2. World Religions Judaism Judaism Today Judaism Today Reform, Conservative, Orthodox Reform, Conservative, Orthodox Week 4, 1/26/2011 Week 4, 1/26/2011 Gene Wright, GeneLA@comcast.net Gene Wright, GeneLA@comcast.net

3. World Religions - Judaism Traditional Jewish life began to break down in Western Europe toward the end of the 1700s as Jews were extended political rights and educational opportunities with the expectation that the Jews would acculturate into their new national settings. Traditional Jewish life began to break down in Western Europe toward the end of the 1700s as Jews were extended political rights and educational opportunities with the expectation that the Jews would acculturate into their new national settings. This is sometimes referred to as emancipation. This is sometimes referred to as emancipation. Many Jews people were eager to accept the invitation to leave their autonomous Jewish communities but were reluctant to abandon all ties to their ancestral faith. Many Jews people were eager to accept the invitation to leave their autonomous Jewish communities but were reluctant to abandon all ties to their ancestral faith. Much of the face of Modern Judaism came from changes in this period of the early 1800s. Much of the face of Modern Judaism came from changes in this period of the early 1800s. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

4. World Religions - Judaism Reform Judaism: A small number of modest reforms in the first two decades of the 19th century preceded an ideological program of Reform. Changes included: Reform Judaism: A small number of modest reforms in the first two decades of the 19th century preceded an ideological program of Reform. Changes included: Sermons should be edifying, rather than legalistic, and should be delivered in the vernacular. Some shortened services and introduced an organ. Sermons should be edifying, rather than legalistic, and should be delivered in the vernacular. Some shortened services and introduced an organ. The traditional blessing for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the reinstitution of animal sacrifices was similarly deleted from the prayer books. The traditional blessing for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the reinstitution of animal sacrifices was similarly deleted from the prayer books. Even today, many Reform houses of worship are called “temples” because they no longer look toward rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple. Even today, many Reform houses of worship are called “temples” because they no longer look toward rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

5. World Religions - Judaism Reform Judaism: rejected the idea of resurrection in its 1885 Pittsburgh Platform. Reform Judaism: rejected the idea of resurrection in its 1885 Pittsburgh Platform. References to resurrecting the dead have generally been replaced by quickening all life. References to resurrecting the dead have generally been replaced by quickening all life. Reform prayer books also reject the notion of an individual Messiah. They speak of a messianic age. Reform prayer books also reject the notion of an individual Messiah. They speak of a messianic age. The liturgy is fairly gender inclusive. For instance, when the patriarchs are mentioned, the matriarchs are also invoked. The liturgy is fairly gender inclusive. For instance, when the patriarchs are mentioned, the matriarchs are also invoked. Embraced the Social Gospel in 1885 Embraced the Social Gospel in 1885 In 1972, Reform ordained its first female rabbi. In 1972, Reform ordained its first female rabbi. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

6. World Religions - Judaism Reform Judaism: By far, the most radical innovation by the early Reform movement in Germany was its claim that the traditional commandments were no longer obligatory. Reform Judaism: By far, the most radical innovation by the early Reform movement in Germany was its claim that the traditional commandments were no longer obligatory. One of the guiding principles of Reform Judaism is the autonomy of the individual who has the right to decide whether to subscribe to a particular belief or practice. One of the guiding principles of Reform Judaism is the autonomy of the individual who has the right to decide whether to subscribe to a particular belief or practice. Reform Judaism allows individuals to choose which commandments to observe based on which are most spiritually edifying. Reform Judaism allows individuals to choose which commandments to observe based on which are most spiritually edifying. The Torah is binding only in its moral teachings and rabbinic teachings on diet, etc. are no longer relevant. Lobster was served at an initial conference. The Torah is binding only in its moral teachings and rabbinic teachings on diet, etc. are no longer relevant. Lobster was served at an initial conference. In services, men and women sit together and men do not wear head coverings. In services, men and women sit together and men do not wear head coverings. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

7. World Religions - Judaism Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

8. World Religions - Judaism Orthodox: As a response to emancipation, enlightenment, and Reform Judaism, several varieties of Orthodox Judaism emerged in the 19th century. Orthodox: As a response to emancipation, enlightenment, and Reform Judaism, several varieties of Orthodox Judaism emerged in the 19th century. That’s right – much of modern Orthodoxy is just as much a product of the 1800s as is Reform! That’s right – much of modern Orthodoxy is just as much a product of the 1800s as is Reform! While Modern Orthodoxy struggled to balance traditional Judaism and an open posture toward Western European culture, Ultra-Orthodoxy rejected secular studies, Western dress, and European languages. While Modern Orthodoxy struggled to balance traditional Judaism and an open posture toward Western European culture, Ultra-Orthodoxy rejected secular studies, Western dress, and European languages. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

