Judaism Part II

More on Judaism

Pages 261-270 of Prothero connect the history of "ancient Judaism" with the religion practiced by Jews today. This development is rooted in history, and the major branches of Judaism-- Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox-- represent different responses to changes in world history. As Prothero notes, however, the distinctions between these branches depend more on ritual and ethical differences than on theological disagreements, as in Christianity and, to a certain extent, Islam.

In class:

Part I: Read pages 261-270 of Prothero.

1. Why does Prothero say on page 262, "Abraham and Moses were not Jews?"

2. Why is shabbat a positive concept, rather than a negative one?

3. Explain how the Seder is "both about telling and doing, story and law?"

4. Why do Passover Haggadah vary so greatly?

5. Explain how the view of ritual and ethics varies between Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism.

Terms to know: