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MODERN JUDAISMReligion of Obedience to the Righteous
God
TORAH
Founder of Judaism Often associated with Moses and
receiving the law Biblically starts with Abraham
Historical Development God’s Election of Israel Revealed (See
timeline) God in the world, Gen. 1-11
God to all people All people answerable to God
God’s election of Abraham for a chosen people A people through whom all peoples would be
blessed Abraham (2100 B. C.) Joseph in Egypt (1900 B. C.)
Two Commonwealths Law given to fall of southern kingdom (1446 B. C. –
587 B. C.) Fall of southern kingdom to destruction of
Jerusalem (586 B. C. – A. D. 70)
Historical Development First Commonwealth (1446 – 587 B. C.)
Exodus and the Law (1446 – 1406 B. C.) Period of Judges (1406 – 1050 B. C.) United Kingdom (1050 – 931 B. C.) Fall of Northern Kingdom, Israel (722 B. C.)
Features of First Commonwealth Identity as a nation Legal code Worship & sacrificial system
Historical Development Second Commonwealth (586 B. C. – A. D. 70)
Fall of Southern Kingdom, Judah (586 B. C.) End of Exile (537 B. C.) Last Biblical Prophet, Malachi (440 B. C.) Conquest of Alexander the Great (332 B. C.) Maccabean revolt (166 B. C.) Herod the Great, Hasmonean Kingdom (37 B. C. to A.
D. 4) Destruction of Jerusalem (A. D. 70) & Masada (A. D.
74) Features of Second Commonwealth
Ethnic Identity Legal Code: Keeping the Law Devotion to God Party Division: Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, etc. Messianic expectation
Historical Development
Masada (Breached Spring of A. D. 74)
Historical Development Rabbinic Judaism
Developed after fall of Masada from Pharisees as the source of Rabbis Emphasized obedience to the law Today Judaism emphasizes obedience to the
law, not a personal belief Rabbis kept the Tanakh (Jewish scripture)
alive Collecting the Mishnah begun Sacrificial system replaced with liturgical
prayer and ethical behavior Synagogues centers of worship Minyan – quorum of ten adult males for
community worship
Historical Development Rabbinic Judaism into Middle Ages
A. D. 136 Bar Kochba rebellion put down and Jerusalem razed Jews dispersed to various parts of the Roman
Empire Mishnah completed by Rabbi Judah, the
Prince in A.D. 200 (completed legal teaching of oral Torah).
Jews that dispersed to Persia prospered among Zoroastrians Became the center of Jewish intellectual activity
until 10th century When Shi’ite Islam came to Persia in 7th cent.
Judaism began moving to Iberian Peninsula Further movement to Europe because of anti-
Semitism of Islam and Christianity and Crusades
Historical Development Talmudic Tradition to Middle Ages
Time of the Crusades Began in the 11th century Jews victims of the Crusades Jews pressured with force to convert
Rashi - Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac (1040-1105) Literal interpretation
Rambam (Rabbi Moses Maimonides (1135-1204) Know for his intellectual defense of Judaism Commentary on the Mishnah Quoted by Thomas Aquinas
Historical Development 1492 - Messianic Hope but Persecution
Kabalic scholars had predicted 1492 as a redemptive year
Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain under Catholic rule and expelled Jews Many Jews settled in Southeastern Europe under
Turkish rule and lived fairly peaceful lives and others move further north in Europe
Some Jews “converted” rather than be expelled Inquisition used to violently enforce proper Catholic
doctrine After 1555 Italy and Germany forced Jews into
“Ghettos” and wore yellow bands (later used by Nazi)
Historical Development Forced migration gave rise to two main
Jewish Groups: Two main Jewish groups by language
Sephardic Jews – Spanish roots, Turkish & Arab influence, “Ladino” language, Spanish dialect, Hebrew script
Ashkenazic Jews – north & northeastern European roots. Separate from Gentile Europeans. Yiddish – German with Hebrew script.
