SOR II HSC Course - Judaism Notes

Judaism
Marriage
Describe ONE significant practice within Judaism	Kiddushin – The marriage ceremony itself. Known as the sanctification or the dedication (to God and their partner) Tennaim – The conditions of the wedding usually set by the family. This is a contract Ketubah – The marriage contract that is written and signed, usually in protection of the woman to ensure she is safe should the marriage breakdown. Bedeken – The veiling of the bride by the groom (to ensure they are married the right person, symbolic of when Jacob tried to marry Rebecca but married Leah) Chuppah – Cloth used as a canopy as a symbolic home of the new couple while the wedding is underway Circling the groom – seven times, idea of Sabbath, and the woman protecting the house as a light Sheva Brachot – Seven blessings recited by a rabbi or person honoured by the family Yichud – Breaking of the fast in a locked room with one another Mechitzah – the separation of men and women during dancing within the reception.
Demonstrate how this practice expresses the beliefs of Judaism	One god - The idea of a singular god is shown through the Sheva Brachot, which is the seven blessings read in all variants. It shows a commitment to God, and room for God within a marriage, and even though the blessings may not all be read within Progressive Judaism, the intent to include and worship God is still evident. Moral law - The three variants all have different ways in which the belief of moral law (613 Mitzvot) can be carried out through the practice of marriage. Orthodox judaism allows for all the Mitzvot to be withheld in order to live a life with christ through a ceremony which follows the traditional format, as does conservative judaism, while relaxing some of the mitzvot, such as allowing interfaith marriages, which is against one of the Mitzvot. Finally, progressive judaism Allows a pathway for the Mitzvot to be followed in a more contemporary way, as seen in the exclusion of some steps of Jewish marriage, such as having a shortened Sheva Brachot. Covenant - Covenant is explored through marriage in all three variants as a way of sharing the covenant with another human being, as marriage is deemed necessary to be able to follow the mitzvot and uphold the covenant.
Analyse the significance of this practice for both the individual and the Jewish community	The Jewish rite of marriage structures the lives of the couple and assigns clear roles to each partner. When a couple divorce, both husband and wife are then issues with a release, stating that their marriage is terminated and that each is free to marry again. Marriage is regarded as a way to holiness. It is seen from the very beginning that it is God's design that there are male and female and that a man should cherish a woman in an intimate relationship. Marriage means identification within Judaism and with the Jewish community. It helps the couple understand more clearly the central beliefs of Judaism. The couple are responsible for continuing the Jewish nation by starting a family. The rite of marriage elevates the mundane to the supernatural and is a means of contact with god, who is present in the ceremony. It is a process of both spiritual and physical transformation taking the couple to a higher physical existence. The marriage ceremony is a public rite and reaffirms the beliefs and rituals to the entire Jewish community. The betrothal process further binds the Jewish community as it brings two families in union. “A wife shall honour her husband” – Maim. Yed, Ishut 15:20 - individual, role of wife. “Be fruitful and multiply, Genesis 1:27-28 - Individual fulfillment of commandments
Environmental Ethics
Describe and explain Jewish ethical teachings environmental ethics.	Stewardship Tikkum Olam God’s creation of everything / image of God Which laws come from them? Bal-Tashchit - No wanton destruction Issues - Deforestation, Mining, Animal culling, Polluting, Animal testing, Chemical warfare, Acid rain, Noise, smell, air and water pollution Jewish Perspective:  Preservation of all life's most important, Humans are co-partners with God in caring for creation i.e. they are stewards of the earth, I should imitate God in all of my actions (act in holiness) Sacred texts/Writings - “If you besiege a town for a long time making war against it in order to take it, you must not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them.” Deuteronomy 20:19 Shemitah - Sustainable farming (7 Year rest) [ONLY APPLICABLE IN THE HOLY LAND] → Mitzvot Reasons: Replenishing the earth Stewardship Seven days of creation Issues: Deforestation and over clearing, Land degradation due to urban expansion, Overgrazing is an issue which can lead the land barren and vulnerable to erosion. Jewish Perspective:  Ethical teachings → specific teachings addressing specific ethical situations or behaviour “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” (Psalm 24:1) The role of mankind is to enhance the world as “co-partners of God in the work of creation.” (Talmud tractate Shabbat 10a). Midrash shows us that we are co-equal responsible for God’s creations Sacred Texts/Writings: Migrash - Greenbelts Reasons: Aesthetics (peace and remembering God’s creation) Providing spaces for fruits and vegetables to grow Repairing the person (soul and self) Repairing the place (environment) Repairing the animals Repairing the food Issues: Land allocation, Urban planning, Pollution, Waste, Overpopulation, Urbanisation, Deforestation (Green belts surrounding cities) Jewish Perspective: Our lives are not ours - they belong to God, Preservation of all life's most important, Humans are co-partners with God in caring for creation i.e. they are stewards of the earth, Human beings should view their place in creation with love and awe, Environmental Justice is a Jewish value. Sacred Texts/Writings: