Judaism

JudaismJudaism

Religion of Religion of “Obedience to the Righteous God”“Obedience to the Righteous God”

Dr. Richard EloferDr. Richard Elofer

JudaismJudaism

• Historical Historical DevelopmentDevelopment

Founder of JudaismFounder of Judaism

• Often identifed as MosesOften identifed as Moses

• Biblically begins with AbrahamBiblically begins with Abraham

Biblical Time LineBiblical Time Line

• God’s Election of Israel RevealedGod’s Election of Israel Revealed– God in the world, Gen. 1-11God in the world, Gen. 1-11

• God to all peopleGod to all people• All people answerable to GodAll people answerable to God

– God’s election of Abraham for a chosen God’s election of Abraham for a chosen peoplepeople• A people through whom all peoples would be A people through whom all peoples would be

blessedblessed• Abraham (2100 B. C.)Abraham (2100 B. C.)• Joseph in Egypt (1900 B. C.)Joseph in Egypt (1900 B. C.)

Two CommonwealthsTwo Commonwealths

•Law given to fall of southern kingdomLaw given to fall of southern kingdom(1446 B. C. – 587 B. C.)(1446 B. C. – 587 B. C.)

•Fall of southern kingdom to Fall of southern kingdom to destruction of Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem

(586 B. C. – A. D. 70)(586 B. C. – A. D. 70)

First CommonwealthFirst Commonwealth

• Period: (1446 – 587 B. C.)Period: (1446 – 587 B. C.)– Exodus and the Law (1446 – 1406 B. C.)Exodus and the Law (1446 – 1406 B. C.)– Period of the Judges (1406 – 1050 B. C.)Period of the Judges (1406 – 1050 B. C.)– United Kingdom (1050 – 931 B. C.)United Kingdom (1050 – 931 B. C.)– Fall of the Northern Kingdom, Israel (722 Fall of the Northern Kingdom, Israel (722

B. C.)B. C.)

• Features of the First CommonwealthFeatures of the First Commonwealth– Identity as a nationIdentity as a nation– Legal codeLegal code– Worship and sacrificial systemWorship and sacrificial system

Second CommonwealthSecond Commonwealth

• Period (586 B. C. –73 C.E)Period (586 B. C. –73 C.E)– Fall of the Southern Kingdom, Judah (586 B. Fall of the Southern Kingdom, Judah (586 B.

C.)C.)– End of Exile (537 B. C.)End of Exile (537 B. C.)– Last Biblical Prophet, Malachi (440 B. C.)Last Biblical Prophet, Malachi (440 B. C.)– Conquest of Alexander the Great (332 B. C.)Conquest of Alexander the Great (332 B. C.)– Maccabean revolt (166 B. C.)Maccabean revolt (166 B. C.)– Herod the Great, Hasmonean Kingdom (37 B. Herod the Great, Hasmonean Kingdom (37 B.

C. to 4 C.E)C. to 4 C.E)– Destruction of Jerusalem (70 C.E) & Masada Destruction of Jerusalem (70 C.E) & Masada

(73 C.E)(73 C.E)

Second CommonwealthSecond Commonwealth

• Features of Second CommonwealthFeatures of Second Commonwealth– Ethnic IdentityEthnic Identity

– Legal Code: Keeping the LawLegal Code: Keeping the Law

– Devotion to GodDevotion to God

– Party Division: Pharisees, Sadducees, Party Division: Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Zelots, etc.Herodians, Zelots, etc.

– Messianic expectationMessianic expectation

Rabbinic JudaismRabbinic Judaism

–Developed after the fall of Masada by Pharisees as Developed after the fall of Masada by Pharisees as the source of Rabbisthe source of Rabbis• Emphasized in the actions not dogmaEmphasized in the actions not dogma• Today Judaism emphasizes obedience to the law, not a Today Judaism emphasizes obedience to the law, not a

personal beliefpersonal belief• The Mishnah collectedThe Mishnah collected• 136 C.E Bar Kochba rebellion put down and Jerusalem 136 C.E Bar Kochba rebellion put down and Jerusalem

razedrazed• Jews dispersed to various parts of the worldJews dispersed to various parts of the world• Jews prospered in PersiaJews prospered in Persia• When Shi’ite Islam came to Persia in 7When Shi’ite Islam came to Persia in 7thth cent. Judaism cent. Judaism

moved to Iberian Peninsulamoved to Iberian Peninsula• Further movement to EuropeFurther movement to Europe


