Quiz 3 Flashcards
Jewish Life under Muslims in the Medieval Period
(Medieval Judaism)
Africa, Spain, Near East
Practiced their own religion and assured security of life and property
had to pay taxes
Jewish Life under Christians in the Medieval Period
(Medieval Judaism)
Most of Europe
Some were money lenders, changing the European economy
Some were resent for being “sons of the crucifiers”
Victim to blood libels (false accusations of murdering Christian children)
Blamed for the Black Death
Fled to Poland to escape persecution, living in Diaspora
Jewish Philosophy: Maimonides
(Medieval Judaism)
Rabbi Moses ben Maimon is known as RAM RAM
Born in Cordoba, Spain, 1135
At the time of Maimonides’ birth, Cordoba was the center of Jewish life and culture.
When he was 13, the city fell to a fanatic Muslim tribe, making Cordoba no longer safe for Jews
For 12 years, he and his family lived as wandering Jews around Spain, writing his first book during these years
Settled in Fez, Morocco in 1160, ruled by the same fanatic sect
He trained in the field of theology and medicine
In 1165, he published his “Letter Concerning Apostasy”, reassuring that jews pretending to be Muslims were still Jews
Finally settling in Egypt, the Jewish community flourished
He became a physician who also provided legal and spiritual leadership to Jews
The Mishneh Torah codified Halakhah into a logical system
The Guide to the Perplexed attempted to reconcile Judaism and Aristotelian thought
The Thirteen Principles of Faith outlined his interpretation of the basic theological beliefs of Judaism
The Kabbalah: Jewish Mysticism
(Medieval Judaism)
Teaches that God can be best known with the heart through love
Does not abandon basic forms of Judaism, but observes the commandments
Hasidism
(Modern Judaism)
Means “pious”
God is immanent and emphasizes personal relationships with God, rather than the study of the Torah
Zaddik
Holy man who had a special relationship with God and is the leader of each Hasidic community
Zionism
(Modern Judaism)
Movement arising that committed to the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland, Zion/Jerusalem
Now, it refers to the general support of Israel
Anti-Semitism
Occurred when Jews faced persecution (ex. Holocaust)
The Holocaust
(Modern Judaism)
“Shoah”, meaning “mass destruction” in Hebrew
Resulted in the murder of 6 million Jews
Jews asked “How could God let something like this happen?”
The State of Israel
(Modern Judaism)
Many Jews migrated to Palestine with the rise of Zionists
Israel was granted statehood and Jews finally had a national homeland
Palestinians and Jews constantly fought for ownership
Modern Institutional Divisons
Conservative, Reform, Orthodox
Conservative Jews
(Modern Judaism)
Middle position between Reform and Orthodox
Open to change, but strict with observance of traditional Jewish practices
Liturgy spoken in Hebrew
Almost half of American Jews
Orthodox Jews
(Modern Judaism)
Torah is the standard of truth and life must conform to it
Deeply traditional, live in separate communities
1/10 of American jews
Reform Jews
(Modern Judaism)
Being Jewish and being involved in modern society are compatible
Judaism changes with society, relaxed regarding Jewish traditions
Liturgy spoken in English
1/3 of American Jews
Ethics
World is sustained by Law, service, and deeds of loving-kindness
Obligated to help the needy, shelter and feed guests, and visit the sick
Daily Worship through Prayer
Worship at home, Torah governs family relationships, mezuzah on the right of their door, meals must be proper/kosher
Many worship in synagogues, which contain the 5 books of the Torah in a box (the ark)
Synagogues are led by rabbbis
Sabbath
Sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday
Patterned after the seventh day of creation, where God rested, so Jews refrain from labour
Rosh Hashanah
Festival of the new year
Shofar is blown to remind them to reflect on past deeds, honour the need for redemption, and reinforce social relationships
Marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10 day reflection period
Yom Kippur
Days of Awe conclude with this Day of Atonement
Most important holy day
Emphasizes repentance through confession and is observed through not eating, drinking, or working
Passover
Early spring, lasts eight days
Commemorates the Exodus
Seder features a recitation of the exodus and a meal of traditional foods (Hagadah)
Purpose of the Rites of Passage
- Reflects on the inevitable changes of life
2. Defines the responsibilities of each stage of life
Birth and Naming
Circumcision for boys (sign by God when entering into the Covenant)
Naming ceremony takes place on the eighth day of their life
Coming of Age
Bar/Bat mitzvah (Son/Daughter of the Commandment)
Child takes on religious responsibilities of an adult, taking place on their 13th bday
Readings from the Torah
Orthodox Jewish girls do not observe the bat mitzvah
Marriage
Celebrates God’s creation by symbolically recreating the Garden of Eden
Bride and groom stand beneath the huppah/bridal canopy
7 blessings read over wine
Groom breaks a wine glass under his foot, representing the difficulties that come with joy
Stages of Death and Mourning
- Death to burial
- 7 days after burial
- 30 days after burial
- First anniversary of the death
First stage of Death and Mourning
Death to burial
Family rips their clothes and recite verses acknowledging God as the “true judge”
Restrained from shaving, wearing leather
Relieved from normal religious requirements
Second stage of Death and Mourning
7 days after burial
Recital of the kaddish, prayer of mourning
Community members visit family and only talk good about the departed
Third stage of Death and Mourning
30 days after burial
Most normal activities resume, but social gatherings are avoided
Fourth stage of Death and Mourning
First anniversary of the death
Mourners avoid their usual seats in the synagogue and recite the kaddish
