Page 224 Questions 1-5

1. Explain the covenant that God made with Abraham in the bible.

- The covenant is an agreement between God and Abraham. The covenant said that God would
provide Abraham and his offspring with protection and land, but they had to walk in God's way. God
then gave Abraham and his descendents the order to circumcise themselves (brit milah) as a mark
of the covenant. Abraham received a promise from God that His descendants will be as numerous
as the stars in the sky. He would be their God and would permanently grant them a piece of the land,
and that their blessings would continue forever.

2. How were the Ten Commandments a renewal of the covenant?

- On two stone tablets that Moses was instructed by God to carve, the Ten Commandments were
rewritten. No man or animal was permitted to be seen near the mountain as Moses ascended it
alone with the two stone tablets. God declared that he could form a covenant with the Israelites.

3. Briefly describe the role of the judges, kings, and prophets.

Judges - The Israelites were led by a group of people called Judges. They were often appointed by
the people, presumably because they demonstrated wisdom and integrity. They were like leaders or
chiefs who led the people through times of crisis. They were charismatic and inspiring men and
women who helped the Israelites establish their sense of identity.

Kings - By around 1000 BCE, the Israelites began to look for a king to lead them. Initially God was
reluctant to give the people of Israel a king, but because of growing threats from the Philistines, he
eventually agreed to give Saul the status. He was succeeded by David, whose kingship marked the
high point of Jewish imperial history. His role was important as he is known for a number of military
victories and eventually establishing Jerusalem as a capital city. The kings of Israel were born into
their position, and seen as God’s representatives in charge of ruling the nation. On his behalf, they
were required to uphold his laws and covenant, defend the country, wage war on the nation's behalf
when necessary, and rule the populace justly.

Prophets - Prophets of faith had the role of making prophecies that had eternal relevance for future
generations, and to spread/make known the word of God. When the Torah was given at Mount Sinai,
it was a direct prophecy. But Moses was requested to become a prophet, becoming a link between
the people and God’s word. Prophets were anointed by God into service. They established his
legitimacy in the eyes of the populace and commanded respect for him. Their role was intended to
encourage a belief in and commitment to God and His word among the populace.
4. What is the significance of the Exile and the Diaspora for Judaism?

The Exile and the Diaspora is the dispersion of Israelites or Jews from their ancient ancestral country
and their subsequent settlement in different regions of the world. Jewish independence and
autonomy would be greatly altered after this. The capture and exile scattered much of the Jewish
population, and when the Babylonians captured Judah and destroyed Solomon’s Temple in
Jerusalem, it marked a shift in the way the Hebrew people would worship. They needed a new way to
worship God, and places for congregational worship (now known as synagogues) were created. It
also marked the beginning of intense scholarly analysis of scripture and the emergence of teachers
known as Rabbis. Finally the exile saw a development for another divine character: the Messiah. The
Hebrew people, after exile, searched for hope in that the coming of a great king would lead them out
of oppression. The diaspora was a new set of standards the Hebrew people adopted subsequently
after the exile, and even modern Jewish belief. After their exile, they developed new ways to worship
and study their religion as they adapted to their new life conditions following exile and the dispersion
of their population.

5. In your view, what is the most significant event in the early history of Judaism? Explain.

- In my view, the exile and diaspora was the most significant event in the early history of Judaism. It
had a prominent effect on Jewish culture and modern Jewish belief, and to this day the religion still
practices many of the beliefs and customs adapted with the event. Following the exile, Jewish
people had to adapt to become adjusted to the new conditions they faced with most of their
population dispersed and displaced. Jewish emigration to countries outside of Israel has a long
history. The religion persisted despite their exile from their home country. The beliefs that originated
in what is now Israel were maintained by the Jews. With so many Jews living in Europe and North
America, the effects of the diaspora are still visible today. This demonstrates how the religion was
able to successfully address the difficulties it encountered. As a result of the exile and diaspora,
Judaism's religion has since undergone some important changes. Even though many of the
fundamental beliefs and customs are still present, Judaism as it exists today is very different from
how it was originally. The religion has evolved in more recent centuries to fit in with the modern
world. This can be attributed to the Diaspora and the division of Jewish populations over millennia,
which produced variations in practice.

Page 225 Questions 1-2

1. Why is the Western Wall often referred to as the Wailing Wall?

- The Western Wall is the part of the wall remaining after the temple was destroyed by the Romans in
70 CE. The term Wailing Wall was coined by European travelers passing by the site, and witnessing
weeping Jews as they mourned the wall and recited their prayers at the site where the temple was
destroyed.
2. What is the significance of the Western Wall for Jews?

