REL_ST 2110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Jewish Religious Movements, Seesen, Baruch Spinoza
17 Oct 2017
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Jewish denominations: reform judaism, 18th century german movement, born of desire to modernize judaism, prayers and sermons in local language (rather than hebrew), chorale and organ music, 1st reform synagogue in seesen (french conquered land near germany) in. Baruch spinoza: 17th century jewish philosopher who suggested biblical (and rabbinic) laws pertained to ancient (not contemporary) cultures. Said judaism can/should be interpreted to account for newly revealed ethical, moral, and spiritual values = progressive revelation. Emphasized universalism and finding common ground with and within dominant cultures: agree and accept each other. Those dominant cultures disappointed the reformers: retrenchment to rationalism and religious intoleration in 19th/20th century, reform judaism today: Represents ~ american jews (slightly less than reform) Halakha (jewish law) occupies a more central position. Greater emphasis on dietary laws (varies by individual) . rejects innovations of reform and conservative movements modernity. Consider themselves torah-observant jews; make little to no accommodation to. Maintain gender separation--men and women don"t sit together in service.
