five books, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, which recount history of Israelites from creation of world -> Promised Land -> collective = Pentateuch, most sacred part of bible Nevi'i, = prophets, like Moses who speak for God. Ketuvium = writings, songs, prayers, and wisdom literature, as well as historical texts
Where do Jewish practitioners live?
US Israel Europe latin America canada
Describe jewish nationalism?
zionism as political movement formally established by Austo-HUngarian journalist and playwright Theodor Herzl thought that Zionist movement was needed during Dreyfus affair, and resulting rise in anti-Semitism aug 1867 = first Zionist congress in Switzerland called for jewish national home in ottoman=controlled palestine, insisting future state would be recognized. by international law
What is the Holocaust?
1933-45, Nazi program of genocide 6 million Jews died, and Ashkenziac and Sephardic cultures on European soils were almost eradicated Hebrew = Shoah = catastrophe Holocaust = greek for whole and burnt
Describe the Essenes?
Authors of Dead Sea Scrolls - produced between 2 and 1 BCE Monastic meticulously observant priests Earliest manuscripts of every Hebrew Bible Book Applied Bible in everyday, but rigorously Establishedcommunity and Qumran in Judea desert after disapproval of the way Hasmoneans were running Temple Cult Apocalyptic WV = word under control of evil, God would intervene New children of Israel, biding time until hey would take Promised Land back from Hellenized Jews LECTURE Monastic, rejected Greek culture (esp. cosmo city) Established community of people called Kumran -> 1946 discovery of Dead Sea Scrolls left in caves in hills outside of Kumran Apocalyptic mentality -> battle between good and evil, Zoroastrian Copied writing of prophets, take books and write like crazy, preserved copies in Dead Sea used later for writing the modern bible
Explain the impacts of WWII on the Jews?
Began Sept 1, 1939, when Germany invades Poland Poland's jews put into ghettos surrounded by fences or walls Overcorwding = disease, and starvation, killed people Anti-Semitic laws enacted, Jews moved to separate buildings, dissertaions could only quote Jews if it was unavoidable, separate bibliography for them Nov 1939 = all Polish jews over 10 had to wear yellow badge w/star of David Sept 1 1941 = German Jews had to as well
What is in a ketubah?
Bride price that is paid to her from hubby estate to provide for her in divorce or widowhood, dowry established (beddings and linens for example) that the bride's fam would provide to help set up a home
Who is Rabbi Shalom Bisitritzky?
Chief Rabbi of Hamburg, Germany he is head of the Jewish school in Hamburg, Germany, since 2012 Chabad-Lubavitch member, born and raised in Israel Sent from there as a shaliach (ambassador) of Lubavitcher movement to reestablish Jew life in Hamburg Live in city to be lived as normally as possible
What are the other two major monotheistic religions Judaism is foundation for?
Christianity and Islam - also traced back to biblical Abraham
What is Passover?
Commemoration of the liberation of Israelites from slavery in Egypt Falls in spring Focal point = ritual meal Seder Only eat unleavened bread (traditionally, had to flee so fast they couldn't wait for bread to rise)
Jewish gender egalitarianism?
Cons., Reform, Reconstrucitonist now ordain women to rabbinate and allow full fem participation in synagogue worship orthodox women, cannot become rabbis, do not count as members of minyan, cannot read from Torah in synagogue Inc numbers studying Torah w/other women
Describe the Zealots?
Didn't exist as an organized group until 1 CE Refused to cooperate with Rome, encouraged violent rebellion = First Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE) , where most of Jerusalem was destroyed, and much of jewish Pop killed or enslaved LECTURE Refused to cooperate w/Rome, fighting back against outsiders dictating how to live Saducees, Pharisees, Essenes (escapists), Zealots= 4 different ideas towards Hellenization
Explain the death camps?
Gassing of jews began at Chelmno camp in Dec 1941 Gassed by exhaust fumes channelled back into compartment of sealed ban Belzec = gas chambers first use, in Poland March 1942 Auschwitz-Birkenau = largest extermination camp, killed using cynaide based insecticide (1 million jews, 10 000 of Roma, Poles, and Soviet prisoners) 7000 Jews a day ^^ Prisoners removed from Polish camps and sent to Germany when Allied invaded, on foot, which killed quarter mil Brit and Am freed rest of camps April - May 1945
Explain the MS Saint Louis
German passenger ship St Louis left Hamburg for Cuba, on board almost 1000 Jews Although all paid for visa, Cuba refused entry unless they paid more, which most couldn't; Got Gustav Schröder, non jew commander, hoped US would accept them, but they refused Academics and Clergies in Canada tried to persuade PM Mack King to offer passengers a place, but immigration and cabinet ministers opposed to their immigration persuaded him to say no Ship returned to Europe, at Belgium in 1939 UK< France, Belgium, Holland granted refuge 40s = invasion of Belgium dn France, 227 of these Jews were killed in conc. campus Cdn PM Justin Trudeau officially apologized in 2018 for this decision to turn the St Louis away
How did Hitler rise?
Grim economy = attraction to Nazi part Germany's defeat placed on Jews by Hitler Mein Kampf told of how he learnt about a Jewish conspiracy to infiltrate German politics to destroy "Aryan" world Goal = reveal threat Jews posed on Aryans, and destroy it Chancellor of Germany in 33, overturned emancipation of Jews, eliminated from public life and citizenship taken March 11, Braunschweig = ransacked Jewish business m then lawyers in Breslau court expelled April 1 = day long boycott of Jew stores/businesses, Stromtroopers outside advising Germans not to enter shops owned by Jews and wrote Jude (Jew) across those businesses windows, with Star of David New discrimination laws introduced May 10 = book burning Some Jews left country, but no widespread panic Sept 1935 - Nuremberg laws revoked German citizenship, legal and economic rights, and prohibited marriage between Jews and "pure" Nordic blood Oct 20, 1935, NYT said Hans Serelman (Jew doctor) had been charged with race defilement and sent to conc. camp for saving another man's life with his blood businesses taken over in 2 stages: 1933-38, Jews could voluntarily transfer 1938 = demanded to give them up June 9, 1938 = burning of the first synagogue, afterward, 2000 jews incarcerated throughout Germany Oct = 17 000 Polish Jews expelled from German territory, Poland refused entrance Nov 6, Hershel Grynzpan assassinated third secretary at German embassy in Parsi, so hitler ordered free reign on spontaneous anti-Semitic demonstrations Nov 9 = riots = Kristallnacht, more than 1000 synagogues were plundered, and 300 burned, Jewish homes/businesses destroyed 91 Jews killed, 26 000 sent to contraption camps
Describe the Sephardim?
Jews that went west to Europe Iberian Peninsula fared better under muslim rule of Al-Andalus then the Ashkenazic communities in Europe
What are the 10 Sefirot?
Keter/Crown, Hokhmah/Wisdom, Binah/Understanding, Hesed/Lovingkindness, Gevurah/Might, Tiferet/Beauty, Hod/Splendor, Netzakh/Victory, Yesod/Foundation. Malkhut/Sovreignity
What is the Hebrew Bible?