- The Western Wall is important to Jews because it is believed that the site of the temple is near the
location where Abraham built an altar on which to sacrifice his son Isaac. Three temples have since
been constructed and deconstructed in the time since before its total destruction by the Romans in
70 CE. During the near 2000 years of Jewish exile, the wall has stood as a symbol of the
indestructibility of the Jewish people. It has also become a place of prayer and pilgrimage, and is the
most religious site in the world for Jewish people. It’s seen as the spiritual center of the world for
Jewish people, is mentioned in prayer daily and is a permanent reminder of God’s presence. For
some Jews, it is the focus of prayer, particularly those who live in the west and direct their prayers
towards the Wall. The wall also symbolizes heroism, the stones a reminder that Jewish people are
still thriving. Several holidays, such as Hanukkah, Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot, are also celebrated
and based on the existence of the Wall.

Page 230 Question 2

What is a Mitzvah? Give an example.

- Although the Hebrew word mitzvah literally means "commandment," the commonly understood
meaning is "good deed." The focus is on actions, not on good intentions or thoughts, but on
deliberate displays of compassion and kindness. There is almost always a chance to perform a
mitzvah, whether it be by welcoming our friends, feeding and helping the less fortunate, honoring our
elders, or forgiving others for their mistakes.

Page 233 Questions 1-3

1. What appear to be the origins of the Star of David?

- The shape, a six-pointed star formed from two interlocking triangles, is thought to have originated
from King David’s shield.

2. In your opinion, is the Star of David a religious or a political symbol?

- In my opinion, the Star of David is actually not a religious symbol. Unlike the cross of Jesus, the star
has absolutely no religious significance. It is not used in worship, or even seen in any synagogue
decorations. I think it is a political symbol, used by the Jewish people as a proud expression of their
identity.
3. Why is the Menorah significant to Jews?

- The six lamps that are angled inward toward and symbolically led by the central lamp, which
represents the light of God, are symbolic representations of the seven branches of human
knowledge that are referenced by the seven lamps. The lights of the menorah represent the seven
days of creation with the center light representing the Sabbath or the seven-day creation of the
universe. It is used in the celebration of Hanukkah, and is also used as the logo of the modern state
of Israel.

Page 237 Questions 1-4

1. Why is it important for Jews to give their children a Hebrew name?

- In addition to a conventional name, a baby is also given a conventional Hebrew name, which is
usually chosen in remembrance of a dead relative. This symbolizes the importance in Jewish faith
places on tradition. But most of all, it is important because a name connects a person to their family
and to generations of their Jewish ancestry.

2. Why did your parents choose your name?

- My full name (Georgia Maria) honors both of my grandmothers. My first name Georgia is the English
version of my maternal grandmother’s Greek name, Γεωργία, pronounced Yeoryia. I was the only
grandchild born on my mom’s side of the family as her siblings didn’t have kids, and so my mother wanted
to name my grandma’s only grandchild after her. My middle name, Maria, is the name of my paternal
grandmother. I also share my middle name with my cousin, and my niece who were also named for her.
As a result of the name my parents chose, my full name pays homage to two important women on both
sides of my family.

3. What is the age you consider someone to be mature? Explain.

- Most laws consider 18 to be the legal age of adulthood. But new research on brain development
indicates that most people don't mature fully until they are 25 years old. In my opinion, however,
there isn’t any set age where someone can be considered mature..Age doesn’t define maturity. Age
is never directly proportional to age, because it is deeper than age and is an attitude built by
experience.

4. What does the chuppah represent?

- For the duration of the wedding ceremony, a couple stands beneath a chuppah, which is
customarily shared by both the newlyweds and the officiating rabbi. The four poles that define the
building and the cloth covering primarily serve as symbols of God’s presence and the new home that
the newlyweds will build together. The chuppah, which now has a variety of meanings, was once the
tent or space where the bride and groom consummated their marriage.
Page 238 Questions 1-2

1. What does the word Torah mean?: Torah is a word used to reference the sacred writings of
Judaism. Torah is often translated to mean “law,” but a more accurate translation is “revelation,”
“teaching,” or “instruction.” The word Torah is often used to refer to the law of Moses, as well as to
the entire belief system of the Jewish faith. The written Torah is seen primarily as a description of
the development of God’s relationship with his chosen people.

