THE BIRTH OF MODERN JUDAISMHistory and Present Groups

By the end of this Powerpoint, you need to know the differences between the modern sects of Judaism as well as the two mystical branches.

Take notes accordingly!

Christianity• Christianity was a Jewish movement that changed after

the destruction of the temple in 70CE• The movement had begun 40 years later with Jesus of

Nazareth• Jews and non-Jews accepted him as the long-awaited

Jewish Messiah• After he was crucified, his followers, Christians, presented

Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel.• Not all Jews believed this- Christians thus, parted ways

with Rabbinic Jews

Rabbinic Judaism

- This movement was begun by the Pharisees

- Focused on sacred writings- Encouraged people to gather in

synagogues or study at home-People who interpreted the Torah were known as scribes or rabbis

Jews in Christian Europe• When the Jews were exiled from Judea in 135CE, they

were scattered around Europe (Diaspora).

• Key aspect of faith: Constant desire to return to homeland

• Jews had a huge influence on the cultural, historical, economic, and intellectual development of the countries where they lived, but still they were often looked at as the “other”.

• Largely Christian countries believed they were unbelievers and that they even were responsible for killing Jesus.

Mystic Movements in the Middle Ages

• The Kabbalah• 12th Century• One sacred text, Zohar, describes

it as a journey into the self of each individual

• God is indescribable- can only say what God is NOT.

• The true essence of God is known as Ein Sof, which means “no end.”

• No boundaries in time or space• Can be widely interpreted by Jews

today

Hasidism• Founder of Hasidism was Israel ben Eliezer (1698-1759),

also known as Ba’al Shem Tov.• Communion with God happens through prayer, good

deeds, humility, and joy!• Best known for humourous stories where people

encounter God through simple chores• Hasidic communities led by “rebbes” or leaders whom

followers come for guidance.

Hasidism• Most Hasidic communities are in Montreal and Toronto• Easily identified by their dress• Most men wear dark suits and black hats; many have long

uncut sideburns• Women dress modestly and cover their hair• Generally maintain a strict observance of Jewish laws

The Enlightenment• During the 17th C, a shift away from mysticism and religion

and towards reason took place.

• People became skeptical of traditional political, social and religious beliefs.

• Brought changes to Judaism as well.

• Less focus on religion, meant Jews were more accepted in Europe.

• Three sects of Judaism stemmed from Enlightenment.

Reform• Attracted Jews who had mixed most frequently with the

rest of population• Interpret scripture with modern means • Less desire to be strictly kosher or to return to Israel• Use a combination of Hebrew and English at services • Men and women sit together at service, women can

be rabbis. • Most believe if one parent is Jewish, the child is. • Individualism is stressed• Tikkun olam is stressed (repairing world through

social action)

Conservative• Some Jews feared they would lose their separate identity

with the rise of the Reform movement, so the Conservative movement rose in response

• Follows most but not all of the commandments• Accepts some modern interpretation but considers

Reform too loose• Needs of Jewish community and Jewish identity comes

before individual want and needs• Also stress tikkun olam• Men and women sit together in synagogues, women can

be rabbis, but not all agree.• Largest branch in Canada

Orthodox • Observes all ancient rules and practices• God gave the whole Torah, written and oral, to Moses at

Mount Sinai• Observing commandments of Torah, observing Sabbath

and other holy days, using Hebrew in synagogue, dressing modestly, following dietary laws

• Men and women do not sit together at synagogue• Being Jewish is only passed down through the mother