Known as the Tanakh Christian Old Testament Anthology of 24 books, many of which were separate Rep assortment of literary forms - poems, songs, legal prose, stories Composed by a bunch of authors 10 -2 BCE Additional writings can be added in canon, but at this time Jewish community recognize certain set of docs as meaningful and authoritative Divded into three sections: Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvium LECTURE Acronym that means the Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim Torah: means 5 sign of the hand, means different things, but means 5 -> hand is an easy way to remember 5 -> Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Also refers to old testament, general way to say all of these. Sometimes means law, because Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers have laws -> moral laws in Ex. Sacrimonial laws for levites in Numbers (they are in charge of temple), sacrificial and ceremonial, together = torah. Torah is a general word, 9/10 it means the pentateuch, sometimes used in a more general sense, which dictates what is meant Can mean wisdom, literature, prophets How can it be written by Moses if it includes his death? How can the Torah document that- must be other authors. Hypothesis that scholars made to get around that problem
What occurs after Jewish funeral?
Members of bereaved fam then sit shiva for seven days, receiving visitors who listen, fam and friends will coo and drop off food so mourners will focus on their grief, no work and all mirrors covered so no need to keep up appearances after first week back to work, no social activities One mont after, standard morning period complete brief memorial service held, few words about deceased and Kaddish recited, mourners can return to daily work and social life Children of deceased recite Kaddish everyday for a year, social restrictions still in force for entire year if Orthodox By first anniversary, mourners expected to return to full life widows can remarry after 90 days, min time required to determine paternity of a child, but widowers are to wait until three festivals past (7 months)
Describe marriage in Judaism?
Natural and highly desirable state sexier relations in sanctioned bounds of marriage encouraged for reproduction and pleasure of couple happy celebration but religious seriousness Can take place anywhere rabbi present in legal capacity to make sure the ketubah (marriage contract) is prepped well and proper procedure followed Intro'd to protect wives economic rights Today bride price/dowry not observed, ketubah no power in North Am Traditional jews still sign a ketubah in Aramic, liberals sign a modern one CEREMONY stand under chuppah (wedding canopy supported by 4 poles - free standing or held by fam and friends) Orthodox/COnservatice = bride and fam circle groom under chuppah several times Ring placed on index finger of bride's right hand, seen by official witnesses to wedding, and moved to third finger of left hand after Rabbi, cantor, or friends then recite seven blessings, including one over cup of wine and hope for happiness of couple, bride and groom drink from cup Breaking of the glass at the end: orthodox and Cons = broken under groom's foot, Reform, Reconstruction and Humanistic = glass wrapped in napkin, sound of glass = Mazel tov!
How do Jews deal with death?
Natural part of life cycle Immediate family should maintain constant presence in room of the dying -> don't enter world alone, don't leave it alone Mourners express grief to facilitate return to regular life Friends and relatives outside immediate fam = comfort, provide for needs Body buried ASAP, within 24 hours if possible Body washed and dried while local burial society reciting prayers and psalms, white shroud around it candles = soul, and are placed at head of body while attendant continuously reads psalms No consolation visits made before funeral, no public viewing of body Buried in ground no embalmment, if a coffin used, must be plain wood children of deceased (orthodox = only sons) recite Kaddish
Describe the meaning of Aryan
Originally to describe group of India European languages, much the same way Semitic originally referred to group of languages (Hebrew, Arabic, Aramic) But given racial meaning, Aryan = pure and Semitic = impure
What is the holy ark?
Place where Torah scrolls are kept Symbolies place where Moses' tablets were stored Once scroll is open, pointer shaped like a hand (yad) is used Human hands do NOT touch parchment bc of damage
Explain the ceremony of the Brit Milah?
Place: Happens in the home, with fam and friends, can take place in synagogue Required people: father, mohel, sandek (baby holder during circumcision) Then the baby is named and celebratory meal served
What are the symbolisms in the glass breaking?
Reminder of destruction fo Jew temple Happy times there is also sadness and pain Fragile life and love are, take care of it
What are the Jewish deities?
Sole one, called Yahweh
How did the start of Israel come to be?
UN voted to create Jewish state in Palestine after hearing of horrors in Europe Refugee problem for Arab Palestinians, who were forced out of their homes UN plan originally separated land between the two, Jerusalem administered by UN Trusteeship Council for 10 years, then debated Neither Palestinian Arab community or League accepted May 14 1948 = jewish state of Israel, attacked by Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq the next day, starting decades of battle between Israel and Palestinians 1950 = Law of Return adopted by Israeli gov't, every Jew right to immigrate to the country early year's of existence, Jewish Israelis European Ashkenazi, but now Middle eastern (Mizrachi_ 1 000 00 Jews immigrants from former SU 130 000 = Beta Israel-Ehtipian Jews
Explain Holocaust memorial Day
Yom HaShoah, inaugurated 53 27 of Nisan (march or April) begins at sundown with a state ceremony at official Holocaust memorial Had Vesham national flag lowered half mast pres and PM speeches Holocaust survivors light six torches to symbolize 6 million who died chief rabbis pray 10:00am, sirens are sounded through Israel for two min., people cease what they are doing and silently tribute to the dead
What is the belief about divorce in Judaism?
accepted as legal institution Power of divorce given to hubby through bible, and even today that continues Divorce decree presented (called a get) to wife Traditionally easy to obtain, but no woman can be divorced against will, as mutual consent is required Strongly discouraged Text of get stipulates financial settlement and provisions for return of property that belongs to wife non religious/liberal Jews, civil divorce sufficient, orthodox and Cons. must obtain a get if a party wishes to remarry
What are the attitudes towards gays and lesbians of the JEws/
male homo inercourse unacceptable, still Orthodox view Reform/REconstructionist advocate full equality and accept same sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ rabbis Cons branch took view of orthodox branch, but since 2006 recognized multiple positions, one upholding orthodox, other more relaxed (certain sex acts prohibited) Hebrew bible = no reference to lesbianism, rabbinic tradition = minor offence Androcentric perspective of rabbinic law, where sex = penetration by male
What is Purim?
minor holiday in march Jews saved from evil plot of Haman (Persian Official) Esther = jewish woman, her uncle Mordecai prevented destruction by ^^ Focuses on material not spiritual Members of congregation use noisemakers when book of Esther is read - specifically whenever Haman's ahem is said Festive meal - guests must drink enough wine to not tell difference between blessed be Mordecai and cursed by naaman costume parties and gifts of food
What is the concern for the jewish bloodline?
patrilineal v. matrilineal descent Halakhah, mother's status determines children's status Orthodox and Cons accept child only if mother is Jewish by birth or conversion Reform and deconstructionist think Hlakhic rules are not binding, accept as Jewish if either parent is, as long as child is raised as a jEw
What occurred in Jewish life under ISlam (7 - 12 CE)
Gaonic period Maimonides
What are three distinct Jewish cultural traditions?
Oldest = Mizrahum Sephardim Ashkenazimi
What is the Maccabean Revolt?
-> Judea controlled by Ptolemies, Greek dynasty -> rival greek dynasty in 198 BCE named Seleucids, ruled syria, took control -> territory around Jerusalem = Ioudaia -> Antiochus IV Epiphanes = Seleucid, advocaten assimilation to Greek culture. Prohibits Mosaic Law, Torah's burnt, observation of Sabbath crime punished by death -> The Temple, Antiochus erected altars to other gods, Zeus placed in courtyard, and sacrificed pigs (Jews =/= offer these to deity, couldn't even eat them) on their God's altar -> Intervened in selection of high priest, and when Jews objected imposed harsher punishments -> Jews that refused to transgress their faith tortured and killed, persecution = end of the world LECTURE Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175 - 163 BCE) Zeus in temple, slaughtered pig in temple, desecrates Jewish people Advocation of Greek cultures Outlaws Jewish practices, would kill women who circumcised their male babies Revolt against him Hasmonean Family Fam of priests known as Hasmonean dynasty, recapture and dedicate temple Ruled from 164-163 BCE, constant struggle
Describe the decalogue in greater detail
10 commandments Moses had two tablets of the law, first 5 = relationship Israel has w/God, second = relationship with others Ethical behaviours not attached to Covenant or agreement in a higher king and lesser vessel, but are when Israel is connected to God Think in the modern era, that somehow written down is better -> oral traditions have a way of sharpening communities especially in people who are in movement, compare notes and say well, we are going w/this interpretation bc it is more authoritative. Dynamic and alive, sharpens thing Can explain things that are unclear in a way written traditions cannot
Describe the last major Jewish revolt against Roman rule?
132 - 135 CE Messianic figure Shimon Bar Kosiba = Bar Cochba (son of Star) but known also as Bar Koziba (son of Lie) is associated with it Prompted by emperor Hadrian's plan to establish Roman city in site of Jerusalem, and temple to Jupiter on old Second Temple site Revolt failed Jews in Jerusalem driven out and faced death on attempts to return Romans renamed Judea Syria Palestina Until establishment of state of Israel in 1948, Judaism = religion of Diaspora
How many practicing Jewish people are there worldwide?
14 million
Who were the Hasmonean family?
167 BCE Family of priests Uprised against Antiochus and Hellenized Jews Judah = a member, and he and his brothers created a band of fighters = effective Maccabee = Judah, for his prowess as fights rand leader, which is what the revolt as a whole comes from Maccabeans recaptured temple, and rededicated it to rightful deity 164 BCE annual Hanukkah holiday = the rededication Established themselves as client kings of Sleucids, Hasmoneans ruled 164 - 63 BCE in sem0independence Many of them willingly adopted Hellenistic culture 63 BCE = Pompey, Roman general, secured Jerusalem and made state vassal of Rome, rip Jewish slef rule
Describe the anti-semitism in the aftermath of enlightenment?
1843 essay - German Protestant theologian Bruno Bauer said Jews were scheming against the world, and were to blame for hostility they encountered bc they wouldn't abandon ancestral culture "Christ killer" idea -> in reality, there were major changes occurring with labour rights movements, nationalism and racism bc of competition between England, France, Germany Bc of this, Jews used to bring social groups together 0 exploited anxieties over jEws to gain votes and popular support Jews were blamed for everything: Marxism, liberalism, communism, capitalism Jews were derided in cartoons, posters, pamphlets, majorly in Germany, and organizations distributing them were central to society, so anti-Semitism respectable Wilheilm Marr coined anti-Semitism, and he suggested that Jews were so well integrated the they were taking over ( bc Jew financial advisors emerged from depression in better shape)
Explain the Jewish idea for how humanity is created
2 different stories Genesis 1 - 2:4a Woman and man created same time, and is part of the last day God created the earth in seven days, rested on the seventh They are equal, egalitarian interpretation God forms man out of clay, associated with the Fatarah, puts his mouth on Adam and breathes air to give him life. Sees that Adam is lonely, and out of his side creates Eve Genesis 2:4:b JUSTIFIcation for male dominance, man first created, women second. Female ghost who attempted to have sex with Adam,
What important events occurred during the Second temple Period?
515BCE -70CE -> people who returned to Israel rebuilt temple and refurnished it Alexander the GREat Maccabean Revolt Hasmonean Family a Variety of Judaism LECTURE Rebuilding and rededication of the temple
What occurred during the Gaonic period?
750 CE - Abbasid dynasty overthrew Umayyads Capital of Muslim moved to Baghdad Main rabbinic academies also moved there Attracted letter from rabbis seeking advice from the Gaonim (academy leaders) on problematic cases These answers, called response, reflected Gaonim interpretations of Talmudic laws and provided foundation for legal and Phil developments
What is the Kabbalah tradition?
A mystical tradition Seems to date from 12 CE, but some teachings orally passed as far back as Moses and earlier Book of Ezekiel = prophecies and mystical visions Devout can experience direct elevation of god, usually through meditation or ecstatic prayer God = Ayn Sof (Without end/infinite), unknowable creator What can be known about God = being that connects created world with unknown. These aspects are called Sefirot (numbers),a nd their are 10 of them Each is an aspect of the Ayn Sof that comes from divine sphere into material realm Kabbalists seek to: understand the interrelations and the Sefirot, and how to modify interrelations through thought, action Zohar = authoritative text, commentary on 5 books of Moses, says that powers of Sefirot perf in balance, but it was disturbed by Adam/Eve's disobeyance. Torah was given to Israel to restore Sefirot to og harmony, and each time a Jew fulfills a commandment, small positive shift helps to align Every-time not, Sefirot more disarrayed
Who are the founders and leaders of Judaism
Abraham son Isaac Isaac's son Jacob Patriarchs of the Jews Prophet Moses is known as the Lawgiver, believed to have received Torah from God and revealed it to Israelites
What is the origin of "Hebrews" and "Jews?"
Abraham called a Hebrew Jonah identifies himself as a Hebrew Modern = a language, the ancient Hebrew of bible and modern language that is one of two official langs. of modern state of Israel Jew delved from Judah, nee of territory that was considered Jewish homeland Semitic = "Shem" name of man from both jews and arabs descended -> Shem = one of three sons of the legendary Noah, builder of the ark that survived the great flood sent by God to destroy creation LECTURE Hebrew = description for Abraham and prophet Jonah, Israelites when in Egypt, slaves in Egypt when they were slaves in the land of Egypt (Ogocian) prior to Exodus out of Egypt, also a language -> old language, modern and Ancient Hebrew Jew = Judah, 12 tribes of Israel, a geographical area of southern Israel Semitic = Shem, sons of Noah, broader term that incl. Arabic people too, refers to family of languages of which the Hebrew language is
What was Alexander the great's impact on Israel?
Alexander established more than 30 cities (set out to become master of known world, thought Greek culture was superior) where he established central Greek institutions (theatre, gymnasia) Greek then = lingua franca of region Laid foundations for cosmopolis (world city) Interconnectedness among disparate peoples Jewish responses to this intro of Greek varied -? some admired and assimilated, others (esp. non urban) rejected it LECTURE Hellenization: embracing of Greek culture Aka our mans Alexander the Great, named his cities all of after himself, beginning of the cosmopolis, greek idea of a world city, Synagogues have adaptability to Greek Culture, rabbis interested in education same as Greek, complimentary to Hellenization Not always accepted, dichotomy and fragmentation within Judaism, where some people embrace it and others don't
Who are the Samaritans?
Ancient people, still inhabit region of Samaria (centre of Modern Israel) Identify as Jews -> possible intermarriage between non-deported peoples and those brought to region from elsewhere Broke away from tradition in 5th century BCE Jersulaem temple =/= holy space, own temple on Int GErizim in Samaria (destroyed in 2nd century BCE) Bible = Torah or Pentateuch only
Describe rabbinic centre of Babylonia?
Better conditions than Palestinian Jews When Persian Sassanids replaced the Parthians in 226, Jews = some persecutions bc Sassanid were trying to promote Zoroastrianism, but middle of century, Persian rulers allowed Jews autonomy under communal leader in exile Intellectual activity flourished
Who was SOlomon/What did he do?