2. Briefly note the other major scriptures of Judaism.

- The Jewish scriptures are called the Tanakh, after the first letters of its three parts in the Jewish
tradition.

● Ta: Torah, the Teaching of Moses, the first five books.

● N: Nevi’im, the books of the prophets.
● Kh: Ketuvhim, for the Writings, which include the psalms and wisdom literature

Page 244 Questions 1-5

1. What are the four major divisions of Judaism?

- The four major divisions or branches of Judaism are Orthodox Judaism, Reform Judaism,
Conservative Judaism, and Reconstructionist Judaism.

2. What factors caused the reform movement to change?

- Moses Mendelsson, a leading voice in the new approach, believed that Jews in Germany should
absorb as much German culture as possible and enjoy the same intellectual freedoms as other
Germans. This meant learning German and giving up Yiddish, studying secular subjects, acquiring a
trade, and being ready to join a wider community. Another factor was the desire to revitalize Jewish
public worship by introducing the local language of Hebrew into services and sermons, as well as
choirs and organ music. Due to the widespread reform movement throughout Europe and North
America with growing Jewish immigration, the Reform movement abolished the partition in
synagogues that separated men and women, and was the movement responsible for the emergence
of female rabbis.

3. How do the four denominations differ on the nature and interpretation of the Torah?

ORTHODOX: Orthodox Jews hold that the entire Torah—both the written and spoken versions—is the
divine word of God himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Therefore everything is meant to be taken
literally true. Any attempt to interpret or modify God's word in light of modern society's changing
conditions is a weakening of the tradition established at Mount Sinai and must be rejected. It hasn’t
been altered in 3000 years of Jewish history, because it is believed to be of divine origin. It is a
source of truth, as revealed by God, handed down from generation to generation. This denomination
doesn’t allow people to individually change God’s teachings to suit their will and needs, and holds an
adherence to strict traditions. (Sabbath is strictly observed, only Kosher food is eaten, traditional
gender roles where only men are able to be worship leaders, and services done in Hebrew.)

REFORM: Unlike Orthodox Judaism, Reform Judaism movement believes that both the written and
spoken versions of the Torah are human creations, and that God allows for new generations to have
a different interpretation of the truth of the Torah. Reform Judaism was the beginning of a
reinterpretation of Judaism in light of new ideas that began to circulate Europe, where the
reinterpretation did not conflict with the basic principles of Judaism. It first spread throughout
Germany and other European countries, before spreading to many countries around the world and
eventually coming to North America with the immigration of European Jews.

CONSERVATIVE: Conservative holds the middle ground between the views of both Reform and
Orthodox Judaism. This branch of Judaism recognizes the human element in revelation, that God
revealed the Torah both to the people and through the people. Similar to Reform Judaism,
Conservative Judaism aimed to alter the old style rules of the Orthodox movement in order to adapt
to the new reality of North American life. However, they didn’t fully approve of the Reform movement
because they thought it was too quick to abandon practices and principles that were deeply rooted
within the religion. While still preserving the best of the Jewish traditions, the Conservative branch
allows some flexibility regarding the interpretation of Jewish law, mostly regarding the role women
play in the faith. According to the Conservative movement, men and women can sit together in
synagogues, with women allowed to participate in service as much as men do. Women can become
religious worship leaders, and have a bat mitzvah at twelve.

RECONSTRUCTIONIST: The newest but fastest growing of the Judaism movements in America was
founded in the 1930s as an offshoot of Conservative Judaism and is based on the philosophy of
Mordecai Kaplan. It aimed to reconstruct Judaism by making Jewish traditions more meaningful in
today’s world by blending change with tradition. The main argument of the reconstructionist
movement is that Judaism is an evolving faith and has adapted to the changing environment in the
past, and that the Jewish faith is a work in progress rather than a finished product.

4. What event caused the emergence of the Conservative movement, and why?

- The second-largest Jewish group in the country claims that Jewish law is still enforceable, but is
amenable to modifications that take into account contemporary circumstances. To "conserve''
traditional Judaism in the event of the liberalizing impulses of Reform leaders in the late 19th
century was the original goal of the movement. The conservative movement emerged to open
Judaism up to adaptations that reflect modern realities.
5. How do the denominations regard the role and status of women within Judaism?

ORTHODOX: Place an emphasis on the importance for women to be wife and mother, home life is
seen as a divine service, and dedication to others is considered to be a virtue. Must wear modest
dresses and skirts, cover their hair in presence of other men other than their husband, and
men/women can’t attend service together because it is seen that the presence of the opposite sex
can be distracting. Orthodox Judaism regards practices/activities in terms of the duties and
obligations a woman must uphold, not in the terms of her equal rights.

