StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
In addition, it is also said that Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions of the world, with an estimated three millennia of…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93% of users find it useful
Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism"

December, Judaism in Six Dimensions Judaism is one of the major religions in the world today, with an estimated 13 million members worldwide, to which majority resides in Israel. In addition, it is also said that Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions of the world, with an estimated three millennia of continuous existence (basicjudaism.org 2007). This paper aims to analyze Judaism according to six dimensions: experiential, mythical, doctrinal, ethical, ritual and social (Smart 2000).

One of the best doctrines of Judaism that describes the experiential includes the giving of the covenant by God to the Jewish people (which includes the Ten Commandments and the laws given to Moses) (basicjudaism.org 2007). In fact, the giving of the covenant is what they believe makes the Jewish people the “chosen people,” and it is the one that also dictates their distinctive practices (dietary prohibitions and worship on the Saturday Sabbath for instance), practices that gives them distinction from others.

Meanwhile, accounts of the creation of the world by one God, as written in the first book of the Torah (The Genesis—also in the Bible), shows the mythical component of Judaism as a religion. This narrative also shows that God blessed Abraham to be the “father of a great nation” (basicjudaism.org 2007). While the Christian Bible also believes in this account, this puts the Jews as direct descendants of Abraham the recipient of the blessings of God and eternal salvation, which is not open to other peoples or “gentiles” (which is contrary to Christian doctrine).

The major doctrinal dimension of Judaism is the Torah, where the 613 laws and commandments are given to the Jewish people (basicjudaism.org 2007). It includes the giving of the law of God, the creation of the Jewish holidays and dietary restrictions, and even on the proper codes and manners of worship. Although it is true that the Torah also consists of the first five books of the Bible, Christians place an emphasis on the New Testament, which is not believed by the Jews. This is the reason why the belief in the Torah also contributes to the distinctive identity of Judaism.

One of the major ethical dimensions of Judaism is also found in the Torah, specifically on the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy (basicjudaism.org 2007). It is in these books where the dietary restrictions of the Jews (such as prohibitions on pork and ducks), as well as on how to treat women. In addition, it also shows the role of religious authorities in handling disputes among the people. These distinct practices also differentiate Judaism from other religions. The practice of Circumcision is one of the main ritual dimensions of Judaism.

It symbolizes the “cleanliness” of the chosen people, and their covenant with God (basicjudaism.org 2007). However, this practice is also common with Christianity and Islam. Distinctive rituals can include the celebration of the Passover, the Sukkot (commemorating the journey to the Promised Land) and the Shavuot (the revelation of the Torah to the Jewish people). One of the main doctrines of Judaism that demonstrates its social dimension is the creation of a set of priests, the rabbis, from the sons of Aaron (basicjudaism.org 2007). The justification of this was the notion that the Jews would continually sin, because of their human nature.

The rabbis also create a special distinction of Judaism, especially in its organization, wherein they do not only have religious, but also civil duties to the people. Works CitedSmart, Ninian. Worldviews: Crosscultural Explorations of Human Beliefs. New York: Prentice Hall, 2000. Print.basicjudaism.org. Judaism, 2007. Web. 1 December, 2010.

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism Essay”, n.d.)
Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism Essay. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1573786-applying-the-six-dimensions-to-the-study-of-judaism
(Applying the Six Dimensions to the Study of Judaism Essay)
Applying the Six Dimensions to the Study of Judaism Essay. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1573786-applying-the-six-dimensions-to-the-study-of-judaism.
“Applying the Six Dimensions to the Study of Judaism Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1573786-applying-the-six-dimensions-to-the-study-of-judaism.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Applying the six dimensions to the study of Judaism

Beliefs and Ways of Life

hellip; the study assumes significance as Jehovah's Witnesses are a growing religious group despite various setbacks regarding conversions.... The essay attempts to make a study on the Jehovah's witnesses.... Thus, they try to promote Bible education through preaching and the distribution of Bibles and Bible study aids....
7 Pages (1750 words) Case Study

Disneyland in the United States and France

In context with Hofstede's four cultural dimensions, the… Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI): An indicator which measures the threat people come across towards uncertainty.... Answer: Euro Disneyland – The extension of the monumental Disneyland America in France apparently seemed a prospect to strike gold but it was grappled with numerous cultural differences between France and USA....
4 Pages (1000 words) Case Study

Electric Fan Industry Case Study

Among the many fan companies… Tibrewala, owner and chief executive officer of Bhagyanagar Fan Limited, was facing some shortages in the components supply in the last peak season, decided that a short term forecast Company analysis: Electric Fan Industrial Case study Marie Jean Nova Southeastern Griffin Company analysis: Electric Fan Industry Case study Executive SummaryThis report is about the analysis of an electric fan company, Bhagyanagar Fans Limited....
1 Pages (250 words) Case Study

Quality of Earnings

The earnings quality has two dimensions: the perseverance and the cash flow dimensions.... The persistence dimension tries to… For example, the earning that have been increased from the sale of the firm assets such as land or a one-time reduction of the taxes rate due to tax lose as a result of tax loss carry forward In the evaluation of the cash dimensions, attempt is made to identify and determine whether the reported earnings are supported by the cash flow....
5 Pages (1250 words) Case Study

Paper Pro Punch Manufacturing Analysis

The inside dimensions of the lever and punch are very important aspect for a punch machine to be effective.... Thus, it is not very portable to carry in the pocket.... However, there are also some of the punches that are made up of plastic and are comparatively lighter in weight (Paper Pro Inc....
6 Pages (1500 words) Case Study

Six Sigma Improvement

The writer of this study "Six Sigma" explores the reasons for Six Sigma's efficiency.... Dissimilar from other quality frameworks, six Sigma has a strategic aspect intended at not merely enhancing management's dedication to six Sigma, but their dynamic participation and contribution.... hellip; In order for six Sigma to be effective in an organization, the initial wave of projects should be successful.... Effective projects assist the people in the organization to observe that six Sigma works for their own benefit....
11 Pages (2750 words) Case Study

Impressions to Kuwaiti Tribes, Andaloor Villages and Judaisms

The paper "Impressions to Kuwaiti Tribe's, Andaloor Village's and judaism's" explores three different cultures performing different ways of conducting a wedding ceremony – namely, the cultures of the Kuwaiti Tribe Community, the Andaloor Village Tribe, and judaism....
10 Pages (2500 words) Case Study

Recognition of and Engagement with Student Difference and Diversity and Supportive Learning Environments

… The paper “Pedagogical Dimensions of Recognition of and Engagement with Student Difference and Diversity and Supportive Learning Environments ” is a cogent variant of case study on education.... This case study is based on observations made on two lessons conducted at the primary school level involving early childhood education.... The paper “Pedagogical Dimensions of Recognition of and Engagement with Student Difference and Diversity and Supportive Learning Environments ” is a cogent variant of case study on education....
9 Pages (2250 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us