Reference no: EM132318672

Chapter 3: Judaism

Assignment two parts:

Part One: Answer one of the following topics, based on the reading at least 300 words,

1. Discuss some of the characteristics of the new "Judaism of Holocaust and Redemption."

2. Why did the Pharisees emerge as the new leaders and help Jews forge a new identity after the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E.?

3. Briefly describe the Hasidic movement and explain the difference it made for the acceptance of Jewish mysticism.

4. Discuss the origins of Zionism.

Part Two: respond to AT LEAST two posts after you post your own paragraph to get full credit at least 100 words, 

Post 1

Hasidim is a movement that emerged in eastern Europe during the 18th century. A man that followers called The Besht became widely followed and considered a model of the righteous man. He started by traveling around eastern Europe selling herbs, preforming exorcisms and giving spiritual advice, urging his disciples to develop their own personal relationship with God. He did not lecture on Jewish principles. There was a "resurgence of interest in Jewish mysticism (MJL, 2002)" and this is when Hasidic Judaism arose. Hasidim was an alternative to the more formal Jewish practice. Those who practiced seeked a direct experience with God which was conducted through prayers and rituals. This was different than the traditional "Talmudic study: namely, devotion and prayer (Esposito, 208, pg. 98)." Many Rabbis originally opposed the Hasidic movement because they didn't want a divide between the two and were afraid this was going to be another "false messianic movement (BimBam, 2018)." Many bans were made against the Hasidim movement, but this is when it continued to grow. Hasidim helped the community a lot- became spiritual guides, promoted prayer, created books for learning, etc. After the Hasidim proved that they were part of the community, the Rabbis were not as opposed as they were before. The Hasidic movement made mysticism able to be accessible and practical for every person.

Comment:

Post 2

Question 2. Why did the Pharisees emerge as the new leaders and help Jews forge a new identity after the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E.?

According to Esposito from to the World Religions Today textbook on page 81, there were three reasons why the Pharisees emerged as the new leaders and help Jews create their new identity. The first reason was because the Pharisees were politically neutral during the time period leading up to the destruction of the temple. This was appealing to the Romans. The Pharisees were not biased or against the Romans as the Zealots were, so they were a good option to become their leader. Secondly, the Pharisees practiced and taught at the synagogue, so they were comprehensive in the Roman/Jewish religion. Finally, since the Pharisees practiced "oral tradition" the people who supported this religion had, "flexibility to interpret the requirements of Jewish life in changing circumstances" (Esposito 81). Essentially, the Pharisees changed some of the practices and rituals from the past. They, "transferred the priestly rituals from the temple cult to a system of ethics" (Esposito 82). There are other examples of how the Pharisees reformed this religion to become a better version of itself, and they encouraged, "Jews to love God above all and their neighbor as themselves" (Esposito 82). The Pharisees were a great fit to help the Jews refocus and establish a new identity to be better understood.

Comment:

Attachment:- Lecture Outline.rar