Built first temple in Jerusalem Focal point of national identity and worship After his death in second half of the tenth century BCE, kingdom split - Israel in N and Judah in S From this point on, historicity of events is more firm LECTURE Builds first temple Rich king, many wives After Solomon's death Israel *united under David) splits into 2 kingdoms) Israel (North) Judah (South) Split after Solomon into Northern kingdom of Israel and Southern Kingdom of jUdah,
What is Shauvot?
Celebration of God's revelation of the Torah of Moses, although origins can be traced to barley harvests in ancient Israel Marked by readings of Decalogue and Book of Ruth Another tradition = staying up all night reading from a special volume with every Bible book and section of rabbinic commentary on it (Mishnah) = devotion to Torah Eat sweet dairy foods = desc. of Torah as honey and milk Falls in late May or early June Just one day in Israel, two for most Jews elsewhere
What is the covenant?
Central themes of the of the Bible's account of the relationship between the Israelites and their God First covenant made when God promises Noah that he will never again send a flood to destroy the world
What are the subgroups of Hasidism?
Chabad Founded by Rebbe Shneur Zalman, known as Chabad = Lubavitch Follow many Lurianic traditions (suffering = fragmentation of Ayn Sof, same prayer book arrangement) 1940 = fled from Europe and set up synagogue in NYC Menachem Mendel Schneerson = group's leader expanded international activities to worldwide organization to reach out to Jews some followers believed he was Jewish messiah - all Lubavitchers displayed portrait at home Jewish critics (bc of this) decried it bc they thought it was a personality cult
What occurred to Jews in the Christian Era (7 -15 CE)?
Christian Europe (7 -12 CE) = feudal agricultural society Jews = merchant urban class and relied on government for protection Infamous expulsion by Christian Monarchs of Spain: Ferdinand and Isabella, 1492. Took last Muslim stronghold, and commanded the Jews either convert or leave the country. OF a lot who left, they sought refuge in Turkish Empire
Explain Lurianic mysticism?
Concept of tikkun (mending) Since Ayn Sof = everywhere, had to contract himself to make room for world Luria interpreted the tzimtzum (contraction) as dicing exile Divine light then surged from God into empty space = 10 Sefirot and first man Adam Kadmon Out of eyes, nose, mouth the light streamed, and this created vessels that held the light, vessels couldn't contain, exploded, and trapped in created world = evil entering it Held that Jews have capacity to reverse dismal situation through prayer, study and performance of mitzvot to restore the world (tikkun olam) Idea that individual religious acts made a difference = empowering, and fragmentation explained Jew's suffering
What coverings/clothing do jewish practitioners wear?
Conservative/Orthodox: males wear kipper (Hebrew) yarmulke (Yiddish) Tallit = fringed prayer shawl worn by men in morning prayers (worn in evenings only on Yom Kippur) Tefillin (phylacteries) men put these on for weekday morning prayer = small black leather boxes w/words of Exodus and Deuteronomy, tied to forehead and upper arms
What occurred/major people were in the Roman period in Jerusalem (63 BCE)
Herod the Great The Rabinic Period Talmud and Women Rabbi Hillel two main Rabbinic centres rise of christianity
Describe the covenant Moses made for Israelite ancestry?
Decalogue - Latin for ten words, so 10 Commandments - which Moses transmitted to the Israelites at Mnt Sinai Specified the people's duties to both God and to one another Aspect of torah confirms the ethical behaviour obligatory component of covenant with God LECTURE Gd leads Israelites out of Egypt, go to Mnt/ Sinai and receive 10 commandments Covenant with Moses = worshipping one God, Israel wrestled with worshipping one god, and Israelites engaged with idolatry and breaks 10 commandment stones, pulverizes into dust, punishment for Israelite -> Shima = Hear, Israel Early writings had vocalizations, but modern times do not Sacred statement in Judaism: Hear Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. Deuteronomy 6, 11, summary of Jewish belief Monotheism is not structured in the exile, the idea of monotheism is in the law of torah
What occurred in Russia for the Jews?
Church and state labeled Jews outsiders, and enemies of Christianity Pogroms = violent persecutions, houses burnt, businesses ransacked, they were beat, tortured, killed Govt didn't stop it Protocols of the Elders of Zion, fiction created by Russian secret police in 1890s that said to be the minutes of a meeting where Jews discussed global domination
What is Sukkot?
Commemoration of Israelites' wanderings in wilderness 8 day holiday -> if weather is ok, eat and sleep in open air in a structure called a sukkah (tabernacle/booth) Late Sept or Oct
What is Hannukkah?
Festival of lights commemorates return of Temple to Jews by Judah the Maccabee and his brothers Only one bill of oil could light the menorah - that amount should have run out after a day but it lasted 8 this is why you light candle on a menorah for eight days, and eat foods cooked in oil
What does Exodus describe about Moses?
Describes how he led the Israelites out of Egypt to Int Sinai, where he revealed commandments Then Moses went up the mountain and stayed for 40 days and nights Lost w/o him, Israelites persuaded brother to make god to lead them Worshipped golden calf that Aaron made, Moses descended from mountains with the stones that Moses created with Gid's commandments - second of which forbade idols. Enraged, tablets were thrown, and shattered, and golden dolled destroyed, along with the 3000 people who worshipped Israelites spent the next 40 years wandering in the desert; within sight of Promise Land, Moses died Leadership of people of Israel transferred to Joshua, who guided across River Jordan Book of Joshua says that the Israelites annihilated people of Canaan, but no archaeological proof is of that -> settled on formerly uninhabited lands, so acquisition of Canaan happened through settlement, not military conquest
What is the Diaspora?
Dispersion of Jews outside Israel LECTURE Exile of Babylonia beginning of this Beginnings of the Jewish Diaspora: communities of Jewish people flung out around the world, large Jewish community in Babylon Dispersion of Jews in many different places Isaiah 45:21 - no other god besides me, a righteous god and saviour, there is no one besides me -> stronger monotheism Theological development: Judaism develops out of Diaspora Into the unknooooOOOOOOoOWnn, Morocco, Spain, turkey, circle of Jewish communities Destruction of temple = how do we keep the religion going? How do we sing god's song in a strange land? Organized around synagogue: any centre that has Jewish names, allows Judaism to shrink back to synagogues instead of temples, or even further back into family religious practices. Has a flexibility and plasticity Crypto =Judaism, go under ground and practice traditions in private Judaism doesn't have demand for missionary religion
Explain the Jewish Enlightenment?
European philosophers = radical program for freedom of individual thought - individuals should choose for themselves right and wrong Jews benefited from reason, tolerance and material progress Haskalah, bc of these developments (citizenships, walls being broken down in ghettos etc.) was launched Leaders advocating restructuring of Jew education to devote less time to Talmud and more to mod. Langs and practical skills to integrate (not assimilate) to Europe society Moses Mendelssohn recognized that they became segregated bc of being behind ghetto walls
What is a theological development that came from the Exile?
First, unambiguous statement of monotheism -> belief in one god, creator of universe -> earliest description of Yahweh as only god composed chapters 40 -55 of Book of Isaiah
How did the name Jehovah occur?
From mistaken belief the vowels of Adonai were those belonging to Tetragrammaton produced the name Protestants in battle with Church of Rome, turned to Hebrew and Aramic textNot well versed in Langs, didn't realize the vowels they combined with Tetragrammaton were in fact those of another word altogether
Describe the rabbinic centre of Palestine?