9. World Religions - Judaism Orthodox: The story is different in Eastern Europe, where the reforms that Judaism underwent were not about halakic practice but about devotional posture. Orthodox: The story is different in Eastern Europe, where the reforms that Judaism underwent were not about halakic practice but about devotional posture. The Hassidic movement focused on how one is best able to maintain a relationship with God. The Hassidic movement focused on how one is best able to maintain a relationship with God. Although each Orthodox group responded differently to modernity, what unites the Modern Orthodox, the Ultra-Orthodox, and the Chassidic Jews is their commitment to traditional halakah. Although each Orthodox group responded differently to modernity, what unites the Modern Orthodox, the Ultra-Orthodox, and the Chassidic Jews is their commitment to traditional halakah. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

10. World Religions - Judaism The term "Orthodox" Judaism only emerged as a result of the growth of new branches of Judaism. Orthodox Judaism views itself as the continuation of the beliefs and practices of normative Judaism, as accepted by the Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and codified in successive generations in an ongoing process that continues to this day. The term "Orthodox" Judaism only emerged as a result of the growth of new branches of Judaism. Orthodox Judaism views itself as the continuation of the beliefs and practices of normative Judaism, as accepted by the Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and codified in successive generations in an ongoing process that continues to this day. In terms of practice, Orthodox Jews strictly follow the Written Torah and the Oral Law as interpreted by the Medieval commentators (think Maimonides) and codified in the Codices by the Rabbis. From the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night, Orthodox Jews observe God's commandments concerning prayer, dress, food, family relations, social behavior, the Sabbath day, holidays and more. In terms of practice, Orthodox Jews strictly follow the Written Torah and the Oral Law as interpreted by the Medieval commentators (think Maimonides) and codified in the Codices by the Rabbis. From the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night, Orthodox Jews observe God's commandments concerning prayer, dress, food, family relations, social behavior, the Sabbath day, holidays and more. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

11. World Religions - Judaism Common Orthodox Synagogue customs Common Orthodox Synagogue customs 1) Wearing a head covering. A yarmulke is traditionally worn by all men. It is considered an act of respect to God and the sacredness of the worship space. 1) Wearing a head covering. A yarmulke is traditionally worn by all men. It is considered an act of respect to God and the sacredness of the worship space. 2) Wearing a prayer shawl or tallis. Worn by Jewish men only, this has bordered fringes and reminds the wearer of the commandments of Judaism. 2) Wearing a prayer shawl or tallis. Worn by Jewish men only, this has bordered fringes and reminds the wearer of the commandments of Judaism. 3) Sitting and standing. Many times during the service, attendees will stand and sit for different prayers. 3) Sitting and standing. Many times during the service, attendees will stand and sit for different prayers. 4) Men and women sit in separate areas. 4) Men and women sit in separate areas. 5) After the service, Kiddush, the blessing over the bread and wine, is performed. This is to sanctify the day and is followed by a festive luncheon. 5) After the service, Kiddush, the blessing over the bread and wine, is performed. This is to sanctify the day and is followed by a festive luncheon. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

12. World Religions - Judaism An Orthodox Synagogue Service An Orthodox Synagogue Service The Shema – “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One” is the central part of each morning and evening service and probably the single most important sentence in the liturgy. It is not a prayer but an affirmation. The Shema – “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One” is the central part of each morning and evening service and probably the single most important sentence in the liturgy. It is not a prayer but an affirmation. The Amidah – a series of prayers recited while standing in silent meditation. On the Sabbath, these praise God for the rest enjoyed. The Amidah – a series of prayers recited while standing in silent meditation. On the Sabbath, these praise God for the rest enjoyed. The Torah Service – After the Amidah, a transition to Torah study is made. Primary text is from the Pentateuch. The Torah is removed from the ark and carried around the synagogue. Many male members kiss it as it is carried. The Torah Service – After the Amidah, a transition to Torah study is made. Primary text is from the Pentateuch. The Torah is removed from the ark and carried around the synagogue. Many male members kiss it as it is carried. The Torah Blessings – On the Sabbath, the weekly Torah is read in seven parts, with a different member reading each part. Afterward, two people lift up and wrap the scroll symbolizing the Torah is an open book for all. The Torah Blessings – On the Sabbath, the weekly Torah is read in seven parts, with a different member reading each part. Afterward, two people lift up and wrap the scroll symbolizing the Torah is an open book for all. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

