Religious Practices 2 Flashcards
What do Hasidic Jews believe about the mitzvot?
Rigid obedience is required at all times to preserve the covenant relationship and Jewish identity
What do Hasidic Jews believe about the duty to be joyful?
The world should be a true source of pleasure as was created by God
What do Hasidic Jews believe about mystical tradition?
Religious and mystical experience is emphasised over study, every mitzvah reveals a truth about the upper world
What do Hasidic Jews believe regarding devekut?
God must be kept constantly in the mind and every human activity is a holy act
What is particular about Hasidic communities?
They are closed and tight-knit, emphasis on matrilineal descent and large families
What was the Haskalah?
Period of Jewish enlightenment in the 18th century, looking to bring Judaism into mainstream European culture
What was the Haskalah responsible for?
Preserving Talmudic study and traditional values on the background of fragmented denominations
What is believed about the rebbe?
They have reached the highest level of devekut and so are spiritually superior
What is a tzaddik?
Another name for a rebbe - means ‘righteous one’
What are 3 qualities of a rebbe?
- inherited the role, from father to son
- knowledgeable in all traditions
- pious and observant
What is the role of the rebbe? (3)
- teach, preach and train disciples
- hold power over marriages and charity organisations
- man’s representative to God
What is a kvitel?
A note containing a petitionary prayer which is given to the rebbe
What is a tish?
A gathering of Hasidim around a rebbe’s table
What happens at a tish?
The rebbe is served a large portion of food, from which he takes a small amount. The remainder is divided among the devotees and is believed to have healing powers
What is evidence of the high regard of the rebbe within the community?
He will often be imitated
What was the Hasidic movement?
Religious movement in 18th century Poland attempting to revive the faith from intellectual and inaccessible practices
What caused the Hasidic movement?
The persecution of Jews as scapegoats for Poland’s failing economy
Who was the Baal Shem Tov and what were his dates?
Israel Ben Eliezer 1700-1760
What does Baal Shem Tov mean?
Master of the Good Name
What is Shamanism?
Intermediation between natural and supernatural worlds, tradition from which the BST emerged
What are 3 characteristics of Hasidic behaviour?
- pious
- mystical
- ascetic
What was the significance of the Baal Shem Tov?
Charismatic man who presented the presence of God in all creation and brought an emphasis away from scripture to the concepts of sincerity and love
What do Hasidic Jews believe about prayer?
It is instrumental in achieving attachment and a state of oneness with God, all life is an extension of the hour of prayer
What did the Baal Shem Tov believe about Kavvanah in prayer?
One should believe before beginning to pray though one is willing to die through concentration in prayer
What does Hasidism believe about prayer times and liturgy?
The requirement to pray at certain times is an obstacle to kavvanah, people should pray when they feel ready to do so
What characterises Hasidic prayer?
Great joy, dancing and ecstatic movement - BST often seized with tremors
What are Nigunim?
Wordless melodies providing a musical path to God that transcends language
Which innovations did the Baal Shem Tov apparently add to the Friday service?
Psalms 107 and 23
What is the Nusach Sefard?
A blend of Ashkenazi and Sephardic liturgies based on Kabbalic innovations of Rabbi Luria
What language to Hasidic Jews recite prayers and psalms in and why?
Ashkenazi Hebrew - refers to the Yiddish dialects of the places from which Hasidism originated
Who were the Mitnagdim?
Opponents of Hasidism, denouncing it heretical due to its revolutionary nature
Who was the Vilna Gaon and what did he do?
Renowned rabbinic scholar - issued a ban of excommunication against the Hasidim in 1772
Who was the Hasidic leader and how did he respond to the Vilna Gaon?
Rabbi Dov Baer - forbade his followers to enter into conflict with the Mitnagdim
How did the Orthodox community of Vilna oppose the Hasidim?
Denounced them to the Russian Government, leading to the imprisonment of several Hasidic leaders
Where was the Hasidic movement eventually granted recognition?
Russia and Austria
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells which may specialise into any type of body cell - can be used to replace damaged or diseased cells
Where are stem cells found?
Embryos, umbilical cords, bone marrow etc.
What is the principle of pikuach nefesh?
Preservation of life overrides any other teaching
What did Daniel Eisenberg write?
‘Stem Cell Research in Jewish Law’
When is IVF acceptable in rabbinic literature?
As long as the husband’s sperm is used, fulfils the duty of procreation
How do some Jews argue that it is permissible to extrapolate stem cells from/discard pre-embryos?
