Abstract
This paper discusses the development of Reform Judaism's position on the concept of a Jewish homeland. The role of the Diaspora, Jewish Emancipation 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."

Tags:Diaspora, Enlightenment, Europe, Haskala, Mendelssohn, anti-semitism

Abstract
This papers reviews three fiction and non-fiction texts reflecting Jewish history, culture, literature, arts, and theology. The author analyzes each texts' contribution to Jewish studies and offers a personal reflection on each of the three works.

From the Paper
"The authors effectively demonstrate that this is sometimes a very tricky balance, not unlike an attempt to walk a tightrope, since so many factors and people's opinions need to be considered. In my opinion, this was most clearly shown in three "case studies" of issues (gender equality, Sunday Shabbat services, and Reform rabbis' officiation of interfaith marriages) that have been debated in Reform circles. Incidentally, I was fascinated by the idea of Sunday Shabbat services, mainly because they seem so "un-Jewish" and because I'd never heard of this mostly unsuccessful experiment.
"I appreciated reading about the beginnings of Reform Judaism and its pioneers (Jacobson and Zunz), since this provided added depth and a clearer understanding of the movement's roots. The authors seem to specifically emphasize the difficulties regarding national identities, since many Reform Jews were (and are) patriotic to their countries of citizenship yet also feel loyalty to Judaism. This conflict seems to have been embodied by contrasting attitudes towards Zionism."

Tags:judaism, jews, zionism, religious, shabbat

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. "

Tags:torah, talmud, oral, law

Abstract
This paper details the opinions of the three major groups (Conservative, Orthodox and Reform) within Judaism with respect to homosexuality and one who in engages in homosexual acts. The paper demonstrates that there appears to be growing trends towards the acceptance of the homosexual in spite of his or her sexual preferences within Conservative Judaism, and that there appear to be trends within Reform Judaism towards the wholesale acceptance of homosexuality in addition to the homosexual as a person.

From the Paper
"As the Torah specifically states that homosexuality is inappropriate behavior for Jews and is proscribed, this creates a dilemma for rabbis who recognize that the secular culture is changing but the roles of homosexuals within the Halakha are clearly defined. To this end, this research paper seeks to answer the following question: Is there any difference in the religious status of the individual who engages in..."

Tags:homosexuality, judaism, sex

Abstract
A look at some of the basic laws and traditions of Orthodox Judaism, comparing it to Conservative and Reform Judaism, which is more common in America. The writer points out that many Americans first heard about Orthodox Judaism when Senator Joe Lieberman ran for Democratic Vice President in 2000. The paper looks at how Lieberman practices his Judaism in the modern political world.

From the Paper
"Thus, many believe that rules against eating pork and shellfish protected health. Today those foods are very unlikely to make one sick, but Orthodox Jews, many Conservative Jews and some Reform Jews still follow the rules about what to eat and how it should be prepared. Those rules are called Kashrut (Rich, 2002). Foods that meet the exacting requirements of Kashrut rules are called kosher. People may be familiar with the label kosher on some foods because kosher hot dogs are often served at places like ball games. In addition to being made from very clean animals, most of the internal organs of an animal are not kosher, so kosher hot dogs are made of better meat. In addition, they will be all beef, since pork is not kosher, and many view that as a healthier way to eat a hot dog. In fact, the 613 laws, or mitzvot, cover virtually every aspect of personal and family life and provide a clear roadmap for how to live."

Tags:mitzva, torah, kosher

Abstract
This paper presents a personal comparison between Judaism and Christianity, based largely on a Christian person's attendance at a Reform Jewish 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..."

Tags:Judaism, Christianity, Comparison, Religion

Abstract
This paper traces the influence Judaism has had on humor in contemporary society. The paper traces the roots of humor in the Jewish tradition to age-old religious texts. It also examines the impact of the Jewish experience in Eastern Europe on humor, citing the characteristics of "Jewish humor." Additionally, the paper includes a section which describes the history of Judaism and how cultural factors influenced the development of humor. The paper concludes that Jewish humor is successful because of shared pain which leads to shared understanding and, finally, shared laughter.

Outline:
Introduction
The History of Judaism
Humor From Tragedy
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Jewish humor movement in the United States started with vaudeville, and it continued through radio and into stand-up comedy very quickly from its first inception (Novak & Waldoks, 1981). From that point it moved forward and expanded into television and films. Many American comedians have been Jewish, and a lot of Russian comedians have also been Jewish (Novak & Waldoks, 1981). The numbers have been much higher than what would have been seen by chance. It begs the question: are Jewish people just funnier? On examination, it would not seem so. Stereotypically, people often think of Jewish people as cheap and miserly, and they think of horrible world tragedies like the holocaust. None of those things are amusing. So why does Jewish comedy work so well? In order to understand that, one has to understand Jewish people and where they came from."

Tags:Judaism, Eastern Europe, persecution, anecdotes

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 comparison essay looks at both Christianity and Judaism and how they have close ties to one another through their common history and theology. This paper describes the origin of Judaism and the major beliefs of this religion. Judaism's beliefs regarding overcoming the presence of evil, and the manner in which individuals are set free from evil, are specifically addressed. A detail list of steps Judaism uses to enlist new converts is presented, as well as the worldview regarding this religion. The known objections that Judaism has towards Christianity and Islam are overviewed. Lastly, how I would share Christianity with members of the Jewish faith so that they may accept Christianity will be explored.

Outline:
History and Background of Judaism
Conversion Process
Known Objections Judaism has towards Christian and Muslim Faiths
How I Would Share Christianity with a Member of the Jewish Faith
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The two sects that most closely follow traditional and biblical understanding of Judaism are the Orthodox and Ultraorthodox sects. Demanding a conversion and a belief in the covenant with the God of Israel (b'rit), Orthodox Judaism is a very academic sect, as Ergun (2005) notes. These followers explicitly follow the Torah, observe shabbat weekly, and study the teachings intensely. Ultraorthodox Jews, the Hasidic sect, are often the most easily recognized, with their black or grey suits and yarmulke. However, the Hasidim are more mystical than those in the Orthodox sect, often studying Kabbalah. Yet, despite this element of mysticism, they are devoutly committed to the traditional doctrines of Judaism.
"In general, according to Ergun (2005) the Jewish faith believes that people are inherently good, due to the fact that they bear God's image. Despite not having a sinful nature, humans do have the ability to choose sinful and evil acts. Sin is thought of in terms of nearly criminal behavior. Typically, Jewish people do not consider themselves sinners, as they don't believe they have a sinful nature. They do not realize the need for the restoration of humanity, and as they "don't believe that people are separated from God, they don't see the need for the good news"."

Tags:christianity, judaism, theology, religion

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."

Tags:Christianity, Judaism, religion