13. World Religions - Judaism An Orthodox Synagogue Service An Orthodox Synagogue Service The Haftarah – Once the Torah has been removed, a selection from the prophets is read reflecting a theme found in the Torah reading. The Haftarah – Once the Torah has been removed, a selection from the prophets is read reflecting a theme found in the Torah reading. Mussaf – An additional service at the end recites the Amidah again. Mussaf – An additional service at the end recites the Amidah again. Mourner’s Kaddish – This Aramaic prayer recited by those who have suffered a loss or remembering the anniversary of a loss by pledging continued commitment to God. Mourner’s Kaddish – This Aramaic prayer recited by those who have suffered a loss or remembering the anniversary of a loss by pledging continued commitment to God. Kiddush – This is a blessing recited over bread and wine to sanctify the day. Afterward, everyone is invited to share a festive luncheon. Kiddush – This is a blessing recited over bread and wine to sanctify the day. Afterward, everyone is invited to share a festive luncheon. A Bar / Bat Mitzvah means “son / daughter of the commandment.” Celebration that signifies the beginning of adult Jewish life and acceptance of the responsibilities to oneself, one’s family, and one’s community. A Bar / Bat Mitzvah means “son / daughter of the commandment.” Celebration that signifies the beginning of adult Jewish life and acceptance of the responsibilities to oneself, one’s family, and one’s community. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

14. World Religions - Judaism Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

15. World Religions - Judaism Conservative Judaism – Primarily a reaction to the perceived excesses of Reform in the late 1800s. Designed to conserve Jewish traditions. Conservative Judaism – Primarily a reaction to the perceived excesses of Reform in the late 1800s. Designed to conserve Jewish traditions. Torah and Talmud must be followed. Zionism, the movement to establish a Jewish homeland, is important. Halakah has always evolved to meet the changing needs of Jewish society. Feeling is that orthodox views don’t change as much as needed. Torah and Talmud must be followed. Zionism, the movement to establish a Jewish homeland, is important. Halakah has always evolved to meet the changing needs of Jewish society. Feeling is that orthodox views don’t change as much as needed. Most parts of the synagogue service is in Hebrew. Men wear yarmulkes. Most parts of the synagogue service is in Hebrew. Men wear yarmulkes. Members are encouraged to observe kosher food laws, the Sabbath, and holidays. Members are encouraged to observe kosher food laws, the Sabbath, and holidays. Women fill leading roles in the congregation and, starting in 1985, can be ordained as rabbis. Women fill leading roles in the congregation and, starting in 1985, can be ordained as rabbis. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

16. World Religions - Judaism Conservative Judaism – Conservative Judaism maintains that the truths found in Jewish scriptures and other Jewish writings come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism – Conservative Judaism maintains that the truths found in Jewish scriptures and other Jewish writings come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakah, but believes that the Law should change and adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism’s values. The idea of flexibility is deeply rooted in Conservative Judaism. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakah, but believes that the Law should change and adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism’s values. The idea of flexibility is deeply rooted in Conservative Judaism. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

17. World Religions - Judaism Conservative Judaism – Core values Conservative Judaism – Core values The Centrality of Modern Israel The Centrality of Modern Israel Hebrew: The Irreplaceable Language of Jewish Expression Hebrew: The Irreplaceable Language of Jewish Expression Devotion to the Ideal of Klal Yisrael (the whole community) Devotion to the Ideal of Klal Yisrael (the whole community) The Defining Role of Torah in the Reshaping of Judaism The Defining Role of Torah in the Reshaping of Judaism The Study of Torah The Study of Torah The Governance of Jewish Life by Halakah The Governance of Jewish Life by Halakah Belief in God Belief in God Torah and Mitzvot Torah and Mitzvot Tolerance and Pluralism Tolerance and Pluralism Zionism Zionism Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

18. World Religions - Judaism Orthodox Jews believe that God gave Moses the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding upon Jews. Orthodox Jews believe that God gave Moses the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding upon Jews. Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society. Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Hasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws and do not integrate into modern society by dressing distinctively and living separately. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Hasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws and do not integrate into modern society by dressing distinctively and living separately. About 10% of Jewish people in America About 10% of Jewish people in America Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

19. World Religions - Judaism Conservative Judaism maintains that the ideas in the Torah come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), but believes that the Law should adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism's values. Conservative Judaism maintains that the ideas in the Torah come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), but believes that the Law should adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism's values. About 26% of Jewish people in America About 26% of Jewish people in America Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

20. World Religions - Judaism Reform Judaism believes that the Torah was written by different human sources, rather than by God, and then later combined. While Reform Judaism does not accept the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), the movement does retain much of the values and ethics of Judaism as well as some of the practices and culture. Reform Judaism believes that the Torah was written by different human sources, rather than by God, and then later combined. While Reform Judaism does not accept the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), the movement does retain much of the values and ethics of Judaism as well as some of the practices and culture. About 35% of Jewish people in America About 35% of Jewish people in America Remaining 29% of total are not religious Remaining 29% of total are not religious These are estimates of course. These are estimates of course. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ

21. World Religions - Judaism Overall observations Overall observations Great emphasis upon remembering those who were sick or hurting Great emphasis upon remembering those who were sick or hurting Great emphasis on those who had died by remembering them during the Jewish month in which they had died. Great emphasis on those who had died by remembering them during the Jewish month in which they had died. Very friendly. Very friendly. See you next week. See you next week. Spring 2011 Crieve Hall church of Christ