Some Jewish law suggests that, before 40 days of gestation, the foetus lacks humanity
What does Rabbi Elliot Dorff argue about stem cell research?
Embryos which stay outside the womb have no chance to become children - therefore it is a mitzvah to use these for research
What does Eisenburg conclude on embryo research?
It is permitted bedieved, once the embryo exists, but the creation of embryos with the intention to destroy them is forbidden
What does bedieved mean?
Done just as well enough to fulfil a need or duty
What is a Rashim?
Legal scholar whose job it is to decide Halakhah in cases where other authorities are undecided
What is somatic cell nuclear transfer?
The nucleus of a body cell (soma) is transferred to an egg that has had its own nucleus removed. The fertilised egg develops in to a blastocyst with almost 100% identical DNA to the original organism
What is the use of SCNT? (2)
- reproductive cloning
- production of human embryos used to collect stem cells
What is the use of collecting human stem cells via SCNT?
Therapeutic cloning - research and regenerative medicine
What does Dorff argue about SCNT?
Links it to responsible dominion over nature, that God gave humans a positive commandment to master the world
What is pre-implantation genetic screening?
The screening of embryos during IVF so only healthy embryos are implanted - searches for genetic conditions
What is Tay-Sachs disease?
Genetic condition causing progressive damage to the nervous system, usually fatal. Especially prevalent in Jewish communities of Ashkenazi descent
What does Silber believe about PGS?
It presents no moral risk as occurs before ensoulment
What does Wright point to in the Talmud concerning genetic disease?
A ruling which states that a man may not marry a woman whose family members suffer from epilepsy or leprosy
Why are Jews opposed to selection of embryos for ‘designer baby’ purposes?
Links to eugenics
What does Rabbi Rosenfield argue about stem cell ethics?
No process invisible to the human eye can be considered ritually unclean
Who is Rabbi Bleich?
Professor of Jewish Law and Ethics at Yeshiva university
What is Bleich’s view on stem cell research and why?
Generally opposed as it is tantamount to killing the embryo
Why is Bleich opposed to sourcing stem cells from aborted foetuses?
He believes this would put pressure on women to go through with abortion
When does Bleich accept stem cell research? (2)
- when embryos have been created via parthenogenesis because the embryos created aren’t viable
- embryos from IVF that would otherwise be discarded
Who is Rabbi Tendler?
Expert in Jewish medical ethics
What did Rabbi Tendler call stem-cell research?
The ‘hope of mankind’
When does Tendler believe ensoulment occurs?
40 days
Who is Professor Clare Blackburn?
Professor of Tissue Stem Biology at the Medical Research Council Centre of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh
What is the thymus?
A gland which plays an important role in the development of the immune system
What is Blackburn’s key interest?
Using stem cells to develop a mature thymus or boost thymus function
What did Blackburn achieve in 2014?
Grew a fully-functioning thymus from lab created cells, on a mouse
How may thymus and stem cell research be beneficial?
Strengthen the human immune system against infection
What is Kabbalah?
Jewish mystical tradition, aiming to experience the divine nature and presence of God
What are Alexander’s 3 characteristics of Kabbalah?
- Personal and intimate communion with God
- Seeking communion using emotive symbols and imagery
- Discovering hidden truths
What are the origins of Kabbalah?
In the 13th century, Jewish esoterics emerged in Spain, France and Italy claiming possession of a secret tradition from Sinai revealing the meaning of scripture
What does Hagiga 2:1 of the Mishnah declare in relation to esotericism?
It is forbidden to discuss:
a. Genesis chapters discussing creation
b. Book of Ezekiel chapters discussing visions of the celestial chariot
in public
What is the Talmudic story of the 4 sages which highlights the dangers of kabbalah?
Four Rabbis enter a pardes (royal garden).
1. Dies from intoxication of the experience
2. Goes mad as cannot absorb the experience
3. Destroys the plants after seeing a vision
4. Departed in peace as did not demand to understand the mysteries he witnessed
What is the purpose of kabbalic meditation?
Achieving an understanding of hidden truths and taking control of the mind
What did Abraham Abulafia teach in reference to meditation?
Our awareness of hidden things is hindered by out daily thoughts and perceptions -meditation can remove such obstacles
How did Abulafia believe meditation should be done? (3)
- set oneself apart from others
- breathing exercises
- clean garments
How does ‘The Sword of Moses’ reference magic?
Lists hundreds of magical incantations and procedures, such as love potions
What is a golem?
An artificially created human being brought to life by magic - Talmud says Adam was initially a golem
What does the Sefer Yezirah contain in regard to golems?