• Talmudic Tradition to Middle AgesTalmudic Tradition to Middle Ages– Rashi (Rabbi Solomon Isaac) Rashi (Rabbi Solomon Isaac)

(1040-1105 C.E.)(1040-1105 C.E.)• Literal interpretationLiteral interpretation

– Rambam Rambam (Rabbi Moses Ben Maimonides)(Rabbi Moses Ben Maimonides)(1135-1204)(1135-1204)

• Know for his intellectual defence of Know for his intellectual defence of JudaismJudaism

– Time of the CrusadesTime of the Crusades• Begun in the 11Begun in the 11thth century century


• 1492 - Messianic Hope but Persecution 1492 - Messianic Hope but Persecution insteadinstead– Kabbalic scholars had predicted 1492 as a Kabbalic scholars had predicted 1492 as a

redemptive yearredemptive year

– Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain under Catholic rule and expelled JewsCatholic rule and expelled Jews• Many Jews settled in south-eastern Europe Many Jews settled in south-eastern Europe

under Turkish rule and lived fairly peaceful under Turkish rule and lived fairly peaceful liveslives


– Two main Jewish groupsTwo main Jewish groups• Sephardic Jews – Spanish roots, Turkish Sephardic Jews – Spanish roots, Turkish

and Arab influence, “Ladino” language, and Arab influence, “Ladino” language, Spanish dialect, Hebrew scriptSpanish dialect, Hebrew script

• Ashkenazic Jews – north and north-Ashkenazic Jews – north and north-eastern European roots. Separate from eastern European roots. Separate from Gentile Europeans. Yiddish – German Gentile Europeans. Yiddish – German with Hebrew script.with Hebrew script.

Renewal of Messianic Renewal of Messianic ExpectationExpectation

• 1717thth Century – Renewal of Messianic Century – Renewal of Messianic ExpectationExpectation

• Sabbatai ZeviSabbatai Zevi– Jews from Europe, Middle East, and North Africa Jews from Europe, Middle East, and North Africa

thought him to be the Messiahthought him to be the Messiah– Publicly proclaim by Nathan of Gaza as the Publicly proclaim by Nathan of Gaza as the

MessiahMessiah– Sabbatai went to convert the Turkish Sultan but Sabbatai went to convert the Turkish Sultan but

was converted to Islam and became a Muslimwas converted to Islam and became a Muslim– General despair among Jew over failed General despair among Jew over failed

messianic hopemessianic hope

ChasidimChasidim

• New Movements and Reinterpretation of New Movements and Reinterpretation of JudaismJudaism– ChasidismChasidism

• Eastern EuropeansEastern Europeans• Central figure – Israel ben EliezerCentral figure – Israel ben Eliezer

– Know as Baal Shem Tov (master of the good Know as Baal Shem Tov (master of the good name)name)

– Also know as BeshtAlso know as Besht– Born 1700Born 1700– Miracle worker in Eastern EuropeMiracle worker in Eastern Europe

ChasidimChasidim

• New Movements and Reinterpretation of New Movements and Reinterpretation of JudaismJudaism– ChasidismChasidism

• God is found not in study or obeying the law God is found not in study or obeying the law but found inside the person and manifested in but found inside the person and manifested in singing and dancing.singing and dancing.

– Joyful expression of God in their midst.Joyful expression of God in their midst.– New cultural forms from the 18New cultural forms from the 18thth century culture (for century culture (for

example - Amish)example - Amish)– Followed Talmudic traditionFollowed Talmudic tradition

ChasidimChasidim

• After Besht’s death, villages setup centred After Besht’s death, villages setup centred around rebbe or Tzaddik who was believed to around rebbe or Tzaddik who was believed to have healing powershave healing powers

– Rebbe was given absolute obedienceRebbe was given absolute obedience– Russian persecution (pogroms) drove them to the Russian persecution (pogroms) drove them to the

U. S.U. S.– European Jews were almost exterminated by the European Jews were almost exterminated by the

NazisNazis– Some objected to the new state of Israel without Some objected to the new state of Israel without

the Messiah but accepted it later.the Messiah but accepted it later.

