Abstract This paper discusses the development of ReformJudaism's position on the concept of a Jewish homeland. The role of the Diaspora, JewishEmancipation and the Enlightenment in Europe is examined. These terms are defined and the concepts explored.
From the Paper "The Jewish Emancipation was an effort to integrate Jews dispersed in ancient times from Israel to other nations during the Diaspora into the countries where they now lived, countries that were growing more afraid of having a large Jewish contingent with different political loyalties. Reform Judaism developed out of the same liberalization of policies and practice. At the time, this shift meant the abandonment of nationalistic ideas, but later, Reform Judaism as well would embrace the creation of a Jewish state and be dedicated to preserving that state.
The story of the Diaspora is a key element in the history of the Jewish people and in the focus of their aspirations and purposes in the world. The word "Diaspora" is derived from the Greek for "a scattering" or "to scatter about." The word has come to signify the body of Jews today living not in Israel but scattered outside the boundaries of Israel."
This in-depth paper examines the attitudes of the Jewish people and Judaism in general, prior to Christ's arrival in Jerusalem and up to the crucifixion.
Abstract This well-researched paper explores the community, culture and attitudes of the Jews of Jerusalem prior to Jesus Christ's arrival. This paper focuses on the ruling body of Jewish life, the Sanhedrin, who were the high priests that backed the city authorities in devising and enforcing ordinances to cover the operations of agricultural, mercantile and other trades. The Sanhedrin were considered the finest minds of Palestine, the people looked to them for leadership against the Romans and the impending arrival of the messiah. It was into this atmosphere that Jesus entered Jerusalem presenting himself as the messiah. This paper details the historic events leading up to the crucifixion.
From the Paper "The people looked to Caiphas for guidance, but he was influenced by his own ambition. Thus, when Jesus Christ was turned over to the Sanhedrin, who had been hurriedly summoned for trial, he spoke very few words. In the Gospel of Mark, when Pontius Pilate had asked him if he was indeed king of the Jews, he answered, "It is as you say." Scholars believe that Christ was asking if Pilate were accusing him or if he had heard the claim from others. Pilate, after washing his hands of the whole affair, turned him over to the Sanhedrin, and the members of the high court began to accuse him. In keeping with Judaic law, he remained silent, since the court was not supposed to question the accused but those who witnessed the actions for which he was being tried."
Abstract This paper examines how there are three variations of Rabbinic Judaism, characterized by a common belief that Jewish law has two components: the written law and oral law. It looks at how these three subgroups, Orthodox, Conservative and Reform, differ greatly on their definition of Jewish identity, on their interpretation of oral law and on their beliefs regarding the modern world.
From the Paper "Although there are three variations of Rabbinic Judaism, they are characterized by a common belief that Jewish law has two components: the written law and oral law. The written component of Jewish law is found primarily in the Torah, which is composed of those commandments handed down to Moses at Mount Sinai. Jewish written law is also found elsewhere in the Tanakh. The oral law was handed down simultaneously with the written law. Therefore, Rabbinic Jews believe that Jewish law cannot be interpreted solely by resorting to the Tanakh, but must be based on a consideration of the combined oral and written tradition. While Jews were initially prohibited from committing the oral law to writing, it was eventually codified in the Talmud. "
Abstract This paper presents a personal comparison between Judaism and Christianity, based largely on a Christian person's attendance at a ReformJewish ritual service. The author is also informed about Judaism through an interview with a Jewish woman. The paper discusses the beliefs and practices of each religion.
From the Paper "For Western culture, Judaism was a foundational historical example as well as a religion. In that regard, Johnson's central thesis is that the books of the Old Testament, from Genesis to Jeremiah, illustrate the gradual emergence of a philosophy that..."
Abstract As far back as can be traced, Jewish leaders have lamented the degree of intermarriage that exists in the religion. This paper examines why intermarriage is seen as such a threat to the Jewish identity and whether this perception is justified. The paper questions what precisely constitutes the Jewish identity which is being threatened and how it might it be maintained. The paper also questions whether this identity should even be maintained or whether the instincts of an isolationist race are at odds with the greater moral liberation of the modern era.