Galilee region of north Palestine Palestinian Jews and Roman relations calmed, got same treatment as other minorities but didn't have to participate in pagan/cultic observances Roman leaders recognized Jew patriarch, descendent of Rabbi Hillel, as central political leader of Jew comm. Deteriorated in 3 CE, bc of decline in economic and political circumstances so Palestine = impoverished
What is YHWH
God whom all biblical figures make these covenants with Tetragrammaton (four letter word) conventionally written as Yahweh Too sacred to pronounce Decalogue commands that the God's name not be taken in vain Sub Adonai or haShem (the Name) for YHWH> English translations use capital letters - the LORD or GOD LECTURE Tetragrammaton (four letter word) Yhwh -> Yahweh Possible root hayah/bayah = to live/to be When Moses is told to let pharaoh to let people go, the authority is "I am who I am" -> dynamic verb, causes things to be, like a creator Substitute Adonai (my Lord), ba-Shem (the Name) bc they thought they couldn't even say God's name. Found in Hebrew old testament, but the name Jehovah is not there Jehovah from Yahweh
Describe the Jewish Calendar?
Gregorian calendar based on solar year (our calendar) Jewish calendar is lunar, 12 months of 29.5 days, which adds to 354 days, any given date in lunar calendar moves backwards each year by 11 days jewish calendar adds leap month every 7 years out of every 19 to make sure traditions fall around the same time Jewish day begins at nightfall - when three stars are seen in one glimpse of the sky
What are the authoritative texts?
Hebrew Bible - the TaNaKh Mishnah Talmud
Explain how Islam impacted Jew history?
ISlam emerges 7th century Islam forces seized Palestine and Egypt from Byzantine Christian Empire and Persia from Persian empire, so most of Jews resided in unified Islamic empire So, Jews in Palestien, Egypt and Spain liberated from the antagonistic Christian rulers Muslims considered Jews and Christians partners in monotheism, respected for having a divinely revealed book Thus, jews and christians = protected peoples (dhimmis_ and got protections of lives and properties and right to practice religion, as long as they paid taxes and adhered to rules in Pact of uMar Less tension filled for Jewish people Muslims understood with Jews they shared not only single god belief, but opposition to use of images in worship of Yahweh/Allah Less suspicious of Jews than Christians, whose trinity and crucifixes contradicted iSlam Great advances for Islam during Dark Ages, and so Yes also benefitted -> now more active in urban trade and commerce, a nd Arabic = jews lingua France
Who is Isaac Luria?
Influential scholar of Kabbalah born in Jerusalem, moved to Palestinian Safed 1569 He and disciples transformed Safed into centre of Jewish mysticism
What is the Simchat Bat?
Joy of daughter done in liberal jewish families celebrates bringing of daughter into fam and covenant with for Families create own ritual, no explicit one to follow
How are the Sephardim and Ashkenazim different?
Language S = Ladimo (spanish and Hebrew) A = Yiddish (German based, influences of Hebrew) Food S = corn, rice, beans, complying with passover prohibition on yeast made foods A = avoid foods because when cooked they rise and expand Religious rituals S = light candles to honour fam members who have died on Sabbath eve
Describe gender in Jewish religion
Literacy rates high in Jewish males, but girls and women were not allowed to study Torah and get this literacy because women's primary domain = home Foundaitonal literature of rabbinic Judaism reflected interests and concerns of the male rabbis, women excluded from these hierarchies of achievement and exempted from the rituals and activities considered most meritorious Women expected to fulfill only negative commandments, did;t have to be performed at a specific time Rabbinic Halakhah gave women more freedom and protection than biblical law, and rabbis made it possible for some to inherit, control, and dispose of property, status of most women (particularly wives) subordinate to men in most areas of life (judicial, religious, sexual, economic) but non rabbinic evidence showed some women did get prestige and influence - even as heads of synagogues, parsons and benefactors of civic an religious institutions
What occurred in Eastern Europe for the Ashkenazic Jews?
Lived in their own urban communities, separate from Christian mainstream Enforcement of segregation, while persecution was pushing Jews further East Several areas of Eastern Europe = home then, to Ashkenazic culture 1648 = revolt against polish nobles by Ukrainian peasants Jews developed ties with nobilities were also targeted, so Ashkenazim left Poland and moved west
Explain covenants in the governance of ancient near Eastern societies?
Made between two parties of unequal power: a powerful ruler would promise protection to a less powerful one on condition of certain obligations Uniqueness -> in exchange of deity;s protection and presence in their lives required to live in accordance with a moral code -> also offered sacrifices to national/tribal deities to receive rainfall, fertility, and prosperity, as well as protection. Did not promise to behave in an ethical manner LECTURE Agreement which promises are made under oath to carry out or abstain from specified actions Sousentry = agreement about land First covenant = god promises Noah to never send a flood again in Genesis Entails an identification of the two parties, code between God and his people, identifier that says who it is between, follows with instructions Moral Code Addition to ancient near Eastern covenants Leviticus, dropped when Israels are found out of captivity, no sacrificial dimension, moral code continues
Who were the Karaites/
Main opposition for Gaonim Rejected principle that interpretations of Oral torah/Talmud had status of divinely revealed truth Argued against Tanakh as expulsive legal authority source Ben David said to interpret Torah for themselves, favour plain meaning over creative rabbinic explanations Karate movement = division and disunity bc of individual interpretation Impact on rabbinic world = first jews to insensibly study Hebrew grammar and manuscript traditions, influenced codification of Hebrew tests Although rabbinic tradition prevailed, Karaites still exist today
Who are the Maimonides?
Many jews fled from Spain as result of puritanical Muslim sect taking power and banning Judaism and Christianity Among them was the family of a judge called Maimon, his son, Moses ben Maimon or Moses Maimonides = famous jewish philosopher and legal scholar, identified as Rambam (RMBM< acronym of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon) Established himself in Egypt, Jews treated well and he became personal physician to an official Prolific writer - created Mishnah Torah and treatises on medicine and logic Guide of The pErplexed = directd to Jews perplexed by living in urban and sophisticated environment. Sought to diminish tension between faith and knowledge, learning =/= undermining faith Biblical commandments = rational, argued against literal interpretation
Describe the Therapeutae?
Monastic comm., has idea of healing, Greek word for healing *therapeutic" Prayer, healing, further in Egypt, community where male and fem existed separately, but tradition of Jewish dancing, preserved that as a healing art
What is Hasidism?
Movement to counter scholarly rabbis who said uneducated = inability to know god Founder = Israel ben Eliezer, who became known as Baal Shem Tov (Master of Good Name) or Best )an acronym) He encouraged Jews to worship with joy and delight from the heart Disciples claimed he had supernatural powers Hasidic men easy to identify = long black coats, hats, and substantial beards/sideburns Hasidic leaders are charismatic Tzaddikim (righteous men) whose authority is based on supernatural powers Through a personal relationships with Tzaddil, ordinary person can attain relationship with god, and Hasidim thus address their Tzaddikim, who they are close with, by informal Yiddish title Rebbe
What is zionism?
Movement triggered by growth of political and racial anti-Semitism in west Europe Sought to return Jews to ancient land of Israel to establish a nation there Zion = biblical name for hilltop in Jerusalem = god;s dwelling place Zion referred to land, people, or religious/political traditions
Who was Herod the great?