New MovementsNew Movements

• New Movements and Reinterpretation of New Movements and Reinterpretation of JudaismJudaism– Reformed JudaismReformed Judaism

• Arose in the 18Arose in the 18thth century century• Accepted European culture and intellectual climateAccepted European culture and intellectual climate• Central figure: Moses MendelssohnCentral figure: Moses Mendelssohn

– Studied in University of BerlinStudied in University of Berlin– Abandoned outward Jewish formsAbandoned outward Jewish forms– Jews were free to adopt the culture in which they livedJews were free to adopt the culture in which they lived


• New Movements and Reinterpretation of New Movements and Reinterpretation of JudaismJudaism– Reformed JudaismReformed Judaism

• Main CharacteristicsMain Characteristics– Traditional forms not authoritativeTraditional forms not authoritative– Talmud not considered authoritativeTalmud not considered authoritative– Following orthodox practices not wrong but not bindingFollowing orthodox practices not wrong but not binding– Religious practice is in a state of continued developmentReligious practice is in a state of continued development– Does not seek a Messiah – if a Messiah exists, it is people Does not seek a Messiah – if a Messiah exists, it is people

working to make a better world.working to make a better world.– Initially opposed a separate homeland for Jews but in the Initially opposed a separate homeland for Jews but in the

wake of the Holocaust they supported the state of Israelwake of the Holocaust they supported the state of Israel– Meeting place called a templeMeeting place called a temple– Similar concerns as mainline ProtestantsSimilar concerns as mainline Protestants

• New Movements and Reinterpretation of New Movements and Reinterpretation of JudaismJudaism– Conservative JudaismConservative Judaism

• Arose in the 19Arose in the 19thth century century• Central figure: Zecharias Frankel in GermanyCentral figure: Zecharias Frankel in Germany• Characterized by adhering to the law and adapting to Characterized by adhering to the law and adapting to

the contemporary culturethe contemporary culture– Reconstructionist JudaismReconstructionist Judaism

• Appeared in 1934Appeared in 1934• Central figure: Mordecai KaplanCentral figure: Mordecai Kaplan• Small movement attempting to integrate religious Small movement attempting to integrate religious

Judaism into all aspects of Jewish life.Judaism into all aspects of Jewish life.


• Third CommonwealthThird Commonwealth– Migration to Palestine in the 19Migration to Palestine in the 19thth century century– English took over Palestine from Turkey English took over Palestine from Turkey

in 1917in 1917– Both Arabs and Jews immigratedBoth Arabs and Jews immigrated– Holocaust moved international opinion Holocaust moved international opinion

in favour of Jewsin favour of Jews– Creation of state of Israel 1948Creation of state of Israel 1948– Reunification of Jerusalem in 1967Reunification of Jerusalem in 1967

Modern State of IsraelModern State of Israel

Divisions of JudaismDivisions of Judaism

• Orthodox: Orthodox: Observant JewsObservant Jews

• Hasidism: Hasidism: From the 17th Century and the From the 17th Century and the Baal Shem TovBaal Shem Tov

• Reformed: Reformed: From the 18th Century, Moses From the 18th Century, Moses MendelssohnMendelssohn

• Conservative: Conservative: From the 19th Century, From the 19th Century, Zacharias Frankel in GermanyZacharias Frankel in Germany

• Secular Judaism: Secular Judaism: No belief in GodNo belief in God– Jewish by birth and cultureJewish by birth and culture– Not religiousNot religious

Divisions of JudaismDivisions of Judaism

• Other Isolated GroupsOther Isolated Groups– Yemenite JewsYemenite Jews – transported from Arabian – transported from Arabian

peninsula to Israel in 1940peninsula to Israel in 1940– Karaite JewsKaraite Jews – Accept Torah only and live in – Accept Torah only and live in

Jewish quarter of Old JerusalemJewish quarter of Old Jerusalem– Falasha JewsFalasha Jews – from Ethiopia from 2 – from Ethiopia from 2ndnd

commonwealth but moved to Israel to avoid commonwealth but moved to Israel to avoid famines in the 1980sfamines in the 1980s