From the Paper "Between both these two competing definitions lie the niceties of culture, elements of cultural identity which are strictly or predominately Jewish. Even apart from Kosher restrictions and so forth, there are various cultural eating habits that exist, even as there are other cultural tendencies. Much has been made of the culture of the Jewish people -- of Yiddish, of the family structure, of the work ethic, and so forth. Whether this springs from their ethnic identity or their religion, it may be the thread binding them together. However, even in terms of culture, variety abounds. Whitefield writes that ?There is no essential American Jewish culture, just as there is no fixed Jewish identity in the United States...? (Whitefield 247)"
Tags: Arthur, Ruppin, Orthodox, Reform, Passover, Seder, Israel
Abstract This paper attempts to present the salvation of Jesus Christ to those of the Jewish faith. The author provides a short history of Judaism and points out the many similarities of Christianity and Judaism. The paper states that many Jews resist believing in Jesus, for accepting him may be seen as abandonment of the Jewish heritage. The author argues that Christ is the answer to prophecies in the Old Testament and that the New Testament is actually a continuance of the Old Testament. The paper also disputes that since the bible is seen as the true word of God, even those of the Jewish faith should give credence to the message of Jesus Christ as observed in the New Testament.
From the Paper "Although similar in theology and origin, Christianity and Judaism incorporate differences which divide the two to the core. However, the Jewish people should recognize Jesus' message as the follow up from the one and only Lord. Christianity, as professed in the Gospels of the New Testament should be seen as the extension of the word of God, which originally appeared in the pages of the Old Testament."
An in-depth paper which calls on the Jewish religion to stop focusing on animal rights and to start focusing on human duties and obligations towards animals.
Abstract This paper explores an alternative to fighting for animal rights, and instead advocates for a system of human duties and obligations based on Jewish Law. The paper analyzes the way Jewish law views cruelty to animals, the environment, and the obligation to take care of one's health. Jewish Law lays out a system of positive obligations that Man has towards animals, the environment, and his own health.
I. Introduction
II. Jewish Law and the Environment
A. The World and All in It Belongs To G-d and Man Is Responsible For Preserving It All
B. Animals Are Important to G-d
C. Bal Tashchit - The Prohibition on Wanton Destruction
D. Environmental Effects of Producing So Much Meat
III. Animals in Jewish Law
A. Animals as Property
B. Tza'ar Ba'aley Chayim and Positive Acts of Kindness
IV. Jewish Law and Health
A. The Importance of Maintaining Health in Jewish Law
B. Health and Vegetarianism
V. The Misunderstanding of the Importance Of Meat In Judaism VI. Rabbis and Vegetarianism
VII. A Modern System of Duties and Obligations
A. Eating Meat and Dairy Products
B. Hunting, Trapping, and Furs
C. Animals in Entertainment
D. Animal Experimentation
E. Wildlife Conservation
VIII. Conclusion
From the Paper "We often talk about protecting animals and giving them their rights. Animal rights' activists argue about which rights are due to animals and which rights to animals are due to human beings. I argue that this dialogue is unhelpful to animals, just as it is unhelpful to human beings. Rather than argue about rights, I contend that we should construct a system of duties and obligations under which human beings will have varied responsibilities towards animals. Such a system already exists under Jewish law, a system devoid of human rights and animal rights, but rich with human responsibility and obligations towards mankind, animals, and the environment."
Abstract This essay explores the sectarian nature of Judaism, as developing from the Hellenization of Judea around 333 BCE and extending up until the time of Jesus. The socio-religious and political nature of the country is examined in detail, with thorough reference to Greco-Roman and Jewish primary sources. How the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes came to be separate and equally influential Jewish sects is discussed, as well as the eventual downfall of sectarianism and the historical basis of why we now talk of a singular 'Judaism'.