Named king of Israel in 37 BCE< ending Hasmonean dynasty Governance = seld indulgent, brutal, deceiving Balanced Roman and Jewish interests Not of Judean descent, many Jews didn't accept his rule as legit Devoted to Rome and HEllinistic cultures, but made advances on behalf of Judean culture and religion Built impressive public structures, famous was renovation of Temple, replacing it with a beautiful structure on an enlarged site Romans installed Herod as King, brutal and fearful
Describe exile of Babylonia?
Northern kingdom, in 722 BCE, northern kingdom fell to superpower of region, assyrians Israelites deported, others imported, destroyed national cohesion Israelites in south fell to later superpower -> babylonians in 586 BCE At which time the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and the Israelites' political and religious leaders were deported to Babylonia to prevent trouble Babylonian captivity = Exile Extremely important in history -> marks Diaspora Came to end in 539 BCE -> Cyrus of Persia conquered King in Persia, becomes a friend of the Jews and Edict of Cyrus to allow Jews to return, take back all their gold from the temple furnishing, back to Jerusalem, time that is a resurgence of temple in Jerusalem Babylonian Talmud: doc that comes out of Babylon and is authoritative for Jews Babylonians and freed Captains Judeans returned home, but some stayed Babylonia would then become a centre of Jewish intellectualism LECTURE Northern kingdom falls first to Assyrians, 722 BCE Judah falls to Babylonians 586 BCE Destroy the temple, exiled to Babylonia, prophets mention going in to captivity w/Judah Make them learn new culture, take other pope you conquer and you put them into a different land, use both people to gain economic hand over others -> form of slavery and subjugation Israel interpreted this as own fault -> it was us, we weren't faithful/complete obligations to the Yahweh
How is the Biblical Narrative a "sacred history?"
Not goal of the stories' human authors to record objective, historical account of the biblical people of Israel, but to convey a theological message and teach Israelites to live a devout life Provides insight into characters and events that = theologically meaningful Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses = unconfirmed existence Archaeological evidence = David, king of Israel LECTURE For the most part, theological narrative, a story. Different types of stories, different genres and literature, all have their own rules for interpretation Dealing with song or prayer -> this has a different structure/meaning and way to interpret bc it is a song - what is the songs context? Context way different than when you interpret something where it is a story, more like inspiration theory of Mohammed receiving from Angel Gabriel Different genres and way to look at it differently, many different types of lit over many years, many of these written by one prophet, always compilations of multiple sources that are reinterpreted and given a label or understanding -> this is sacred to us, liberal or cons. Interpretations will give different contexts Be aware there are intrinsic rules of interpretation, lit lends itself to be interpreted in a certain way, and external rules for the context we are looking at it in Sacred History Meaningful things for community that is written down. Authoritative -> God is somehow speaking to us through book, or tradition is making it
Who is David?
Obscure shepherd -> one tradition said he killed giant Goliath with slingshot and became king Appears to be based on historical figure 1000BCE = beginning of reign, identified as Israelites' greatest King messiah Warrior King -> conquered neighbouring peoples and established Kingdom that son Solomon ingerited LECTURE Contemporary of Sol Replaces him ^^ Sol = warrior, David = smaller man who relies on faith Shepherd, wrote a lot of the songs of David (Psalm 1:23, Lord is My Shepherd) Anointed one, passed over because he is a kid takin care of sheep, and takes on Goliath (giant warrior) and takes slingshot and whips a stone into his forehead, and he takes Goliath's huge sword and cuts his head off -> King David is a warrior King still Palestines -> city states on coast of Israel, ie Gaza, Akron, David at period when there was transition from Iron -> Bronze Age, control over bronze. Superior military strength during time of Sol David beat back the Falistines, greatest kIng, faithful to God, God makes covenant and said out of your line will come a future King Messiah just means King, anointed, rid of Kingship = emphasis on future king, the kingdom will be restored, future messiah, somebody who will restore temple and bring Israel to past glory
What is Passover?
One of the first three major festivals known collectively as the Shalosh Regalim (Three Pilgrimages) for which the aTorah commanded the ancient Israelites to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, other two or Shavuot and Sukkot
What are some of the beliefs almost all Jews believed in?
One-ness of God -single, all powerful creator God Authority and sacredness of Torah Special status of Israel as chosen pepole of God (who exactly the chosen people were = contention) temple in Jerusalem = place where god and his people meet
What should a sukkah be made of?
Organic material roof Sky must be visible through gaps = willingness to directly be under divine protection
Describe the Mizrahim
Originated in Babylonia with exiles who didn't return to Judea in 6th BCE, first diaspora members Language associated = Arabic, but some speak Persian, Kurdish
When was the Torah written down?
Orthodox Jews/Traditional Jews hold that it was revealed to prophet Moses at Mount Sinai and written down in a single document Contemp bibliographic scholars -> think that the Torah to be composite of texts composed at different times by different people at different times. Widely accepted that the Torah texts rep multiple voices now -> Suggest that part of Exodus written early as 13th century BCE -> others say it was during crisis time when it was feared that the oral tradition might be lost if not recorded: 2 of such = 8th BCE, after northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyrians, and the 6th BCE, after Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians Torah earliest material to have been written down First 5 books = post exilic period 6th -4th BCE Nevi'im finalized around 200 BCE KEtuvium by second century CE Hebrew Bible recent book = Daniel, 167 BCE for the final chapters LECTURE Torah: 6-4th century BCE Nevi'im - second century CE Ketuvium (songs, proverbs, wisdom literature) - 2nd century CE) Traditional beliefs = torah revealed to Moses at Int Sinai and he wrote it down Contemp scholars = texts composed by different authors at different times (Documentary Hypothesis) -> this went against Jewish theology Pentateuch/Torah were written by multiple sources, this is agreed upon
What are the two forms of Jewish prayers?
Preset (ancient period) Spontaneous (created on sport by individual Jew) -> prayer services revolve around this type
Explain Reconstrucitonism?
Purpose Key beliefs scriptures not divinely revealed, created by Jews traditions existed for people and could be modified Bat mitzvah = very first for Kaplan's daughter dietary laws custom of wearing kipper sig. amount of Hebrew in liturgy practice resembles Cons. Judaism gender neutral prayer book Rejects jews as chosen people active participation in community, honour jewish history key people Founder = US Mordecai Kaplan, orthodox rabbi who became uncomfortable with Orthodoxy established Reconstructionist synagogue key places "Society for the Advancement of Judaism cultural and social centre, into idea of Jewish community centre
Explain humanistic Judaism?
Purpose: Foster a positive Jewish identity, intellectual integrity, and ethical behaviour Key beliefs: God removed from the picture new liturgy, in Hebrew and English, w/o reference to God Welcome everyone to participate in services, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or religious backgrounds Jewish identity = personal decision people: Sherwin Wine, American Rabbi Place Birmingham Temple Society for Humanistic Judaism
Explain Conservative Judaism?
Purpose: Positive historical Judaism - find middle ground between rigid Orthodox Judaism and liberalism of Reform Key beliefs: Core teachings such as oneness of god is divinely revealed, also acknowledged that Judaism developed in history, and traditions could be modified More literal text interpretation than moReform, more liberally than orthodox Do follow dietary laws Allow for some restructuring people: Zacharias Frankel = founder
Explain Reform Judaism?