Instructions for their creation, says the figure will only be a mental image, allowing one to transport oneself into the divine realm
According to Dan, what does the golem highlight about Kabbalah?
How it may be both beneficial and sinister
How is visualisation used in Kabbalah?
Rabbi David said one should visualise the colour of the sefirot instead of the sefirot itself - art in the mind
According to Freedman, what happened to the sefirot during the 7 days of creation?
Only 7 descended, the first 3 remained in the heaven. Therefore our bodies are not necessarily synchronised with our mind
What is the purpose of tefillin in Kabbalah?
Heal the rift between the mind and the heart
What is the purpose of the mitzvot in kabbalah?
Focus for meditation, represent the contact point between a person and God
How does Unterman describe how the mystical meaning of the mitzvah may be discovered?
They must be preceded by a benediction and a short prayer or meditation
What is a benediction?
A short supplication for divine help
What does Zohar mean?
Radiance or splendour
What is the Zohar?
The classical text of the Kabbalah, presenting mystical teachings on the Torah
What language is the Zohar?
Aramaic
What are the 3 volumes of the Zohar?
- Genesis
- Exodus
- All other books of the Torah
How does Rabbi Simeon Bar Yochai describe the Torah?
The stories of the Torah are only the outer clothing, it is a body clothed in earthly tales
What is the purpose of the Zohar?
Seeks to find a deeper meaning to life, including the purpose of creation and the nature of one’s relationship with God
Who is the authorship of the Torah attributed to?
Moses de Lyon, 13th Century Spanish Kabbalist and possibly Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai
How is the Zohar treated by some Jewish communities?
As a sacred book - some North African synagogues contain 2 arks for the Torah and the Zohar
What is the attitude toward the Zohar in mainstream Judaism?
Not fully accepted
How are the 10 sefirot depicted?
In a linked and complex figure called the Tree of Life
What are the names of the 10 Sefirot?
- Keter
- Hakhmah
- Binah
- Hesed
- Gevurah
- Tiferet
- Netzakh
- Hod
- Yesod
- Malkhut
What are the 10 sefirot?
The 10 attributes or emanations through which En Sof reveals himself and creates the physical realm
What is Keter, its name, colour and body part?
- Crown - the first stirring of the will of God to create the universe
- Ehyeh - ‘I am what I am’
- No colour
- Above the head
What is Hokhmah, its colour and body part?
- Wisdom - the first step in the process of creation
- Blue
- Right side of the brain
How does Robinson link Hokhmah and Binah?
Hokhmah is the sperm that impregnates Binah
What is Binah, its name, colour and body part?
- Understanding - brings understanding to Hokhmah and life to the other 7 sefirot
- Elohim
- Green
- Left of the brain
How are the first 3 sefirot linked?
Considered beyond human understanding - represent the most primal and mystical level of the divine world
What is Hesed, its name, colour and body part?
- Loving kindness - grace of God, calls for a loving response from the human soul
- El
- White
- Right arm
What is Gevurah, its name, colour and body part?
- Power - maintains balance between justice and mercy, paired with Hesed
- Elohim
- Red
- Left arm
What does Gevurah prevent?
The world from being overwhelmed with divine love
What is Sitra Akhra?
Force of evil, an excess of Gevurah
What is Tiferet, its association, colour and body part?
- Beauty - central beam in God’s universe, the balance between Hesed and Gevurah
- Written Torah
- Purple
- Torso
What is Netzakh, its name and body part?
- Victory, God’s active grace and benevolence in the world
- YHVH Tsva’ot
- Right leg
What is Hod, its name and body part?
- Splendour - manner in which God’s judgement shown on Earth - paired with Netzakh
- Elohim Tsva’ot
- Left leg
What is Yesod, its names and colour?
- Foundation - joining together of all cosmic forces
- El hai and El shaddai
- Orange
How are Netzakh, Hod and Yesod linked according to Green?
They are the channels through which higher energies pass to Malkhut
What is Malkhut, its name, colour and body part?
- Sovereignty - the divine presence (Shekinah), profound connection to the individual
- Adonai
- Blue/black
- Feet
What is the desire of the mystic according to Heschel?
To approach God as the world is full of signs of God’s qualities and reality
What is En Sof?
Infinifte, the idea that God is beyond the grasp of the human mind
How may the Sefirot aid experience of God according to Robinson?
God can be experienced through the sefirot which acts as filters to allow God to interact with the sensual world
What is devekut?
‘Clinging on’ - the primary goal of the mystic, achieving communion with God
Which 13th Century scholar wrote about devekut?
