Judaism

Question 1

Moses Maimonides

Answer 1

1. Jewish theologian lived between 1135- 1204 through impact he is considered most important jewish philosophers of the middle ages and also impactful for his knowledge on science.

Question 2

contribution and features?

Answer 2

Main contribution through writings
- commentary on the Mishnah ‘Kitab al-Siraj
- Mishneh torah
- guide to the perplexed

Question 3

Commentary on the Mishnah ‘kitab al-siraj’ - (1158-68) features?

Answer 3

1. Systematic collection and analysis of talmud, referring as book of light.
   - thirteen principles of faith
   - eschatology
   - afterlife and ethics

Question 4

Mishneh Torah ‘Sefer Ya ha-hazaka (1180)

Answer 4

1.Topical codification of all halakhah, written in Hebrew, 14 books.
- Tzedakah and charity
- Sefer Zeraim, environmental laws

Question 5

Guide to the perplexed, Moreh Nevuchim 1190CE

Answer 5

1. Written in Arabic were in conflict with Aristotelian philosophy and jewish tradition, proving coexistence of these ideas.
   - purpose of creation
   - god and universe
   - meaning of life
   - human destiny
   - anthropomorphism

Question 6

Jewish Environmental ethics

Answer 6

1. L’ovolah ul Shomrah, to protect and serve
2. Tikkun Olam, ‘to repair the world’…

Question 7

L’ovolah ul Shomrah example - COEJL

Answer 7

• Based on stewardship and protection of earth
• partnered with other jewish councils in australia
• climate change and its impact as an action they take.

Question 8

Tikkun olam example - Nortj Sjore temple emanuel (NSTE)

Answer 8

• Australian organisation lasting 60 years based on tikkun olam, a progressive congregation.
• NSTE runs a program called jews for social action (JSA)

Question 9

Marriage key parts

Answer 9

1. Preparation stage - Features the aufruf, mikveh, fasting and yom kippur
2. Kiddushin - contemporary jewish wedding
3. Nissuin - ceremony after kiddushin

Question 10

Overview and features of jewish marriage

Answer 10

1. A religious-legal ceremony involving a ketubah (contract) by a husband and wife.
2. Chuppah, circling groom, wring, breaking glass, sheva berachot… symbolistic of key beliefs

Question 11

significance of marriage?

Answer 11

• A celebration in judaism, completing a person through uniting of marriage.
• destined, a ‘bashert’

Question 12

Fundamental principle and key beliefs

Answer 12

1. covenantal reflection - marriage is a contract
2. circling the groom - creation story

Question 13

Individual significance

Answer 13

1. New identity
2. yom kippur
3. mitzvoth observance
4. relationship with spouse’s relationship
5. Experience of marriage rituals
6. Roles and responsibilities

Question 14

significance for community

Answer 14

1. home is community unit
2. new voices
3. commitment to community
4. sense of self and identity
5. provides community of tradition