In your reading of Chapter 10 – Encountering Judaism: The Way of God’s People as well as the other readings for the week, you have gained a better understanding of the central themes of Judaism. As you learned more about the religion, you may have noticed the many similarities that Judaism shares with Christianity as the relationship between the two religions 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. Last week, we expounded upon how some of these themes are understood in the context of Catholicism and now you will describe how they are understood in Judaism.
Note: Yahveh is the most accurate pronunciation of the holiest name of God. Because of the 2nd Commandment (Exodus-Shemot 20:7), most Jews never say it; instead, they substitute either Adonai or HaShem. [Yahweh & Jehovah are popular but erroneous pronunciations.]
Select two themes from the list below and present the Jewish teaching on the chosen theme.
- Jewish Understanding of God
- Salvation
- Creation
- Eschatology
- Pain and Suffering
- Freedom and Free Will
- Virtues
- Sin
- Be explained in at least one paragraph
- Incorporate at least 2 direct quotations with accompanying in-text citations from either the required weekly readings or a resource found on the “Judaism Study Resources” page linked below
Your initial post should be at least 150 words. Incorporate different sources, formatted,
Theme 1: Creation
In Judaism, the theme of Creation holds significant importance and is understood as an expression of God’s divine power and benevolence. The Jewish understanding of Creation is based on the belief that God brought forth the universe and all its elements out of nothingness. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, in his book “Jewish Literacy,” highlights the Jewish perspective on Creation, stating, “The world is God’s creation and the Jewish people, as well as all humanity, are its divinely appointed caretakers.”
Judaism emphasizes the concept of God as the sole creator and sustainer of the universe. The Genesis account in the Torah describes God’s creative process, where He brings order and purpose to the world. The Jewish prayer known as the Aleinu expresses this belief, stating, “It is our duty to praise the Master of all, to ascribe greatness to the Molder of primeval creation.”
The Jewish understanding of Creation is not limited to the past but extends to the present and future. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his book “The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning,” asserts, “God sustains the world, not through miracle, but through the laws of nature, which God established at the beginning.” Thus, Jews perceive the ongoing existence and functioning of the natural world as a continuous act of Creation by God.
Theme 2: Freedom and Free Will
Freedom and free will are fundamental themes in Judaism, emphasizing the individual’s responsibility to make ethical choices and lead a moral life. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores this concept in his book “A Letter in the Scroll: Understanding Our Jewish Identity and Exploring the Essence of Jewish Prayer,” stating, “The Torah is about freedom, the knowledge that no one is predetermined to be anything. We are all born free, with a capacity for good and for evil.”
Judaism teaches that God granted human beings free will to make choices and determine their path. The Torah presents commandments and moral guidelines as a framework to guide individuals in making righteous decisions. Rabbi Harold Kushner, in his book “To Life! A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking,” affirms, “Judaism teaches that human beings are not merely puppets in the hands of a distant deity. Rather, each person is invested with the power of choice and the capacity for growth and moral development.”
While God provides guidance, it is ultimately the individual’s responsibility to exercise free will and choose the path of righteousness. Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, in his book “God, Man and History,” states, “The Torah does not permit people to divest themselves of responsibility, even if they feel themselves dominated by circumstance. […] The exercise of free will is an individual’s way of realizing his personal responsibility.”
Judaism views freedom and free will as essential components of the human experience, enabling individuals to actively participate in shaping their lives and the world around them.