IA Upcoming due dates!

2/4 : Criterion A and B due!

HW due 2/2

We will have our fundamental questions quiz.

We will discuss The Creation readings.

Homework due 1/29

• Fill in the Blank Quiz (3 Fundamental Questions)

• Vocabulary Due 

• Creation according to the Midrash - please READ this selection - we will use the discussion questions from The Creation handout on 1/25 and discussion questions centered on The Midrash to drive our discussion. 

3 Fundamental Questions (Quiz and Vocab Due on Friday!)

 1. What is the human condition? 

• God created humans in his image and endowed them with free will, which leads to a constant choice between yetzer ha-ra (bad inclinations) and yetzer ha-tov (good inclinations). 

2. Where are we going? 

• Judaism emphasizes observance in this life rather than elaborating on the hereafter. 
• There is, however, the expectation of a Messianic age of peace and justice for humankind in this world and a belief in Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come). 

3. How do we get there? 

• We accomplish this through living a life in accordance with God’s will and in readiness for the coming of the Messianic Age. 
• This will be achieved by: 

• being the House of Israel or Chosen People 

• obeying all the mitzvot (commandments) of the Covenant that God has revealed in the Torah 

• living according to the Shema.

Free Will in Judaism

There was some discussion regarding free will and an all knowing, powerful God in Judaism. I have posted the hits I got from myjewishlearning.com (suggested by Rabbi) and the first article suggested.

Search Results

Article 1

1/25 Classwork

Use the following handouts (they have been scanned - they aren't perfect, but they'll do) to answer the questions below. Note please use one of two accepted formats:

a) Answer in complete sentences 

b) Write out question and answer in bullet point 

History of the Jews

1. Comment on the importance of the origins and culture of Jewish society in relation to the religion.

2. Distinguish between being an Israelite and being Jewish. 

3. Outline the differences between the first temple period, the second temple period, diaspora and modern times. 

4. Explain the impact of Israel's history on the development of Judaism. 

5. Analyze the importance of the Ashkenazic Jews to Judaism. 

6. To what extent have the other Western Religion's (Christianity and Islam) acerbic interactions with Judaism contributed to the formation of its religious identity? 

Creation

1. Compare and contrast the two different creation stories and their emphasis at the beginning of Genesis

2. Analyze the social and historical relevance of Eve's creation in comparison to Adam 

3. Explain God's covenant with Abraham

4. Deduce the importance of circumcision to the covenant.

5. To what extent is God's covenant with Abraham similar to deals made with Adam and Eve?

Reminder!!

Make sure you have gone to the online forum ( http://2015-2016-wr.freeforums.net/thread/1/welcome-new-forum) and posted your answers to the 3 fundamental questions by Monday!!