Creation of ‘greenbelts’ around cities (Numbers 35:4) For your sake, I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy my world; for if you do, there will be no-one else to repair it.” (Rabbinical reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:13). The Torah orders the creation of green belts around cities Numbers 35:3-5 The laws against grafting diverse seeds and cross breeding animal species Leviticus 19:19 Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim - Pain of animals Issues: Animal testing by cosmetic and cleaning products/chemical industry, Deforestation (destruction of habitats e.g. palm oil),Palm oil harvesting → destruction of the habitat of orangutans, Abattoirs, Hunting for sport and recreation, Dairy industry → agriculture → Ultra Orthodox Jews do not eat cheese burgers as it is a symbol of the mother suffering the death of her child, Puppy farms → pet shop animals (breeding practices), Greyhound racing industry, Horse racing industry (Melbourne Cup) Jewish Perspective: That all life must be preserved and protected as they are creations of God. This includes protecting animals from unnecessary pain and suffering at the hands of humans. (Link to Bal Tashchit) Sacred Texts/Writings: The pain of animals. (Deuteronomy 22:6-7; Leviticus 22:28) “Do not slaughter a cow or a sheep and its young on the same day.”  Leviticus 22:28 “If you happen to come upon a bird’s nest along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” Deuteronomy 22:6-7 “The righteous care for the needs of their animals…” Proverbs 12:10 “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest.” Exodus 23:12 NOTE: The areas are used to support the teachings
Significant Person
Explain the contribution to the development and expression of Judaism of ONE significant person OR school of thought, other than Abraham or Moses	Significant Person: Abraham Joshua Heschel Links to Martin Luther King Greatest American religious figure Theologian, Rabbi, activist and mystic, philosopher, civil rights activist “Praying with my legs” Was at the Selma march - lead the Selma March Experienced the Holocaust - Hitler used words Was against the vietnam war - it was televised God participates in human suffering Published over 18 books and 114 essays Fought anti-semitism Nihilism - the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless. Controversial speaker “The purpose of prayer is to pray, to sing, to chant” → not to demand Prayer began with a sense of poetry “Every word has power” Religion isn’t there to give you answers, you are to face your own challenges → wouldn't trust any man who said they have all the answers because that is impossible Through cruelty there is potential for good We are made in the image of God is something that is taught, but that isn’t true as no one is allowed to be made in the image of God. It’s a sin to make an image of God, but we are called to be an image of God “To be so in awe of every aspect of the world and it’s creator, but one can not help but do one's part to make out the best it can be” Radical Amazement - being able to appreciate the beauty that is life, not only in it’s natural environment but in it’s minds and advancements Ineffable - too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words Wonderment with God “The world in itself is so fantastically mysterious” “Every little deed counts, every word has power and we can all do our little share to redeem the world” Class Notes - Radical Amazement → Jewish prayer, spirituality, connection to environment expression Social Action → Mitzvot, deeds not just words  development Renew faith in Jew’s → improving status of Jews/anti-semitism  development Renewer of faith after holocaust → through prayer and devotion Prophets = articulated Renew theology and philosophy in Judaism in his writings
The effect of that person OR school of thought on Judaism	Impact on Judaism: To give Jews a way to come back to the faith after the Holocaust [RENEWING their faith] Seeing Jewish people take a stance → the way that the world perceives Judaism through him and his impact A difference in the way people approach aspects of their faith → celebration of Shabbat, prayer, engagement in social activism Reinforcement of some of the things that were important to the Jewish faith Strong = noticeable difference (do NOT use) To what extent? Heschel hasn’t made a new way of being Jewish → he made slight tweaks and emphasises on things that were pre-existing Name at least 3 books = The Prophets (1962) → got him interested in social justice/activism while also influencing his beliefs about prayer, The Sabbath (1951), Torah from Heaven in the mirror of generations (1962) Man Is Not Alone: A Philosophy of Religion (1951) God in Search of Man: A Philosophy of Judaism (1955) Analyse impact on Judaism Renewer / Revitalised Of faith of Jews Through prayer and devotion → RADICAL AMAZEMENT Addressed contemporary issues War Racism Holocaust Loss of faith → NIHILISM Philosopher Poet Social activist Interfaith → incredibly revered and respected by Muslims, Jews, Protestants, Catholics that he interacted with every day Civil rights Prayer “Shabbath” It’s not enough to believe in God, we have to do something about it
QUOTES	“God is either the father of all men, or of no men” “I asked for Wonder” “We are called upon to be the image of God -> to represent the divine and be a reminder of the presence of God.” “Live life as if it were a work of art” “Cultivate the humanity of men’ “God is absent or invisible so the task of men is to be the representation of God in the world” “You talk about human rights but you should also talk about human obligations” “Prayer will not save us, the purpose of prayer is to make us worthy of being saved” “The purpose of scholarship of theology is self understanding. The thought must lead to the deed and the idea of activity”

