Modern Jewish Movements

Week 11--12/17/17: We finished the individual projects started last week on movements that we hadn't previously discussed in class. Everyone did some research on one such movement and presented the information to the class today, after finishing up the research. We closed out the course by reviewing some key concepts we've been returning to, such as names of movements and common principles in Jewish thinking.

Make-up Work: In a paragraph of approximately 5 sentences, respond to the following prompt:

Of the modern Jewish movements mentioned in this course (Conservative, Reform, Orthodox, Haredi, Reconstructionist, Renewal,and Humanist), which do you find most interesting and why? You may do internet research if desired.

Week 9--12/3/17: We discussed another Jewish group today, Humanistic Judaism, focusing on its unique place inside and outside of traditional Jewish community and discourse. After reviewing basic tenets and practices of Humanistic Judaism, we discussed what it means to be Jewish and how all sorts of Jews fit into the broader tapestry of klal Yisrael (the overall Jewish community). We finished with some Jewish Movements-themed Pictionary.

Make-up Work: Read this article from the website of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, which represents a movement known as Humanistic Judaism, and answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences apiece:

1. What do Humanistic Jews believe, as represented by these answers to key questions?
2. What Jewish value does Humanistic Judaism prioritize and which does it de-emphasize, and why might people be drawn to it?

Week 8--11/19/17: We moved on to discussing Renewal Judaism, introducing some of its religious attitudes, values, and core practices by reading a statement from the movement's organizing body. We discussed how Renewal shares superficial similarities with other movements but also encourages a radically different worldview and approach to Jewish and other practice. We then continued with the Fantasy Movements activity, focusing on Renewal.

Make-up Work: Read this article. Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each:

1. What kinds of practices and values does ALEPH (and Renewal Judaism more broadly) care most about?
2. How do these practices and values compare with those of other major Jewish movements?

Week 7--11/5/17: Expanding from the three biggest American movements, we talked about Reconstructionism and what it values, particularly focusing on differences of emphasis from other major movements. We mainly analyzed material from the movement itself and compared it to other movements. We also continued the Fantasy Movements activity, which is getting competitive since the end of the semester is approaching and the student in the lead at the end will receive a special prize.

Make-up Work: Watch the video near the top of this page from the Reconstructionist movement’s website, and then read the text up to “...is celebrated and valued.” In 2-3 sentences apiece, answer the following questions:

1. What does Reconstructionism believe (or not)?
2. How does Reconstructionism present its views, and what are big differences from other movements (in terms of beliefs, practices, and presentation)?

Week 6--10/29/17: We focused on Orthodox Judaism in greater depth, particularly on the distinction between "centrist" or "modern" Orthodoxy and "haredi "(ultra-)Orthodoxy. We particularly discussed current trends in Orthodoxy, such as relatively high observance, high birth rates, and clustering communities, as well as on gender-related issues in more liberal strands of Orthodoxy. We then continued with the Fantasy Movements activity, as well as more discussion, centering on the concept of egalitarianism, of what contributes to a vibrant modern Judaism.

Make-up Work: Read this link, beginning with the paragraph entitled "Haredization," and answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences apiece:

1. What are some important features of Orthodox Judaism today?
2. What are some challenges Orthodox communities are facing today?

Week 5--10/22/17: Today we began to delve into Orthodox Judaism, focusing on one of its central concepts, Torah min hashamayim ("Torah from heaven"), through a fun game. We further discussed the idea of divine revelation and its impact on halacha (Jewish law). There was particular emphasis on how different movements fall on a scale of Jewish observance and the different practices between movements, none of which determine religiosity per se. Finally, we resumed the Fantasy Movements activity.

Make-up Work: Using information from previous classes and independent research if desired, write 5-6 sentences about: the major differences between Conservative and Reform Judaism; and why people might be drawn to one or the other or neither.

Week 4--10/15/17: We continued discussing the Reform movement, particularly focusing on: its theological claims, what distinguishes it from the Conservative movement, and its current form. We examined material published by the movement to deduce its priorities and focuses. Subsequent discussion spotlighted the movement's claim to be accessible and inclusive, and what that means, in the eyes of the movement and in the eyes of others. The class ended with some Jewish movements-themed games.

Make-up Work: Read this article and answer the following questions (with 2-3 sentences for each):

1. What are some major differences between Reform and Conservative Judaism?
2. Is Rabbi Streiffer’s article convincing? Why or why not?

Week 3--10/1/17: We began by reviewing what we learned about the Conservative movement last week, discussing how it is a sort of middle ground between other Jewish movements and how it emphasizes tradition and change. We then continued with the "Fantasy Movements" activity, pitting students' "teams" of Jewish values against a team inspired by actual Conservative Judaism. We then began discussing Reform Judaism, particularly focusing on material published by the Union for Reform Judaism, asking how it differs from Conservatism and what it emphasizes, in theory and in practice.

Make-up Work: Watch this video, read this page, and answer the following questions in about 3 sentences each:

1. What are some defining features of Reform Judaism?

2. How does it differ from Conservative Judaism?