Judaism written report

Report Instructions
In your reading of Chapter 10 – Encountering Judaism: The Way of God’s People you have gained a better
understanding of central tenets of Judaism and the chapter specifically highlighted the plight of the Jewish
people throughout their history and how the challenges that these people endured and overcome helped to shape
how the religion is practiced today. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon
particular elements of Judaism enumerated below:
1. Jewish Symbols – ½ page
a. Identify and a common Jewish symbol and explain its significance
i. Consider the following:
1. History/Origins of the symbol
2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement
with it
3. How the symbol is utilized by Jews today?
a. Is it used during prayer/worship?
b. Worn as an outward sign of faith?
2. History – ½ page
a. Describe 2 key events in the history of Judaism and summarize how each event is
commemorated by followers of the Jewish faith today.
3. Beliefs and Practices – ½ page
a. Articulate a central tenet of Judaism that involves one of the following categories:
i. Creation
ii. Soteriology – Salvation and Redemption
iii. Suffering
iv. Metaphysical beings – God and the divine
v. Humanity’s relationship with God
vi. Eschatology
1. Death and the afterlife
4. Prayer and Worship – ½ page
a. Discuss the Jewish notion of the Sabbath while addressing its importance in the life of
adherents to Judaism today
i. Your explanation must incorporate the origins of this concept and highlight a major
element of its celebration today
5. Morality – Code of Ethics – ½ page
a. Convey a Jewish moral teaching based on how the faithful must adhere to the laws of God
enumerated in the Jewish scriptures and the implications that this teaching has on how Jews
live their lives today
i. Ex: Specific Jewish customs or dietary restrictions
1. Other moral teachings may also be addressed
6. Similarities and Differences between Judaism and Christianity – ½ page or more
a. The relationship between Christianity and Judaism 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.
1. God
2. Savior/Messiah
3. Scripture & Biblical History
4. Ten Commandments & the Laws of God
5. Liturgical Celebrations
6. Passover
7. Country of Israel & the Holy City of Jerusalem
b. Select 1 topic from the list proved and expound upon a similarity and clarify a distinct
difference about the topic as it relates to Judaism and Christianity.
7. Judaism in Context – ½ page or more
a. Select one of the principles of Judaism that you have written about in this report and explain
why you think it is important to be cognizant of this specific tenant of faith when caring for
people of the Jewish faith in your line of work.
i. You may share a personal experience that you may have had with a Jewish person in
your line of work based on this tenant of faith or how you think having a better
understanding of this particular faith principle will shape your future interactions with
Jewish people in your line of work
Formatting Guidelines
When completing this written report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in
points being deducted from your grade:
a. This report must be typed in 12pt. font, double-spaced, & Times New Roman
b. Each section of the report must:
a. Include Section Title on a separate line
i. Ex: Jewish Symbols, Judaism in Context, etc.
b. Be at least ½ page in length
c. Incorporate at least 1 direct quotation from either the course text (World RELG4:
Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available
through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation
i. When citing your sources, you must use Chicago Manuel Style

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