Judaism written report

Judaism Written Report
Due: November 13, 2022 at 11:59 pm

Background Information
When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions
and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are
distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them.
Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:

– Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings
o Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major

teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history
who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Jewish
saints)

– Beliefs and Practices

o Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging
from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.

– Prayer and Worship
o Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some

liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of
religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex:
Christmas)

– Morality – Code of Ethics
o Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the

theology of the religion

– History
o Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout

human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing
changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events

Report Instructions
In your reading of Chapter 10 – Encountering Judaism: The Way of God’s People you have gained a better
understanding of central tenets of Judaism and the chapter specifically highlighted the plight of the Jewish
people throughout their history and how the challenges that these people endured and overcome helped to shape
how the religion is practiced today. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon
particular elements of Judaism enumerated below:

1. Jewish Symbols – ½ page
a. Identify and a common Jewish symbol and explain its significance

i. Consider the following:
1. History/Origins of the symbol
2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement

with it
3. How the symbol is utilized by Jews today?

a. Is it used during prayer/worship?
b. Worn as an outward sign of faith?

2. History – ½ page
a. Describe 2 key events in the history of Judaism and summarize how each event is

commemorated by followers of the Jewish faith today.

3. Beliefs and Practices – ½ page
a. Articulate a central tenet of Judaism that involves one of the following categories:

i. Creation
ii. Soteriology – Salvation and Redemption

iii. Suffering
iv. Metaphysical beings – God and the divine
v. Humanity’s relationship with God

vi. Eschatology
1. Death and the afterlife

4. Prayer and Worship – ½ page

a. Discuss the Jewish notion of the Sabbath while addressing its importance in the life of
adherents to Judaism today

i. Your explanation must incorporate the origins of this concept and highlight a major
element of its celebration today

5. Morality – Code of Ethics – ½ page
a. Convey a Jewish moral teaching based on how the faithful must adhere to the laws of God

enumerated in the Jewish scriptures and the implications that this teaching has on how Jews
live their lives today

i. Ex: Specific Jewish customs or dietary restrictions
1. Other moral teachings may also be addressed

6. Similarities and Differences between Judaism and Christianity – ½ page or more

a. The relationship between Christianity and Judaism is rather unique. Christianity is rooted in
Judaism historically, scripturally, liturgically, and even theologically. No two major world
religions have so much in common. Below are a handful of the common elements shared by
these two religions, however it is important to note that even though these religions share
several common elements, they articulate them differently.

1. God
2. Savior/Messiah
3. Scripture & Biblical History
4. Ten Commandments & the Laws of God
5. Liturgical Celebrations
6. Passover
7. Country of Israel & the Holy City of Jerusalem

b. Select 1 topic from the list proved and expound upon a similarity and clarify a distinct

difference about the topic as it relates to Judaism and Christianity.

7. Judaism in Context – ½ page or more
a. Select one of the principles of Judaism that you have written about in this report and explain

why you think it is important to be cognizant of this specific tenant of faith when caring for
people of the Jewish faith in your line of work.

i. You may share a personal experience that you may have had with a Jewish person in
your line of work based on this tenant of faith or how you think having a better
understanding of this particular faith principle will shape your future interactions with
Jewish people in your line of work

Formatting Guidelines
When completing this written report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in
points being deducted from your grade:

a. This report must be typed in 12pt. font, double-spaced, & Times New Roman
b. Each section of the report must:

a. Include Section Title on a separate line
i. Ex: Jewish Symbols, Judaism in Context, etc.

b. Be at least ½ page in length
c. Incorporate at least 1 direct quotation from either the course text (World RELG4:

Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available
through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation

i. When citing your sources, you must use Chicago Manuel Style