Purpose: make practice meaningful for those in 18th century Germany Beliefs: -> supported enlightenment ideals -> don't follow dietary laws -> Judaism = flexible, living religion bc it evolves to human life change ->interfaith dialogue -> women can serve as rabbis Key people: Israel Jacobson, opened Berlin home for worship services with sermons by other leaders -> Abraham Geiger, argued Judaism is adapting to surroundings, and reform is natural. Hebrew Bible reflected concerns and perspectives of post biblical movements Places: Hamburg Temple, established for Sabbath series that used German languages and took away traditional references
Describe what the Talmud gives Women
Rabbis outlined laws to entitle a wife for three things from hubby; food, clothing, marital rights Talmud specifies how often men should provide sex for wife, based on profession If hubby doesn't fulfill, must divorce wife to find a different hubby to meed sex needs Laws may have been based on idea that women's sex is so passive they cannot ask for it or control it and have to be satisfied All these laws, in conjunction with law that outlaws abstinence in men, obeys the first mitzvah (commandment) of Bible -> be fruitful and multiply earth
Difference between ancient and modern anti-semitism?
Racial dimension in modern anti-semitism -> attached for being "other", whereas ancient = religious practices and customs
What are the modern branches of Judaism?
Reform Orthodox Conservative Reconstructionist Humanistic
What is the Jewish identity grounded in?
Religion - some feel that Jewishness is inseparable from Jewish religious practices, others though rarely attend synagogue and don't follow the Halakhah rules. Ethnicity Those people, described above as not thinking religion is important consider themselves ethnically Jewish -> born to Jewish parents, may/may not identify with secular Jewish culture Cultural elements -> may identify with this Broad One jew's idea of essential part is not believed to be important by another LECTURE Jewish religion is not missionary -> missionary religions are Islam, Buddhism and Christianity, they spread and their intention is to spread Belief that if they had their temple, all nations would come to temple, but still not missionary Jerusalem = axis mundi, place where heaven and earth meet, Mount Zayan that is holy, where everyone would come Ethnicity and Religion** Most people living in Israel are not Jewish at all, ethnicity can be really strong Jewish people can come from Poland, Africa (Morroco) even in Spain and France, whole communities revolving around synagogues Synagogues social and religious: traditions are passed on, jewish dancing, and some people identify with that, not the religion. Teach about Jewish and fam religion, some people only get married and are buried as a Jewish person but not religious Closely identified to ethnicity = someone who takes DNA and realized they were jewish, and they have a line of Jewish people -> Jewish scattered around the world, lots of different cultures Spain: 1492, Jews kicked out of Spain Jewish identity often mixed with other identities Ongoing discussion Elements Ethnic: born to Jewish parents Religious: holy day Shabbat, eating Kosher, certain practices Cultural: music, lit., food, dance Can be a mixture of these elements, and a class of wannabe Jews who have adopted aspects of the culture, in some places in Israel this is offensive Founded on biblical story
What occurs during Seder?
Ritual meal A text called the Haggadah read aloud Relates story of Exodus from Egypt Celebrates fact that death passed the Israelites when God sent a big flood to destroy first borns in Egypt Joyous occasion Centerpiece = plate of 5/6 symbolic foods 1. Vegetable: reps spring or hope, and dipped in saltwater before being eaten to symbolize tears of Israelites 2. Horseradish: bitterness of slavery 3. Kharoset: fruit/nuts/wine and spices, mortar three Israelite slaves made bricks for pharaoh 4. Lamb shank bone, Israelites mark doors with lambs blood showing presence to god to pass over houses 5. Hardboiled egg = fertility or mourning 6. Bitter veggie: second symbol of the harsh life of a slave Custom to reserve some wine for prophet ELigah, return to Earth will peace and prosperity
Describe the rise of Christianity?
Roman Emperor Constantine I gave CHrisitans liberty to practice faith, he created process = Christianity as the official religion of Roman Empire (380), and all inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire needed to follow Christianity Christian attitudes to Jewish shaped by fact that Christianity = Jewish sects (Jesus and disciples Jewish, message wasn't successful in Jews) by end of 2 CE, most new Christians were GEntile (non Jew) Then, Christian leaders Reid to differentiate movement from Judaism = tensions especially in Gentiles who said they were christian but chose to adopt Jewish practices, observe dietary laws and attend synagogues Christian leaders sought to dissuade them, undermined Christian differentiation Other Christians argued their movement superseded Judaism - bishop of Antioch John Chrysostom preached most vehement anti-Jewish sermons in Chrisitan heritage, would be repurposed from Christian Judaizers to Jews Other early Christian lit (Gospel of Matthew) blamed Jews for death of Jesus, diatribe against jewish leaders as well, forms anti Jewish attitudes By early 5th century, continuing vitality of Judaism = contrary to chirsitan interests sooooo... laws restricted religious/commercial capabilites, so no ability now to compete with Christian farmers Alienation of jews form the land certain christian leaders favoured entire ban on Judaism - renounce faith or death Augustine of Hippo wished jews to serve as an example of not accepting Jesus as Messiah and said they shouldn't be eradicated, but allowed to live in suffering
What occurred during the Rabbinic period (70 -700 CE)
Romans destroyed Second Temple in 70 CE, never rebuilt Pharisees among only surviving group, but those who would have been called this now (in 2nd CE_ called rabbis Their oral tradition survived, developed further under rabbis, adding own interpretations -> said God babe Moses Oral Toraha dn written at same time -> oral Torah was written and codified 220 CE by Judah haNAsi (Judah the prince) = Mishnah These interpretations defined Jew belief and practices for 2000 years now Helped steer Jew comm. after loss of temple replaced sacrificial worship with liturgical prayer and emphasis on ethical behaviour Synagogues gained importance - communal gathering places to read torah, pray,and study, spread throughout Roman Empire Most jews after end of 1 CE, lived outside Judea LECTURE Pharisees only surviving group -> Rabbis, bc they are the teachers of the synagogues in the old diaspora, codified, written down, especially in context of Rabbinic movement, which lasts for 100s of years Oral Torah Emphasis on writing things down, and studying Torah
Describe the Sadducees and Pharisees
Sadduccees: wealthy upper class. Most of membership of local Jewish council Sanhedrin, responsible for running the temple. Considered Torah only authoritative text -> narrow, limited interpretation Pharisees: Halakhah = everyday life, live in accordance with Torah. Interpreted text broadly. Social conscience - practiced almsgiving prayer, fasting, believed in resurrection and future day of judgement. Tanakh sacred and worthy of study entirely -> concerned about food purity, Savvath observation and fam issues in Torah, bc Sabbath meant to be holy, but if you refrain from work, how do you define work? These teachings, that answered these questions, established rules to help Jews observe law, and became Oral Torah/Law LECTURE Sadducees Temple priests, aristocracy, in control of temple laws, believed in the Torah, literal interpretation, no believe in future salvation, quite willing to make deals with greek culture if they kept control Pharisees Also emphasis on law, but made up laws as they went along, concerned with keeping law exactly, understood that exile outcome of disobedience against law Halakhah -> applications of rules in everyday life (wash yourself, dishes etc.) Key Ideas Social conscience, right behaviour is important of all the varieties of Judaisms, Pharisees concerned w/practical life Rabbinic movement also identified with Pharisees
What are the varieties of Judaisms?