Summary of Ethical Principles:

• Stewards of the earth
• Property is  a sacred trust given by God; people have custodial care of the earth, as opposed to ownership

Ethical teachings relating to the environment (LAWS)	Issues	Jewish Perspective (Generalised)	Specific Variants	Sacred texts/writings (Talmud, Torah, Tanach, rabbinical writings) relevant to the issue
Bal-Tashchit No wanton destruction.	Deforestation Mining Animal culling Polluting Animal testing Chemical warfare Acid rain Noise, smell, air and water pollution	- Preservation of all life's most important - Humans are co-partners with God in caring for creation i.e. they are stewards of the earth - I should imitate God in all of my actions (act in holiness)	Progressive Conservative Orthadox	If you besiege a town for a long time making war against it in order to take it, you must not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them. Deuteronomy 20:19
Shemitah This principle relates to having sustainable agricultural practices to ensure that the lands resources are not overtaxed as well as to ensure that the land/environment remains fertile and productive for the future. To complete this principle, Jews are required to let the fields rest (fallow) on every seventh year.	Deforestation and over clearing Land degradation due to urban expansion Overgrazing is an issue which can lead the land barren and vulnerable to erosion	- Ethical teachings → specific teachings addressing specific ethical situations or behaviour - “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” (Psalm 24:1) - The role of mankind is to enhance the world as “co-partners of God in the work of creation.” (Talmud tractate Shabbat 10a). - Midrash shows us that we are co-equal responsible for God’s creations	Progressive Conservative Orthadox	“But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord” (Leviticus 25: 1-7) “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. … On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” (Exodus 20:8-11)
Migrash Creation of ‘greenbelts’ around cities.	When it comes to issues of land and its allocation, alongside the agricultural questions about food and land as a productive resource, more modern issues are dealt with under “urban planning”. Overpopulation of cities leading to greater concentration of pollution and waste Urbanisation Deforestation (green belts ensure there is enough pasture and greenland for agriculture, flora and fauna to live) Key in protection of natural and semi-natural environment as well as a retreat for wildlife         .	- Our lives are not ours- they belong to God - Preservation of all life's most important - Humans are co-partners with God in caring for creation i.e. they are stewards of the earth - Human beings should view their place in creation with love and awe - Environmental Justice is a Jewish value	Progressive Conservative Orthadox	Creation of ‘greenbelts’ around cities (Numbers 35:4) For your sake, I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy my world; for if you do, there will be no-one else to repair it.” (Rabbinical reflection on Ecclesiastes 7:13). The Torah orders the creation of green belts around cities Numbers 35:3-5 The laws against grafting diverse seeds and cross breeding animal species Leviticus 19:19
Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim The pain of animals.	Animal testing by cosmetic and cleaning products/chemical industry Deforestation (destruction of habitats e.g. palm oil) Palm oil harvesting → destruction of the habitat of orangutans Abattoirs Hunting for sport and recreation Dairy industry → agriculture → Ultra Orthodox Jews do not eat cheese burgers as it is a symbol of the mother suffering the death of her child. Puppy farms → pet shop animals (breeding practices) Greyhound racing industry Horse racing industry (Melbourne Cup)	That all life must be preserved and protected as they are creations of God. This includes protecting animals from unnecessary pain and suffering at the hands of humans. *links with Bal Tashchit*	Progressive Conservative Orthadox	The pain of animals. (Deuteronomy 22:6-7; Leviticus 22:28) “Do not slaughter a cow or a sheep and its young on the same day.”  Leviticus 22:28 “If you happen to come upon a bird’s nest along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” Deuteronomy 22:6-7 “The righteous care for the needs of their animals…” Proverbs 12:10 “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest.” Exodus 23:12

c. Madison F and Alison L