I assume most of you will be working on papers and won't have any time for blog entries today (Thursday). If you do get a chance, you might read through the various post-Tanakh Jewish writings on pp. 213-225 of the Novak anthology. What do you see here that helps explain Judaisms ability to hold its own as a "world" religion?
When Mr. Wiesel comments: for a Jew to believe in God is good. For a Jew to protest against God is still good. But simply to ignore God--that is not good. This is seems a good reason why is holds its own in the religious world. You are able to question, discuss,and be angry. All these human emotions are ok and even welcomed. But to have no feeling, to be indifferent isn't right. That is not part of the religion. As human beings we like to question. We usually get mad. We come back to the liking. We are seldom indifferent. This gives Judaism the ability to appeal to human nature.
ReplyDeleteEven before the Temple was destroyed Judaism had evolved to the point that it could survive anywhere. The emphasis on Torah study kept the religion alive and vital. True there weren’t any new books in the Torah but the study of how the existing books related to the various times, places, and situations that the people were living ensured a continuous examination of everything.
ReplyDeleteIn Europe the Christian nations often forced Jews to live in their own communities which helped forge a cultural identity that was tied directly to the religious identity. This cross-linked identity allowed the Jewish communities to survive the most horrid conditions, pogroms, and expulsions. When improved conditions allowed, these kernels brought forth vibrant communities that flourished as centers of learning and Jewish culture – well until the next round of persecutions started.
I didn't do the readings...yet, but I wanted to share a link to a quick video that I show my students (geography class).
ReplyDeleteIsrael - 4 Minute History
http://youtu.be/KGs75M5LpPc
Obviously its not as detailed, but it covers some of the material from todays lecture.
-John Vogel
I liked the explanation of the Sabbath as freedom(p222). From time to time as a tennis player I have run into someone who couldn't play on a certain day because of the sabbath. At the time I thought it was odd, because tennis is not work (not the Park & Rec kind I play). But now I see that even though "they may be having a good time...but the mental and emotional and physical rest, the tranquility of mind and soul--this he doesn't have."
DeleteI think a understanding of the sabbath, would aid their standing as a world religion.
I also think a good sense of humor is important, and Grace notes #32, shows this. "Why was man created on the sixth day? So that, should he become overbearing, he can be told:"The gnat was created before you were."
At Judgment Day everyone will have to give account for every good thing which he might have enjoyed and did not enjoy. Most religions we have studied so far have a day of judgment or at least have a way to make people responsible for their actions. Some choose this earthy life and others another plane of existence, but everyone of them make you answer.
ReplyDeleteI was found of the passage, “Why was man created on the 6th day, So that, should he become overbearing, he can be told: 'The gnat was created before you were.'” Nothing like being put in your place during the creation story. This should have some universal appeal to the world though, living harmoniously with the environment around you, should be a more popular concept at this time as every
Diaspora
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I couldn’t get John’s link to work, but I shall go another direction.
#35 In Einstein’s writing I found, at least for me, a reason why Judaism may have that enduring and world religion quality. “For the life of the individual has meaning only in the service of enhancing and ennobling the life of every living thing. Life is holy; i.e., it is the highest worth on which all other values depend…”
The idea of service; almost an obligation to service for God and for all, ennobles this great religion of thought and art and dedication to the world which God in creation called, “Good.”
I remember the story of a rabbi who, when he would leave his synagogue, would always take a pocket full of quarters with him. The poor, of course, were always lined up there on the sidewalk for when he would appear and fit them with his donation. One day a member of his congregation was walking with him and chastised him for his wasting his money, “Rabbi,“ he said, “you know some of these people will only take your money and waste it on booze!”
The rabbi replied, “The bad behavior of some does not stop my need to help them all.”
As a side bar of Martin Luther King’s speech
Just the other day I heard an interview with one of the persons on the dais that day when he was delivering this carefully crafted oration. The Reverend Dr. King supposedly saw his grand speech was not having the desired effect on the huge Lincoln Memorial audience, so he paused, his eyes turned spirit moved, he gripped the podium soundly, and began the most memorable part of the discourse…. This woman maintained as he began extemporizing, “These folks don’t know it, but they’ve just gone to church!”
I think that one thing that has helped to make Judaism a world religion is the resilience of it's people. Time and time again they get knocked down and get back up again.
ReplyDeleteI also think one thing that has helped them is that their religion is monotheistic. Only having one God to go to for ethics and teachings makes things a lot easier and a lot more consistent.
Take Hosea 11. In it we see that God will show compassion to the people even after the spurn and are ingrateful to God. God will let them be conquered, but only so they will relearn what it is to be faithful to God. God says in Hosea 11.8-9: "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath."
ReplyDeleteTough choices, but to me a blanket statement connecting ALL life seems to fit the bill that would open Judaism to many as a fair, righteous, and equalizing religion which can survive many things and result in a world religion. "30. All Life Is Linked in God: Everything is linked with everything else down to the lowest ring on the chain, and the true essence og God is above as well as below, in the Heavens and on the Earth, and nothing exists outside Him" (pg217).
ReplyDelete