Sadducees and Pharisees Essenes Zealots Other Visions of the future
Describe the covenant Abraham made for Israelite ancestry?
Single patriarch -> descendant of Noah named Abraham Abraham left birthplace in Mesopotamia and travelled with extended fam to Canaan God told Abraham to continue on to Canaan Made a covenant God promised to give land of Canaan to Abraham's still unborn offspring on condition that Abraham show perfect obedience to him Abraham agreed to request he undergo circumcision as sign of covenant In fulfillment of different promise, Abraham's wife Sarah miraculously produced a son, Isaac Later, God asked Abraham to sacrifice young Isaac as an offering, and Abraham planned to fulfill this Just as he was about to, an angel intervened, saying he should free Isaac and sacrifice a ra, instead Willingness to obey God showed the ultimate model of obedience LECTURE Told to leave his country, and your family and father's house to the land God shows him, and God will make of you a great nation" Goes to Syria and Lebanon, settling in Iran, goes to Canaan God makes covenant with Abe, sealed by ritual male circumcision Circumcision Jewish males are circumcised, called Brit milah or Yiddish Bris For jewish fems, there is a naming ceremony (not female circumcision) called Sinchat Bat God and Israelite relationship = covenant
What are the other visions of the future in Judaism/
Some hope for Messiah - until end of Judean monarchic rule in 586 BCE, mashiach (anointed one = current Hebrew king) but idea was now more anticipatory - ideal future king whom God would empower to defeat Israel's enemies Essenes awaited two messiahs: one a king, other. priest Hope for new covenant between god and people - justice and equality Looked forward to when Jerusalem would become central to world and all peoples would worship god at Mt. Zion
Explain the Spanish Inquisition?
Spanish Jews converted to Christianity to avoid expulsion, but some of them were "Conversos" who practiced Jewish rites ins secret Ferdinand and Isabella also petitioned to have an inquisition to stop this Established tribunals in many cities, to find and execute Conversos (or Marranos, "swine") who hadn't abandoned all Jewish traditions. 13 000 Conversos put on trial during first 12 years of this
Describe the modern synagogue
Synagogue = heart of Jew community; prayer, study of sacred text, communal worship, place to learn, centre for social interaction dn charitable activity Orthodox and Hasidic Jews = Shul (school in Yiddish) bc it is intellectual hub Conservative = synagogue Reform = a temple, definitively replaced temple in Jerusalem
What are the Israelite gods?
The Bible identifies the Israelites as God's chosen people - so on one hand they have been chosen by Yahweh, but the Israelites have themselves chosen Yahweh Did not = superior to other peoples, but it obliged them to assume responsibilities of serving God LECTURE Relationship that Jewish people have with god -> god chooses Israel! Deuteronomy 7:6 -> god has chosen you of all people on earth to be his people, treasured possession Throughout Jew history, Israel =/= faithful to God, challenged to reciprocate the choice that God made to choose them, so Israel chooses God = part of faith Joshua (before Promised Land) you have chosen the Lord, to serve hm.
Describe the main religious fixtures in Jerusalem?
The Dome of the Raque? Rock? Place where Abraham sacrificed his son Jacob, in Muslim ideas in Qu'uran, it is where Ismael (from whom the Arabic people come from) that was sacrificed Minaret, speaker would be there and there would be a call to the people to come pray, Islam holy place Wailing wall Temple used to be, second temple of Harid that was destroyed in 70 AD by Romans Holiest places in Judaism, remains of the second temple Synagogue within the wailing wall, partitions the wall from men and women, Orthodox Jewish people concerned with that Two religions living side beside Orthodox Christians live close to these places too, Via De La Roso, stations of the cross on the street, the little mountain is where Jesus was supposedly crucified Pilgrim's from three different religions go to the countryside would believe Jesus would return, and bury their dead there Say they are tolerant, but becoming that is difficult Another way of looking at a picture and the geography, has different meaning Historical Ethiopian places related to Judaism
What is Brit mila?
The ritual of circumcision that occurs in every Jewish male, about 8 days after birth Symbolizes the way Abraham also had circumcision to create a covenant with god Called "bris" in Yiddish Mohel = ritual circumciser
Describe Jewish prayer services?
Three times a day (evening, morning, noon) pray in communal worship services. Correspond to three daily sacrifices at temple in Jerusalem Prayers recited during mundane activities Sabbath morning service = readings from Torah and Prophets 54 Torah sections, each read and studied for a week, so annual cycle covers it in its entirety All 7 parts its sections are divided into read every morning services Torah is read also on Monday and Thursday Better to pray in group - 10 adult males in Orthodox practice for public prayer (called minyan) Conservative synagogues will allow women to be part of it, Reform Judaism doesn't require one at all In Reform and Conserv. all members of congregation sit together, but Orthodox men are not permitted to pray in presence of women, so they sit in own section at back or side of room Language also different: orthodox and conservative have every part in Hebrew, but Reform in North America done in English
What is the Mishnah?
Written version of oral torah divided into six orders which deal with particular part of life and laws around it Seeds (laws of agriculture). Appointed Seasons *festivals, fast days, Sabbath) Women (marriage, divorce, betrothal, adultery) Damages (civil and crime law, ethical maxims - Sayings of the Fathers) Holy Things (sacrifices, ritual slaughter, priesthood rituals) Purities (Issues of ritual purity and impurity) Didn't mark end of rabbinic commentary. still; studied and interpreted traditional teachings, including Mishnah Commentaries = Gemarah, transmitted orally from teach to student Gemarah = Halakhah (legal) and Aggadah (narrative, history, biblical commentaries, Phil, theology, wisdom lit) This commentary written down, and is called the Palestinian talmud , the ones by Bablyonian rabbis = Babylonian talmud = predominant in Jew world Combinations of law, interpretation, slice of life from rabbinic academies
What is the Dreyfus affair?
example of French anti-Semitism French jews = symbols of all that was wrong with post-revolutionary France Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus falsely accused for spying for Germany -> based on fake docs and military cover up Four years after he was found guilt and sentenced to life, novelist Emile Zola who charged (J'accuse!) the French army with hiding the truth Army tried Dreyfus again, and he was found guilty...under extenuating circumstances He was pardoned in 1899, and then later awarded Legion of Honor
What is the origin of "Israel?"
outside biblee, Egyptian stela from 1208 BCE, which appear to refer to it as an ethnic group or people 13th century BCE = people were calling themselves Israel in Canaan One interpretation = one who struggled with god links story where Jacob (Abraham's grandson) wrestles with divine being and beings Israel LECTURE Israel = person of Jacob, third patriarch because he wrestled with God when he came back and wrestled with a man at the border, who blessed him and called him Israel -> whole history of Israel is also one of struggle
What is the Rabbi Hillel?
popular teacher 30 - 10 CE Older contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth Woodworker who became religious school leader and renowned for piety If rabbi could recited all of Torah on one foot , non Jew would convert. Hillel said, what is hateful t o you don't do to neighbour, rest is commentary, go learn it Rabbi Shammai = less lenient interpretation of Torah - and arguments ensured between these two houses
Explain Orthodox Judaism?
purpose: traditionalist reaction to Reform Judaism -> prove that traditional Judaism works in modern culture key beliefs: Bible is revealed word of God Mishnah and Talmud = written forms of Oral Law originated with Moses Rabbinic Halakhah and laws of Torah followed Haredim live unsegregated communities key people: Samson Raphael Hirsch