Isaac the Blind
What is devekut in reference to the spiritual ladder?
The highest step - only reached after the believer has mastered attitudes of fear and love of God
How do Sefirot function on the spiritual ladder?
It is possible to climb from on Sefirot to another and raise the soul from one point to the next
When is permanent devekut reached?
After death, following Messianic redemption
What is Tikkun?
‘Repair’ - devised by Isaac Luria and his followers who questioned evil in the world
What are the 2 key concepts of the Lurianic Kabbalah?
- Contraction
- The shattering of the vessels
What is the Lurianic concept of contraction?
En Sof had to bring into being an empty space in which creation to occur in order to allow free will to exist
What is the shattering of the vessels?
The divine light flowed into the empty space as Adam and the Sefirot, creating vessels. These were too fragile and shattered, causing evil to come into the world. Adam failed to bring about redemption so the responsibility was given to the Jewish people
What is Lurianic thought?
Combines the radical understanding of God and creation with a conservative attitude to observance
What is the goal of Kabbalah in Lurianic thought?
To advance Tikkun to undo the damage of the shattering
How can an individual contribute to Tikkun?
Worship, prayer and ritual
What will happen when every individual has fulfilled their own Tikkun?
The world will attain a state of cosmic harmony and the Messianic age will dawn
What 3 prayers help Tikkun according to Tishby?
- Hallelujah psalms
- ‘Creator of ministering spirits’
- Shema and Amidah
How do the Hallelujah psalms aid Tikkun?
Stimulate the forces of nature and all the created beings to praise and glorify God
How does the ‘Creator of Administering Spirits’ prayer aid Tikkun?
Can restore the intermediate world and the angels
How do the Shema and Amidah aid Tikkun?
Linked to the Tikkun of the system of Sefirot
Kabbalah - Dan
‘an additional layer of teaching’ and ‘an esoteric stratum’
Golem portrays Kabbalah as… - Dan
‘an esoteric, mysterious and powerful compendium of ancient magic’
Zohar - Dosick
‘higher truth in addition to the literal meaning of the text’
Devekut - Satlow
‘practices that lead to one’s ‘cleaving’ to the divine’
Mitzvah and tikkun - Robinson
‘raised one of the holy sparks out of the forces of evil and restores it to the upper world’
Benevolence - Baal Shem Tov
‘God loves all Jews without distinction; the greatest Torah genius and scholar and the most simple Jew are loved equally’
Ban of Excommunication 1786
‘they conduct their services in a mad and unseemly fashion, following different rituals which do not conform to the teachings of our holy law’
Rebbe - Cohn-Sherbok
‘elevate the soul of his flock to the divine realm […] possessing miraculous power to ascend to the divine realm’
Kavvanah - Dakuda
‘prayer without kavvanah is like a body without a soul’
Pikuach Nefesh - Shulchan Anikk
‘our tradition requires that we use all available knowledge to heal the ill’
Genetic therapy - Rosner
‘the main purposes of gene therapy are to cure disease, restore health, and prolong life, all goals within the physicians’ Divine licence to heal’
Ensoulment - Tendler
‘the Judeo biblical tradition does not grant moral status to an embryo before forty days of gestation’
Jewish ethical teachings are effective guides today:
- Remains true to the covenant
- Talmud remains relevant
- Principles of pikuach nefesh and tikkun olam
Jewish ethical teachings are not effective guides today:
- Outdated
- Not agreed on in denominations
- Differences like Bleich and Tendler
Pikuach Nefesh is compatible with embryo research:
- Preserves life
- Ensoulment
- Spare embryos
Pikuach Nefesh is not compatible with embryo research:
- Discarded embryos
- Create to destroy
- Abortion - Bleich
Hasidism divides Judaism:
- Heretical
- Disregards scholarship
- Rebbe vs rabbi
Hasidism does not divide Judaism:
- Maintained identity
- Inclusive
- Reform also divisive
Hasidism has helped Judaism survive:
- Revivalist
- Less educated
- Pious
Hasidism has not helped Judaism survive:
- Heretical
- Mitnagdim help more
- Reform help more
Aids to worship are valuable in Kabbalah:
- Experience of God
- Meditation deeper understanding
- Tefillin heal rift
Aids to worship are not valuable in Kabbalah:
- Tefillin in orthodox
- Magic and golems
- True experience of God is not possible
Mystical union with God is possible:
- Meditation and esotericism
- Sefirot
- Tikkun and devekut
Mystical union with God is not possible:
- God is other
- Traditional focuses on study
- Zohar and mysticism is not accepted always