Historical Development 17th Century – Renewal of Messianic
Expectation Sabbatai Zevi
Jews from Europe, Middle East, and North Africa thought him to be the Messiah
Publicly proclaim by Nathan of Gaza as the Messiah
Sabbatai went to convert the Turkish Sultan but was given the choice to convert to Islam or be killed, he became a Muslim
General despair among Jew over messianic hope
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Hasidism
Hasid = pious one Eastern Europeans Communal nature
Organized around Tzaddik (righteous man) direct link between God and humans
Gave rise to Kabbalism Central figure – Israel ben Eliezer
Know as Baal Shem (master of the good name or good master of the name)
Also know as Besht Born 1700 Miracle worker in Eastern Europe
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Hasidism
God is found not in study or obeying the law but found inside the person and manifested in singing and dancing. Joyful expression of God in their midst. Not antinomians Followed Talmudic tradition but more mystical Access to God could be found through devotion and
prayer After Besht’s death, villages setup centered around
rebbe or Zeddik who was believed to have healing powers Rebbe was given absolute obedience Persecution drove them to the U. S. European Jews were most exterminated by Nazis Some objected to new state of Israel with no Messiah
but changed
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of Judaism
Hasidism Current Hasidism retains those cultural forms of the 18th century (like the Amish) Black clothing with beard and braids In Middle Ages non-people could not wear colorful clothing like those of high rank and so they wore a yellow armband (later used by Nazis)
Currently about 650,000 worldwide Beliefs:
Panthiestic as the world is part of God’s being Devekut – interconnectedness between God & humanity
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Reformed Judaism
Arose in 18th century Accepted European culture and intellectual climate Central figure: Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786)
Studied in University of Berlin Abandoned outward Jewish forms Adopted the enlightenment ideal of the universality of
humanity Jews were free to adopt the culture in which they lived Followers felt like traditional Jewish practices were
hindering Jews from integrating into modern life
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Reformed Judaism
Main Characteristics Traditional forms not authoritative Talmud not considered authoritative Following orthodox practices not wrong but not binding Religious practice is in a state of continues development Not an unchanging eternal truth Do not seek a Messiah – if a Messiah exists, it is people
working to make a better world. God acting in history toward messianic freedom
Initially opposed a separate homeland for Jews but in the wake of the Holocaust they supported the state of Israel
Meeting place called a temple Similar concerns as mainline Protestants & worship
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Orthodox Judaism
Arose in the late 18th and early 19th century in opposition to Reformed Judaism which was continuing away from traditional Judaism
Considers itself as true Judaism Main figures were:
Moses Sofer (1762-1839) Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsh (1808-88) Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin Salanter (1810-83)
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox can be either Zionest or non-Zionest Zionist movement
Theodor Herzl (1860-1904) a journalist believed the Jews could not defend themselves against anti-semitism without a nation
Zionism – salvation linked with retaking the Holy Land Many sects
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Orthodox Judaism
Main Characteristics God revealed himself only in eternal, unchanging
covenant given at Sinai Literal messianic belief Keeping of written and oral Torah Return to Jerusalem to await deliverance of the messiah Strict adherence to traditional Jewish Law Some acceptance of modern culture to outright
rejection Jewish religion studied in traditional style with no
modern forms of scholarship
Historical Development New Movements and Reinterpretation of
Judaism Conservative Judaism
Arose in 19th century Central figure: Zecharias Frankel in Germany Characterized by adhering to the law and adapting
to the contemporary culture Reconstructionist Judaism (1934)
Central figure: Mordecai Kaplan Small movement attempting to integrate religious
Judaism into all aspects of Jewish life with evolution of total Jewish culture
Not a covenant people Goal is pursuit of morality and justice
Historical Development Third Commonwealth (Proposed by
Some) Migration to Palestine in the 19th century English took over Palestine from Turkey in
1917 Both Arabs and Jews migrated Holocaust moved international opinion in
favor of Jews Creation of state of Israel 1948 Recapture of Jerusalem in 1967
Sacred Writings of Judaism
Biblical – canon agreed on in A. D. 90 at Jamnia, lead by Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) Prophets
Early prophets – Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings
Later prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and twelve minor prophets (Hosea to Malachi)
Writings (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1-2 Chronicles
Sacred Writings of Judaism
The Talmud – the books containing both the Mishnah and Gemara Mishnah (Halakah) + Gemara (Haggadah) =
Talmud Gamara – less formal traditions, stories
illustrating the application of the law Two versions of the Talmud
Palestinian – completed in the 4th century Babylonian – completed in the 5th century
Seventeen dense volumes Orthodox – inspired Liberals – historical value Others – authoritative but not necessarily
inspired
Sacred Writings of Judaism
The Mishnah – collection of interpretations of the law by Rabbis Collected over decades by Rabbis who met
at Tiberius Rabbi Meier and Rabbi Akiba lead the
process Came to a halt temporarily in A. D. 136
with the second conflict with Rome under Bar Kochba Rabbi akiba and bar Kochba executed Jerusalem razed and Hadrian rebuilt
Jerusalem Jerusalem dedicated to Jupiter, Aeolia
Capitolina
Sacred Writings of Judaism
The Mishnah Mishnah completed by Rabbi Judah the
Prince in A. D. 200. Six categories
Seeds – agriculture and prayer Feasts – holy days and writing of scrolls Women – marriage and other vows Damages – criminal and civil laws, idolatry Holy Matters – sacrifices and laws Purities – ritual cleanliness and purification
Halakah – application of the law
Divisions of Judaism Five Primary Divisions of Judaism
Hasidic Judaism Reform Judaism Conservative Orthodox – primary religious Judaism Secular Judaism
No belief in God Jewish by birth and culture Not religious
Other smaller groups
Hasidic Division of Judaism
Hasidic Division of Judaism
Leading Figures Israel ben Eliezer or Baal Shem Tov -
“Besht” (1700-1760) Zaddik – Group leader
God God is understood to be diffused through
the world and interacts with it in an omnipresent manner. He is compassionate and desires a relationship with humans.
