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Related Topics: Judaism
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What is Judaism?
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n.
1. the monotheistic religion
of the Jews, having its ethical, ceremonial, and legal foundation
in the precepts of the Old Testament and in the teachings and commentaries
of the rabbis as found chiefly in the Talmud. Cf. Conservative
Jew, Orthodox Jew, Reform Jew. 2. belief in and
conformity to this religion, its practices, and ceremonies.
3. this religion considered as forming the basis of the cultrual
and social identity of the Jews: He called assimilation a threat
to American Judaism. 4. Jew collectively;
Jewry. [1485-95; <LL judaismus < Gk ioudaismós,
equiv. to Ioudaî(os) Jew + -ismos -ISM] |
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Some people might argue that Judaism is only a religion, while
others might argue that it is a culture or nation. Some argue
that the Jews are a race. According to the dictionary definition
provided above, Judaism is a religion, one of the oldest, predating
Christianity by a few thousand years. Judaism is also a culture
and a way of life with all the ascribed rights and practices. Among
all the things that Judaism is, the one thing it is not is a race.
One might argue that the fourth definition provided above means
that Jews by nature of being Jewish are a race. However, the counter
argument for this illustrates that being Jewish is not merely a
matter of blood. The entire people who call themselves Jewish are
part and parcel of Judaism and all of the things that this might
mean. For our purposes, Judaism will be described in relation to
the religious traditions and associated cultural implications.
Consider the following:
1. Consider the definition of Judaism provided and state how each
one lends to the idea of Jewish identity.
2. Think about the questions ‘What is Judaism?’ and
‘Who is a Jew?’ with reference to the information provided
in the main text.
3. Consider possible reasons why Judaism is sometimes referred to
as a race while Christianity is not.
4. It is sometimes said that people are afraid of what they do not
understand. Consider the intricacies of Judaism and give possible
reasons why people might misinterpret and attack Jews and Judaism.
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This section, "Judaism," includes the following
subtopics:
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