RELIG 210: Introduction to JudaismFebruary 18, 2009

Reconcile Judaism and Enlightenment Judaism=Religion Universal over Particular Ethical over Legal Progress

Begins in Europe moves to U.S. 1817-New Isrealite Temple Association (On-line

Reading) God-Ideal of ethical consciousness Torah-Revelation of Reason

Historical husk (ceremonial) vs. moral core Israel-The Mission Theory Mitzvah-Ethical Commandments Messiah-Universal Integration

Created in Response to Reform (EJ, 535) Divine Authority of Written and Oral Torah Reject Progress Criteria for Change “Torah” and “Science” Mitzvot are binding-Ethical Meaning Messiah-Redemption in Land and Loyal

Citizens

Called Conservative in the U.S. Accept Halakhah/Mizvot and historical

change Torah-Evolution of man’s relationship

with the divine Tradition and change

Central and Eastern European Similar to Orthodox (Mitzvah, Halakhah) Reject modern political, social, philosophical

thought Premodern Messiah Present as authentic tradition Are they?

“…May your mind not turn to evil and never engage in corruptible partnership with those fond of innovations, who, as a penalty for our many sins, have strayed from the Almighty and His law…Be warned not to change your Jewish names, speech, and clothing--God forbid…Never say: ‘Times have changed!’…The order of prayer and synagogue shall remain forever as it has been up to now, and no one may presume to change anything of its structure.” --Rabbi Moses Sofer, 1762-1839

God-Tool for exploitation Torah-National Culture, History

No Halakhah, Mitzvot (commandment) Israel-Persecuted People ready for

freedom Messiah-Revolutionary Fervor

Zionism: Jewish Nationalism

Revolutionary Social change through socialism

Join Jewish workers with non-Jewish revolutionaries

Originates as a left branch of Conservative Judaism in 1968

“Evolving Religious Civilization” Rejection of a Supernatural God Torah-Jewish Folkways Israel-Civilization, not Religion

Major challenges of modernity Emancipation-Voluntary Enlightenment-Reason

Diverse Spectrum of responses All experience significant change

Liturgy is at the core of Jewish life Transforming liturgy would… Maintaining liturgy would… What are other options?

Social Factors Intellectual Factors Aesthetic Factors Technological Factors Cultural Norms

Reconfigure prayer and ritual to meet new criteria Music Decorum (seating) Language Meaning Political Status

Remu Synagoge, Krakow, Poland

Great Synagogue-Budapest

How does the Reform Amidah differ from rabbinic liturgy?

What are the major additions, deletions, changes?

Aesthetic Changes Addition of vernacular sermon Cantorial music Gender roles constant--to some extent Art Scroll and English language

Minor liturgical changes Adopted many aesthetic, cultural

changes

Women in Rabbinic Judaism Scripture and Tradition Theology Authority Worship and Ritual

Debates about gender role sparks innovation and division

Liturgical Innovations Leadership and community Ritual and Music

Is God a “He” or a “She” Marcia Falk on God language

“Praised are You (masc), Lord our God, King of the universe whose mitzvot add holiness to our lives, cherishing us through the gift of His holy Shabbat granted lovingly, gladly, a reminder of Creation…Thus You have chose us, endowing us with holiness, from among all peoples by granting us your holy Shabbat lovingly and gladly. Praised are You (masc) who hallows Shabbat”

“Let us bless the source of life that ripens fruit on the vine as we hallow the seventh day--the Sabbath day--in remembrance of creation, for the Sabbath is first among holy days, recalling the exodus and the covenant.”

When was the first woman rabbi ordained?

How have women rabbis effected authority and communal structures?

Across denominations Jewish Women's Archive Exhibit Ezrat Nashim-Jewish Women Call For..

Dvorah’s Song and Miriam’s Song Source: Judge 4:12

Arise, arise Devorah.Arise, arise, and sing a song.Arise, arise, Devorah.Devorah, the prophet, was a judge in Israel/ She sat beneath her

palm tree on a hill, and people came form everywhere just to hear her judgments honest and fair. Devorah, the prophet, Devorah a mother in Israel.