Hasidic Division of Judaism
Humanity People were created to commune with God
and are unique in His creation. People can know God, influence Him and improve their spiritual conditions with Him.
Authority & Scripture The source of authority is primarily through
their religious experience. The Hebrew scriptures are important containing the literal words of God. Male leaders have unquestioned authority.
Hasidic Division of Judaism
Sin Failing to keep one’s thoughts on God and
appeal to Him in all of life’s situations is sin in that it fails to draw on God’s righteous influence. There are various forms of retribution.
Salvation Continues communion with God brings
righteousness. A person must confess to the tzaddik for forgiveness of sins.
Messiah Rebbe may be a possible messiah at any
one time. Acts of kindness can facilitate the coming of the messiah.
Hasidic Division of Judaism
Afterlife Heaven is a place for souls to serve God.
Rabbis instruct various groups to improve their abilities to serve God.
Creation World created in seven 24 hour days. God the creator and creation are not totally
separate with God’s substance diffused throughout the creation although God exist independently of the creation, he permeates it.
Through the created one glimpses God’s reality.
Hasidic Division of Judaism
Important Characteristics Panentheism – the world is part of God’s
being like the soul is part of the human body
Devekut – communion between God and humanity whose acts and communications bring a response from God.
By contemplating on God a person can unite with Him and influence Him.
Reform Division of Judaism
Leading Figures Moses Mendelssohn (1729-86) Samuel Holdheim (1806-60)
God One living God, the source of everything
and reigns over the world with love and mercy. He provides moral ideals. God seen from mystical to humanist
Reform Division of Judaism
Humanity Created in the image of God and are
children of God. Some believe there is an immortal soul, basically good, and have free will. Should resist evil and fight injustice
Authority & Scripture Canon same as Orthodox but seen as
human documents but valuable for ethical insights. Revelation is an ongoing process but individual is the locus in autonomous individual.
Reform Division of Judaism
Sin Sin is primarily about unjust social
structures and humans are not innately sinful but it is evil behavior that is the problem. Sickness and death are not part of the fall.
Salvation Betterment of oneself and society.
Messiah No actual messiah but a humankind will
bring about a utopian time of justice.
Reform Division of Judaism
Afterlife No one belief but generally no literal
afterlife, you live on in the minds of others through the good you do
Creation There is no one position but theistic
accounts of creation are generally espoused.
Creation is of great value and humanity is responsible for preserving it.
Conservative Division of Judaism
Leading Figures Rabbi Zecharias Frankel (1801-75)
God – wide range of views Mystical view Panentheism with God in process, limited
or evolving God is finite
Conservative Division of Judaism
Humanity People bear the image of God and are of
great value and are created for a relationship with God and other people. People should work with God to improve it.
Authority & Scripture God gave the Torah and Talmud to His
people and they are to obey scripture as best they are able. Scripture is a mixture of revelation and human interpretation.
Conservative Division of Judaism
Sin People essentially good Can become ethically flawless by education
and self-effort Personal sin and social-structure sin
Salvation Social progression by improving socio-
cultural aspects of society, improving education, scientific advancement.
Messiah Sometimes viewed as a person or just a
time of justice.