– Bnei IsraelBnei Israel – From India, The Bnei Israel – From India, The Bnei Israel community was completely isolated from most community was completely isolated from most of the other Jewish communities of the worldof the other Jewish communities of the world

Literature and

role of written authorities

Sacred WritingsSacred Writingsof Judaismof Judaism

• Biblical – canon agreed on in 90 C.E at Biblical – canon agreed on in 90 C.E at Jamnia, lead by Rabbi Yochanan ben Jamnia, lead by Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai. TaNaKHZakkai. TaNaKH– TorahTorah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) (Genesis – Deuteronomy)– ProphetsProphets ( (Nevihim))

• Early prophets – Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, Early prophets – Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings1-2 Kings

• Later prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Later prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and twelve minor prophets (Hosea to Malachi)twelve minor prophets (Hosea to Malachi)

– WritingsWritings ( (Ketubim)) (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1-2 Chronicles)Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1-2 Chronicles)


• The The MishnahMishnah – collection of – collection of interpretations of the law by Rabbisinterpretations of the law by Rabbis– Collected over decades by Rabbis who Collected over decades by Rabbis who

met at Tiberiusmet at Tiberius– Rabbi Meier and Rabbi Akiba lead the Rabbi Meier and Rabbi Akiba lead the

processprocess– Came to a halt temporarily in 136 C.E with Came to a halt temporarily in 136 C.E with

the second conflict with Rome under Bar the second conflict with Rome under Bar Kochba.Kochba.• Rabbi Akiba and Bar Kochba executedRabbi Akiba and Bar Kochba executed• Jerusalem razed and Hadrian rebuilt JerusalemJerusalem razed and Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem• Jerusalem dedicated to Jupiter, Aeolia Jerusalem dedicated to Jupiter, Aeolia

CapitolinaCapitolina


• The MishnahThe Mishnah– Mishnah completed by Rabbi Judah the Mishnah completed by Rabbi Judah the

Prince in 200 C.E.Prince in 200 C.E.– Six categoriesSix categories

• Seeds – agriculture and prayerSeeds – agriculture and prayer• Feasts – holy days and writing of scrollsFeasts – holy days and writing of scrolls• Women – marriage and other vowsWomen – marriage and other vows• Damages – criminal and civil laws, idolatryDamages – criminal and civil laws, idolatry• Holy Matters – sacrifices and lawsHoly Matters – sacrifices and laws• Purities – ritual cleanliness and purificationPurities – ritual cleanliness and purification

– Halakah – application of the lawHalakah – application of the law


• The TalmudThe Talmud – the books containing – the books containing both the Mishnah and Gemaraboth the Mishnah and Gemara– Mishnah (Halachah) + Gemara (Haggadah) = Mishnah (Halachah) + Gemara (Haggadah) =

TalmudTalmud– Gemara – less formal traditions, stories illustrating Gemara – less formal traditions, stories illustrating

the application of the lawthe application of the law– Two versions of the TalmudTwo versions of the Talmud

• Palestinian – completed in the 4Palestinian – completed in the 4thth century century• Babylonian – completed in the 5Babylonian – completed in the 5thth century century

– Seventeen dense volumesSeventeen dense volumes– Conservatives – inspiredConservatives – inspired– Liberals – historical valueLiberals – historical value– Others - authoritativeOthers - authoritative

• KabalaKabala and and ZoharZohar– Jewish mysticism– Jewish mysticism– Mysticism – attaining an unmediated link to the Mysticism – attaining an unmediated link to the

divinedivine– Kabala means “to receive”Kabala means “to receive”– Could have started as early as 2Could have started as early as 2ndnd

commonwealthcommonwealth– Schools of kabala developed in Middle AgesSchools of kabala developed in Middle Ages

• Moses de Leon – most famous book called Zohar Moses de Leon – most famous book called Zohar (Book of Splendor or Book of Lights)(Book of Splendor or Book of Lights)

• Isaac de Luria – fled Christian persecution in Spain, Isaac de Luria – fled Christian persecution in Spain, setup school in Safed, Galileesetup school in Safed, Galilee


• Principal beliefs,Principal beliefs,festivals, rituals ethicsfestivals, rituals ethics

Principal beliefsPrincipal beliefs

God & Spiritual Realm

Material Realm

Law/Repentance

• Spiritual RealmSpiritual Realm– Ultimate RealityUltimate Reality

• One supreme holy GodOne supreme holy God• Covenant maker with His peopleCovenant maker with His people

– Spiritual BeingsSpiritual Beings• AngelsAngels• SatanSatan

– Type of Spiritual ExistenceType of Spiritual Existence• ResurrectionResurrection• Heaven Heaven • Gehenna (temporary for most)Gehenna (temporary for most)

– Relationship to HumanityRelationship to Humanity• Covenant relationshipCovenant relationship

Principle beliefsPrinciple beliefs

• Physical RealmPhysical Realm– Belief systemBelief system

• Worship of one GodWorship of one God• Obedience to GodObedience to God• PrayerPrayer• CommunityCommunity• Keeping KosherKeeping Kosher• Keeping the SabbathKeeping the Sabbath

– Source of revelation or enlightenmentSource of revelation or enlightenment• Torah and TalmudTorah and Talmud


• Physical RealmPhysical Realm– Relation to spiritual realmRelation to spiritual realm

• Belief in GodBelief in God• Keeping the lawKeeping the law

– Ultimate goal of religionUltimate goal of religion• Live as God’s chosen people according Live as God’s chosen people according

to lawto law• ResurrectionResurrection• Hope of MessiahHope of Messiah• Welfare of other peopleWelfare of other people


• Physical RealmPhysical Realm– Rituals:Rituals:

• Orthodox dressOrthodox dress• Mezuzah containing “Shema Israel” in home on Mezuzah containing “Shema Israel” in home on

doorposts.doorposts.• Dietary laws (Kashrut)Dietary laws (Kashrut)• Prayer (Talith and Tefilin)Prayer (Talith and Tefilin)• Life cycleLife cycle

– Birth – circumcision for boys, naming for boys and girlsBirth – circumcision for boys, naming for boys and girls– Boy’s Bar Mitzvah at thirteen – now accountable for Boy’s Bar Mitzvah at thirteen – now accountable for

keeping the law (Conservative and Reformed have Bat keeping the law (Conservative and Reformed have Bat Mitzvah for girls)Mitzvah for girls)

– MarriageMarriage– Death – Funeral held as soon as possible after death, Death – Funeral held as soon as possible after death,

usually the same or following day.usually the same or following day.

Rituals and EthicsRituals and Ethics

FestivalsFestivals

• Physical Realm - Significant daysPhysical Realm - Significant days– SabbathSabbath– Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New YearRosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year– Yom Kippur – Day of AtonementYom Kippur – Day of Atonement– Sukkoth – Feast of BoothsSukkoth – Feast of Booths– Simchat Torah – final day of reading entire TorahSimchat Torah – final day of reading entire Torah– Hanukkah – commemorating purification of TempleHanukkah – commemorating purification of Temple– Purim – rescue of Jews by EstherPurim – rescue of Jews by Esther– Passover – Deliverance of Jews from EgyptPassover – Deliverance of Jews from Egypt– Shavuot - Pentecost or Feast of WeeksShavuot - Pentecost or Feast of Weeks

OrganisationOrganisation

• WorshipWorship– SynagoguesSynagogues

• Orthodox have separate place for womenOrthodox have separate place for women• Ark, Bema, and MenorahArk, Bema, and Menorah

– Ark – Contains Torah scrollArk – Contains Torah scroll– Bema – PodiumBema – Podium– Menorah – CandelabrumMenorah – Candelabrum

– LeadersLeaders• Cantor – song leaderCantor – song leader• Rabbis – preachersRabbis – preachers• Conservative and Reformed congregations may Conservative and Reformed congregations may

have women cantors and Rabbishave women cantors and Rabbis


• Local Congregations• Lay Leaders or officers

President - Secretary - Treasurer etc…

• Religious leaders Rabbis – preachers

Cantor – song leader• Conservative and Reformed have women cantors

and Rabbis


• National Organisations- Consistoire (consistory) of …- Jewish Council of …- The Board of Deputies

Most of the countries have Rabbis and Great Rabbis. One of the Great Rabbis is elected as the head of Religious Organization.

• World Organisation (World Jewish Congress)The most important is the World Jewish

Congress. Founded in 1936, it represents Jewish Communities in nearly a hundred countries and has its headquarter in New York.

Judaism

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