- Judaism
1) Why is the Exodus considered the most important event in Judaism? How did it affect the development of Judaism?
The Exodus considered the most important event in Judaism because the escape of the hebrews from egyptian slavery. the exodus not only formed the people of Israel into nation, it also shaped the Jewish people's image of God as the God of history.
2) How did the religion of Israel change when David became king? What role did prophets play during this period of Hebrew monarchy?
3) What were some of the developments that arose during the period of the second temple?
4) What was the diaspora, and what effect did it have on Jews' concept of God and their institutions of worship?
5) How did the development and spread of Islam during the medieval era affect Judaism?
6) By the end of the fifteenth century, Jews were made to feel unwelcome in nearly every European nation. As a result, where did they settle and what were the living conditions like in these new lands?
7) One of the responses to modernity was the rise of Reform Judaism. What are the characteristics of Reform Judaism?
8) List four major divisions within modern Judaism. Explain how they differ from one another.
a. Orthodox Jews - strive to preserve traditional Jewish culture and religion and resist the secularizing elements of modernity.
b. Reform Judaism - popular mainly in United States and Europe. Reform emphasizes the universality of traditional Jewish values, interfaith Dialogue, and social activism.
c. Conservative movement - in between orthodox and the reform which arose in the nineteenth century led by Sabato Morais. it is firmly rooted in the rabbinical tradition but more relaxed in matters of religious practice than is the Orthodox movement. it is distinguished from Orthodox but greater concern with the historical and critical study of the Bible and rabbinical material.
d. Reconstructionist Judaism - grew out of the conservative movement. the founder understood the Judaism is not only a religion but a culture with its own history, laws and arts. therefore, it is not enough to practice Judaism as a religion, the entire Jewish culture must be study and experience. the reconstructionists provide complete support to the state of Israel as the home of Jewish culture.
9) Describe three of the important Jewish holidays and their significance
a. Sabbath - one of the most important Jewish holiday. Judaism gave the world 6 days work week and the 7th day reserved for worship and rest. Sabbath begins on Friday at sundown until sundown on Saturday. The sabbath ushered in with the Kiddush, the benediction over wine or bread and the lighting and blessing of Sabbath candles by the woman of the house on friday night.
b. Passover (Pesach) - holiday begins on the fifteenth of the Hebrew month of Nisan which is March-April and lasts for 8 days. it commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Jewish family gathers for a ritual meal called Seder on the first two nights. the food associated with the Exodus are eaten as the family engages in rituals that recall the Exodus.
c. Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New year. it is celebrated on the first and second days of the month of Tishre which is September to October. they days of Rosh Hashanah were also say to be the first days of creation. it is celebrated by special prayers and eating sweets in the hope of good year to come.
10) Explain the importance of the Nazi Holocaust to Jewish thinking. Discuss the state Israel as a response to the Holocaust