Conservative Division of Judaism
Afterlife Diverse view, may even include reincarnation
but main focus is on conditions in this life Creation
Most understand God as a personal creator with many of the divine attributes traditionally associate with God. Others may take the view that he is a creative force or symbol of goodness. Overall he is viewed as involved in the world and cares about his creation, especially humanity with whom he has a special bond.
Orthodox Division of Judaism
Orthodox Division of Judaism Leading Figures
Rabbi Samson Pahael (1808-88) Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin Salanter (1810-83) Theodor Hersl (1860-1904)
God God is extremely sacred God’s name is not
pronounced, G-d, or incorrect vowels. Infinite, supreme, everlasting, almighty
Orthodox Division of Judaism
Humanity A person is body and spirit but morally
neutral. Can do good or evil. Overcomes evil by observing Jewish law but every person has a choice and responsible for one’s decisions.
Authority & Scripture Law, Prophets, Wisdom Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) is God’s revelation
with the main focus on the Torah and rest interpreted through the Torah. Oral and written traditions are authoritative.
Orthodox Division of Judaism
Sin Go astray by moral inclinations Pesha - intentional breaking of God’s law Avon-willingly disobeying God’s law but by
irresistible impulse Cheit - unintentional
Salvation Keeping a covenant relationship with God through
prayer, repentance for sins, and obedience to the law.
Messiah Person from line of David will come that bring
global peace and prosperity where he takes people back to Israel, restores Jerusalem, and redeems the Jews.
Orthodox Division of Judaism
Afterlife Physical resurrection and obedient living with
God forever, disobedient suffer the justice but disagree on how.
Creation Various position but theistic accounts of
creation are generally espoused. Literal six day creation less than 10,000 years
ago Day in Genesis could be a time period other
than 24 hours Modern science does not contradict but
attests to God’s power
Orthodox Judaism Worldview Spiritual Realm
Ultimate Reality One supreme holy God Covenant maker with His people
Spiritual Beings Angels Satan
Type of Spiritual Existence Resurrection Heaven – Gehenna (temporary for most)
Relationship to Humanity Covenant relationship
Orthodox Judaism Worldview
God & Spiritual Realm
Material Realm
Law/Repentance
Orthodox Judaism Worldview Physical Realm
Belief system Worship of one God Obedience to God Prayer Community Keeping Kosher Keeping the Sabbath
Source of revelation or enlightenment Torah and Talmud
Orthodox Judaism Worldview Physical Realm
Relation to spiritual realm Belief in God Keeping the law
Ultimate goal of religion Live as God’s chosen people according to law Resurrection Hope of Messiah Welfare of other people
Orthodox Judaism Worldview Physical Realm
Rituals: Orthodox dress Mezuzah in home on doorposts containing
Shema Dietary laws Prayer Life cycle
Birth – circumcision for boys, naming for boys & girls
Boy’s bar mizvah at thirteen – now accountable for keeping the law (conservative and reformed have for girls)
Marriage Death – short wait between death and funeral
Orthodox Judaism Worldview Physical Realm - Significant days
Sabbath Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement Sukkoth – Feast of Booths Simchat Torah – final day of reading entire Torah Hanukkah – commemorating purification of
Temple Purim – rescue of Jews by Esther Passover – Deliverance of Jews from Egypt Shavuot - Pentecost or Feast of Weeks (Giving
of Law to Moses)
Orthodox Judaism Worldview Physical Realm – Worship
Synagogues Orthodox have separate place for women Ark, Bema, & Menorah
Ark – Bema – Menorah –
Leaders Cantor – song leader Rabbis – preachers Conservative and Reformed have women cantors
and Rabbis
Divisions of Judaism Kabala – Jewish mysticism
Mysticism – attaining an unmediated link to the divine
Kabala means “tradition” Jewish mysticism is called “merkavah mysticism
fro the word for “chariot” (Elijah) Could have started as early as 2nd
commonwealth Schools of kabala developed in Middle Ages
Moses de Leon – most famous book called Zohar (Book of Splendor or Book of Lights)
Isaac de Luria – fled Christian persecution in Spain, setup school in Safed, Galilee
Divisions of Judaism Other Isolated Groups
Yemenite Jews – transported from Arabian peninsula to Israel in 1940
Karaite Jews – Accept Torah only and live in Jewish quarter of Old Jerusalem
Falasha Jews – from Ethiopia from 2nd commonwealth but moved to Israel to avoid fanines in the 1980s