CONSERVATIVE: In the past 30 years, Conservative Judaism has actively changed its views on
women’s roles and participation both in society and in synagogues. Although these policies vary by
congregation, women may now read the Torah in public, be part of a minyan for public worship with
men, be called to the Torah, be ordained as a Rabbi, serve as a cantor, and wear a tallis and tefillin.

REFORM: Believes in the equality of men and women and has introduced alternative mitzvot options
for both girls and boys, and other rituals to address the religious needs of women. Reform also
allows women to initiate a divorce.

Page 251 Questions 1-5

1. What evidence is there that anti-semitism has deep historical roots?

- Jewish people lacked a homeland and were forced to live in widely scattered communities as a
small group, meaning Jews were the perennial outsiders.

- Jewish people had very different religious customs and clothing styles, and were seen as strange,
different, and untrustworthy.

- Their interpretation of the Bible led some Christians to blame all Jews for the murder of Jesus. This
belief has deep roots and is still harbored by a small minority of extremists today.

- Jews were frequently forbidden to own their own land or hold citizenship. They were often the move
and had little opportunity to establish themselves as integral members of communities.

- When calamities happened and nations were at war, it was common to blame the Jews and use
them as scapegoats for the problems the communities faced.

- In the Middle Ages, Christians were not allowed to lend money and charge interest. When Jews did
this work, they were accused of being cheats and thieves who earned a dishonest living.

- Later, when Jews received more freedom in Europe and began to earn success in a number of
fields, they were still viewed with suspicion and jealousy.
2. Briefly describe the two most important events in twentieth century Jewish history.

In Jewish history, the twentieth century is marked by two events of importance.

Shoah (Holocaust) - 6 million Jews, one half of the Jews in Europe and one third of the Jews in the
world, were slaughtered. Only the defeat of Hitler’s Germany stopped the massacre. A new term,
crimes of humanity, was created to describe the horrific events.

Birth of the State of Israel - The direct and dramatic results of the Holocaust was the renewed push
by Jews who survived the Holocaust to live the Zionist dream. By 1948, with the increase of national
support and by force of arms, the State of Israel was born out of Palestine. However, in the 2000
years since the events of the Diaspora, other people had inhabited the land and weren’t happy to be
displaced by the return of the Jews. This is what’s since caused the national and religious strife in
the Middle East.

3. What specific evidence exists that some Canadians practiced anti-semitism during the 1930s?

- The times of the Great Depression spawned many hate groups to find targets to blame for the
social and economic misery of the period. Several fascist parties were organized in Canada, and they
imitated the fascist parties of Europe. Adrien Arcand was a Canadian journalist and fanatical
imitator of Hitler and the Nazis. He used his publishing house to spread his own antisemitic views.
In 1939, when Jewish refugees seeking asylum from the war in Canada after being refused in both
Cuba and America, the refugees were also denied entry by the Canadians. The war broke out shortly
after Canada denied them, and about half of the 907 denied refugees later died. Although not all of
the Canadian politicians were antisemitic, many feared antisemitic reaction against the Jews from
other nations and communities. The refusal to accept the refugees is one of Canada’s saddest
historical mistakes.

4. How is Canada combating anti-semitism today?

- Seven of Canada’s provinces have passed legislation that marks Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust
Remembrance Day as an official day on the province calendar. This aims to use Canada’s diversity to
increase awareness of the true natures of the social evils of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism.
Many students participate in educational activities on this day. Holocaust Education Week usually
takes place in the fall and features a range of educational programs for both students and the
general public. Canada continues to combat antisemitism through events organized to educate
Canadians about the Holocaust and to make sure this brutal tragedy is never forgotten or denied.
5. How do you personally respond when you see examples of prejudice and racism?

- Many people feel uncomfortable to interject when personally faced with an example of racism. But
it is important to know how to do the right thing. Many wrongs in history were made right when
people overcame their discomfort about prejudice and spoke up: marriage equality, citizenship,
gender rights, human rights. Comfort and silence would not have been successful. How I would
personally respond when I see examples of prejudice and racism is to SPEAK UP! Speaking up is the
ideal reaction in this case because it disproves their racist ideas are the norm and may make them
less ready to express them. Racist people think they have more support in society than they do. If
you don’t speak up, they’ll continue to think that. If you do, they will begin to reassess their ideas.