From the Paper "Judaea was a site of great social and political turmoil at the turn of the era and it's national religion, Judaism, reflected this unrest. Jewish sectarianism as a historical fact cannot be denied, but is it reasonable and accurate to describe Jewish membership as solely sectarian during this time? An examination of both the development of Judaea's social and political environment, and the plurality of Jewish philosophies that existed in this milieu, will aid in an assessment of Jewish religious life under Roman rule at the turn of the era."
Abstract This paper explores the way Jewish law views cruelty to animals, the environment, and the obligation to take care of one's health. The paper concludes that because Jewish Law has strong views about all these issues, the ideal diet is a vegetarian diet. The paper analyzes everything from Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) to factory farming.
I. Introduction
II. Tza'ar Ba'aley Chayim and Positive Acts of Kindness
A. Halacha Concerning Cruelty to Animals
B. Throughout Jewish Texts, it is Clear That Kindness to Animals is Highly Desirable
C. So Why Are Jews Allowed To Eat Meat?
D. Meat Eating Today
III. Halacha and the Environment
A. The World and All In It Belongs To G-d and Man Is Responsible For Preserving It All
B. Animals Are Important to G-d
C. Bal Tashchit - The Prohibition on Wanton Destruction
D. Environmental Effects of Producing So Much Meat
IV. Halacha and Health
A. The Importance of Maintaining Health in Halacha
B. Health and Vegetarianism
V. The Misunderstanding of the Importance of Meat in Judaism VI. Rabbis And Vegetarianism
VII. Conclusions
From the Paper "A feature of halacha (Jewish law) that is often neglected is that Jews are obligated to treat animals with kindness. This aspect gets lost amidst the multitude of complicated sacrificial laws and the laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary law). Perhaps the American approach to eating plenty of meat several times a week without giving any thought to the source of all that delicious food has rubbed off on Jews, making them forget that G-d treasures the lives of all animals and explicitly commanded that man not cause animals unnecessary harm. This paper will draw from different sources in the Jewish tradition to demonstrate that given the state of meat production and consumption today, eating meat may actually violate several Jewish laws and principal. Although halacha allow Jews to eat meat, as long as all the laws and limitations are properly met, halacha prefers that Jews followed a vegetarian diet."
Abstract This paper is an overview of varied movements and people involved in Judaism and their beliefs, symbols, laws, rituals, and holidays. It provides a brief look at the history of the Jewish people and asks what the religion means today. It questions whether it is a religion, a nationality, or both.
From the Paper "The people and movements in Judaism, first of all, are varied. All Jewish dominations today are derived from one, the Pharisees. In the beginning, there were several main Christian thought groups; the Sadducees, the Essenes, the Zealots, and the Pharisees. Pharisaic thought processes are the only ones that survived the destruction of God's original temple. They believed that a written Torah and oral Torah, equally binding, were given to the people by God for interpretation by rabbis. Pharisees were devoted to the Torah and education for all. Today, this school of thought is called Rabbinical Judaism. The first of the modern movements of Judaism, Chasidism, was founded in the eighteenth century by Israel ben Eliezer. This movement emphasized mysticism as a route to God. It was considered radical at the time of its founding, but today it strongly opposes the newer liberal movements, an interesting twist of irony. There are three main modern movements in the United States today. Five million of the world's thirteen million Jews live in the United States to make up the three. One is Reform Judaism, which houses two million American Jews. This movement doesn?t believe that the Torah was written by God. It follows no set of commandments. Many non-observant or nominal Jews identify themselves as Reform because it is the most liberal movement. There are eight hundred Reform synagogues in America. Another movement is Orthodox Judaism, which includes one million American members. They believe that the Torah is true and unchanged, and that it was given to Moses at Mount Sinai."
Abstract This paper examines the Jewish view on death and the afterlife, beginning with a discussion of religion and theology as a whole. It then explores how the different sects of Judaism deal with the concept of death, and how it affects their behavior in life.
From the Paper "What is it that Jews will face after death? How do Jewish ideas about the afterlife affect their attitudes toward death itself? This is a relatively more complicated question to answer than how the attitudes held by Christians about the afterlife affect their views toward death because in the case of Judaism there is no small amount of ambiguity.
