Judaism introduction to Judaism Judaism began

Judaism

introduction to Judaism • Judaism began as a COVENANT (holy agreement) starting with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (the Patriarchs, or Fathers, of Judaism), and continuing down to Moses • the covenant promised that if the Israelites obeyed God’s Law (or Torah), they would be His people. • because of the Covenant, the Jews are understood to be God’s Chosen People, charged with bringing God’s message to the world. • they are called to live as a nation, or people, with a group identity. • new problem: not all Jews like the religious aspects of Judaism • two categories – “religious” (observant) and “cultural” (non-observant)

the Jewish view of god • God revealed His name to Moses – “I AM” or Yahweh (YHWH) because observant Jews consider His name so sacred, they do not pronounce or write it; instead the say The Lord or Master of the Universe. • God is: – ONE – there is only one God – FAITHFUL – He will not abandon the covenant – SAVING – He will save them, even if they are unfaithful – PERSONAL – He is involved in the welfare of humans and all creation. – ABOVE ALL – He is above creation, all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere

• a prayer, called the Shema (“hear”), which is recited twice daily, states Judaism’s basic theology: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone” (Dt 6: 4) • this statement of monotheism was radical at the time it was first formulated, as most of Israel’s neighbors were polytheistic. • it is one of Judaism’s major contributions to the world.

Torah • • • Jewish scripture “instruction” – literal translation; refers to the will of God as revealed to humankind “law” – loose translations; the revelation of God’s will that guides proper human conduct the first five books of the Bible, believed to be directly revealed to Moses by God.

the written torah TANAK – the Hebrew Bible, containing 3 major parts: Torah • first five books of the Bible directly revealed to Moses by God, with special importance on a central code of holiness, with 613 specific laws, with the most famous being the Ten Commandments (Ex 20) • each synagogue (Jewish house of worship) contains a scroll of entire torah, kept in a vessel called the ark

• Prophets • books including both historical accounts of ancient Israel and proclamations of God as spoken by His prophets (“one who speaks for”) • charismatic, courageous religious figures

writings • highly diverse books – proverbs, poetry, historical accounts, etc. • overall, the most recently written.

the oral torah • complements written Torah; material taught and transmitted by Judaism’s great rabbis (teachers) • recorded in Mishnah and Talmud • addresses the changing circumstances and day to day life of the Jews – does not replace the Written Torah

the mishnah • Written down in about 200 CE, though its teachings had been passed down orally for approximately four centuries. • is seen as sacred, a starting point for the study of the oral Torah

The Talmud • highly significant, based directly on the Mishnah • cites small portions of the Mishnah, followed by intricate commentary, supported by Biblical passages. • interpretation of God’s will – both oral and written Torah • was interpreted for centuries, most importantly during the Middle Ages. • still being interpreted

the history of Judaism • originally the Jews were descendants of the ancient Israelites (Hebrews); at the time of the Babylonian Exile, they became known as Jews, with religion called Judaism, because their country was called Judah. • There is no Jewish “race”; instead, the Jews are an ethnic group with a common history and religion. • History is seen as a record of God’s will as manifested in the events of the world. • The Jews, as the Chosen People, have a responsibility to live up to the covenant; the history of the Jews reflects how faithful they were to the covenant.

classical Judaism • end of the first century C. E – seventh century. (Muslim invasion) • oppression by the Romans • the Jews revolted; in 135 CE, the Romans ended the revolt, and kicked the Jews out of Palestine. – This was not a new thing; – the history of the Jews has many examples of being exiled.

• despite this, the traditions and teachings of the Pharisees (religious leaders who focused on the study of the Torah rather than Temple Worship) survived, which meant that Jews had a religious tradition on which they could rely without the Temple. • The Jews had learned to live without a homeland after the Babylonian Exile (587 – 538 BCE): called the Diaspora (dispersion), because the Jews were, for the first time, forced to disperse throughout the world.

medieval Judaism • 8 th mid 18 th century • variety of political and social conditions. • Most Jews lived under the control of Muslims (Africa, Spain, Near East) and Christians (Europe) Muslims – generally, were free to practice their religion, conduct own codes of law, and were assured security of life and property.

Christians – Conditions varied considerably – Early centuries – Jews developed a reputation as money lenders; this led to resentment for their economic success – Jews also seen as the “sons of the crucifiers” who rejected Jesus. – This led to open and violent persecutions • Blood libels (false accusations of killing Christian children) • Large-scale expulsions in France, England, Spain • Blamed for the bubonic plague Therefore massacres • Spanish Inquisition • mass migration to Poland, where they were persecuted as well. • persecution for some, great prosperity for others, especially in Muslim Spain.

Maimonides (Moses Ben Maimon) (1135 – 1204) • Jewish philosopher; applied the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle to the biblical tradition, creating a new Jewish theology. • Composed the most famous Jewish creed. The Kabbalah • Jewish mysticism that states that God is best known with the heart, through love – God can be found looking inward.

Zohar • most famous text of mysticism, incorporating rich symbolism based on numerology and esoteric language. • Teaches that the Torah can be interpreted on different levels.

modern Judaism • great period of change • “Enlightenment” or “Age of Reason” – period of social theories asserting the equality of all; monarchies replaced by government of the people. • Also affected Judaism – new challenges that gave rise to different forms of modern Judaism. Hasidism (pious) • arose in 18 th century in Eastern Europe • based on Kabbalist tradition – God is imminent and known first and foremost with heart • emphasizes relationships with God and the community rather than the study of the Torah and commandments. • Centre of each community – zaddik – a holy man believed to have a close relationship with God.

Zionism • movement to re-establish a Jewish homeland (from the biblical name for Jerusalem – Zion) that originated in the late 19 th century. • 1948 – Israel became the official homeland for Jews • today, Zionism refers to support Israel. • Reaction to anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews) Holocaust (Shoah “mass destruction”) • systematic murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazis from 1938 – 1945 • led to questioning as to why God would allow this to happen • some Jews maintain it was a punishment, especially for abandoning traditional Judaism • others believe God broke the Covenant others worked harder to establish Israel

The State of Israel • the rise of Zionism increased the number of people (Jews) immigrating to Palestine • Hebrew language restored, land reclaimed for agriculture, farming communities and cities were built • 1948 – Israel was granted statehood • today – Israel provides a great deal of unity for Jews (political and cultural) • there are many diverse problems today • conflict with Palestine's over ownership of the land. • Divisions between religious and non-religious Jews