QFD#5

● How did Medieval Europe and the Modern Age also affect Judaism?

In medieval times, after the fall of the first temple, the Jews scattered throughout the
world which lead to the creation and conversion of some Jews to a different culture. The
Jews traveled to different countries and were accepted in some and rejected in some. In
the modern age, Science was the major issue. Science led to reformed Jews in the late
1800’s due to the influence of enlightenment.

● How do Jews view the Nature and Role of Humans and the Effects of Sin on them?

The role of humans within God’s orderly and purposeful creation is to serve the creator
and fulfill God’s will in the world. The creation story says humans are created in the
image of God meaning Humans serve as God’s representative in ruling over creation.
Stories in the Torah provides a realistic assessment of the human capacity for sin. The
Jews believe that Humans get tempted and sin. However, they believe every sin is
forgivable. This is referred to as teshuvah.

● Briefly describe three main festivals in Judaism in terms of what they remember/celebrate,
how, and why.

Three main festivals in Judaism include Sabbath, Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and
Passover. Sabbath is one of the major holidays in Judaism. It is a remembrance of the day
God rested during creation. Sabbath is the last day of the week and serve as a day of rest
for Jews as it is one of the most important holy days in the Jewish Calendar. Rosh
Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a fall holiday that takes place at the beginning of the
month of Tishrei (the seventh month of the Jewish year). It is a time of rejoicing and of
serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year for Jews. The
Passover is also an important festival Jews observe for seven days. Passover remembers
when God instructed the Israelites to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of
a lamb and the spirit of the Lord would passover and spare the first borns of these homes.

● Briefly, explain what is meant by ‘The Life of Halakhah.’

 The life of Halakah is when you follow all the laws of Torah. In Judaism, the totality of
laws and ordinances that have evolved since biblical times to regulate religious
observances and the daily life and conduct of the Jewish people. It is the body of Jewish
law supplementing the scriptural law and forming especially the legal part of the Talmud.

● Explain what ‘being God’s chosen people’ means in terms of Israel’s ‘mission as a people.’

The Jews are God’s special people. Being chosen, provide them with
responsibilities as well as blessings. One of their responsibilities was from the covenant
with Adam which says they should take care of the earth. The second one is involved
with the covenant with Abraham which implies they will be blessed and as well serve as
a blessing to others. They also had a responsibility due to the covenant with Moses which
was to follow the Torah and serve as an example to all. Lastly, they had to exhibit Justice,
love, mercy and follow God’s plans.