"Jewish beliefs about death cannot be understood independent of Jewish theology as a whole, and so it may be helpful to begin here with a definition of what we mean by religion as a whole. Religion is both an intensely personal area of life as well as one that is practiced publicly."
Tags:Judaism, Christianity, Islam, mitzvah, theology, afterlife, life, mourning, corpse
Abstract This paper explores contemporary issues and traditions in the three monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For Judaism, the paper discusses the Holocaust and its effect on modern Jewish identity, the land of Israel, and the Passover Seder meal. For Christianity, the paper examines the singleness of the Bible as revelation, and observances of Christmas and Easter. For Islam, the paper studies radical Islamic terrorist attacks, daily prayer, and women's dress.
From the Paper "The memory of the Holocaust is a major issue among Jews who are of age today. Those who actually lived through it or through that time are passing out of this world. For many of the Jews of that generation..."
Tags: Traditions Judaism, Christianity, Islam, passover, Israel Christmas Easter Israel prayer islamic dress
Abstract This paper discusses Canadian Judaism in the 20th century and how it differs greatly from Judaism in other regions of North America. This paper explores how social and cultural changes were more likely to impact the Jewish community than were theological changes, and mentions examples such as women's rights.
From the Paper "The initial establishment of Judaism in Canada rivaled any possible historical upheaval of this faith. The need to balance religious practices against basic survival created conditions in which both Orthodox and Reform Judaism were significantly altered. Furthermore, social changes altered the established structure of the Jewish community in addition to the basic changes related to theological practice (Schenfeld, 230). As a result, Canadian Judaism within the middle of the Twentieth Century was extremely distinctive, and was arguably different than Judaism in other regions of North America. Ironically, many researchers appear to give up in the attempt to determine what it means to be Jewish in Canada in the years following World War II. Weinfeld writs that "social scientific studies of Judaism in the post-war period are invariably behavioral. Researchers measure actions and ritual observances" (Weinfeld, 282). "
Abstract This paper briefly assesses the role of Jews in Canada, as well as Jews in North America, during the early formative years of both Canada and the United States. The paper takes the form of two questions and the dissimilar drives of the Jewish community to integrate their secular and theological lifestyles during the formative period.
From the Paper "Some of the major characteristics of early Jewish synagogues within North America were initially defined through religious tolerance. Jews were in a decided minority consisting of "three thousand out of more than three million" but who were also accepted due to the socio-cultural norms placed upon acceptance of diverse religions. Those Jews who determined to settle in Canada immigrated northward from New York and made an endeavor to maintain a close connection to the Jewish community found therein, suggesting that ties persisted between Canadian and American synagogues. Additionally, the authority acquired by immigrant Jews into Canada helped this community attain financial and physical (e.g.: land wealth) capital, which could then be applied to promoting the Jewish community and the sustainability of same. One source remarks that as "middle class urbanites, Canadian Jews were in the same economic and political camp as the Anglo Saxon elites that governed the colony and .."
Abstract This paper on Judaism explains the three basic tenets of Judaism. This paper also relates these tenets to the beliefs of the Christians. The paper illustrates the importance of Torah, Monotheism, and good deeds to the belief of the Jews.
From the Paper "Abraham was the founder of Judaism. The account of his life in Genesis, though considered today to be not historical, is nevertheless in accord with the historical facts dating from the beginning of the second millennium BC. According to the story, Abraham, his father Terah, his nephew Lot and his wife Sarah left Ur of the Chaldees, in southern Mesopotamia and journeyed slowly, always under the command and watchful eye of their God, towards the land Canaan, which today is known as Israel and Lebanon. After the death of Terah, Abraham became the patriarch and a covenant between God and him was established. This covenant or promise involved the certainty that Abraham's seed would inherit the land of Canaan. Within a few hundred years there were many Jews in Canaan, worshiping one god named Yahweh. In a world full of polytheistic religions came Judaism, which preached monotheism. Hence, it was Mesopotamia, which gave rise to the Jews."
