Jewish Theology

I. Through a time machine, we have been able to create (imaginary) panels of the thinkers/theologians that we have studied.  You are invited to serve as the recorder for two of the panels, as listed below.  Please select TWO topics and write two likely summaries of the presentations and the conversation among the panelists.  In addition to a paragraph or two for each panelist’s position, try to present their reasons (and how it fits into their theology), and their reactions to the other positions.   Use the textbooks and class presentations as your resources.   Write your answer as a dialogue, if possible.     

 

Choose two panels (30 points for each panel):

A. Nature of God:  Maimonides, Spinoza, Kaplan

B. Authority of Jewish Law:  S.R. Hirsch, Buber, Rosenzweig

C. Free will and Evil:  Milton Steinberg, Spinoza, Fackenheim

D. Nature/Importance of Jewish Peoplehood:  Herzl, Ahad Ha’am, Kaplan,

E. Relationship with God:  Buber, Heschel, Steinberg

 

II. Answer one question: (20 points)

 

A. How was each of these thinkers affected by the surrounding culture? How did they reconcile their understanding of Jewish texts and values with the values and insights of the culture in which they lived?

Maimonides, Mendelssohn, S.R. Hirsch, Kaplan

 

B. Describe the interplay between Halacha and Agadah (Jewish law and midrash), as developed in the thought of these thinkers:

Buber, Soloveitchik, Heschel, Kaplan

 

III. Write a few paragraphs about one of these topics, using all the words listed below: (20 points)

A.The development of different movements within Judaism:Reform, Conservative, (Modern) Orthodox, Reconstructionist

B.Different Jewish interpretations and groups:Hasidism, Mysticism, Karaites, feminism, secular Jewish groups/organizations

 

USE ALL THESE WORDS FOR EITHER ANSWER:

 

Halacha/Halachic

Mishnah

Talmud

Shulchan Aruch

Midrash

Agadah

Hasidism/Hasidic

Mitnagdim

Haskalah/Enlightenment

Tikkun Olam