EXAM # 1

RLST 3100: JUDAISM Summer, 2001

Respond to ONE of the following topics.

A. The history of biblical and rabbinic Judaism was shaped by 4 major turning points: the creation of the monarchy, the conquest of Judah and destruction of the first Temple by the Babylonians, the coming of Hellenistic culture, and the battle against the Romans (including the destruction of the second Temple). In each case, different groups of Jews responded in different ways to these formative events. There was never a single unanimous response. Still, there was some common element in all the responses to all these events — an element that made them all distinctively "Jewish."

Choose any three (3) of the four major turning points and explain how different groups of Jews responded in different ways to them. In conclusion, explain why you agree or disagree with the last sentence in the statement above: Was there anything that all the responses had in common, or not?

B. Some historians of religion say that religion provides a sense of overarching order and predictable structure in life. This allows religious people to avoid feelings of loss of control, and the anxiety and suffering those feelings can produce. No matter what happens, religious people feel that there is an enduring order that ultimately makes everything "all right." Other historians of religion take an opposite view. They say that religion is a way for people to confront directly experiences of disorder, loss of control, anxiety and suffering. They say that religion is not about avoiding such experiences. It is about accepting times when things are not "all right" as an inevitable part of life.

Show how the history of Judaism from its beginnings to the end of the rabbinic era provides evidence to support both of these views of religion . In conclusion, explain which view you think fits BEST for Judaism through the end of the rabbinic era, and why.

3. Use proper outline form. If you don't know what it is, go to the library and look it up.
4. Each entry in your outline should be a substantial statement -- not just a word or two (though it does not have to be a full sentence).
5. For each entry, indicate where you got that information (book page number or lecture date)
6. When you are done with the outline, write a short essay (1-2 pages) explaining your answer to the opinion part of the question.
7. As in any other academic course, you are being tested on your ability to understand, organize, synthesize, and think logically about the ideas presented in this course. Therefore, in answering the question, you should show that you have read the assigned readings, attended class, and grasped the main ideas presented in readings and class. Please remember that your grade is based on your demonstrated understanding of the course material.
8. This exam covers material studied through June 18. It is due in class on June 21.
9. You may revise your exam to improve your grade. If you want my comments and suggestions to help in revision (or just for your information), write the word COMMENTS on the front page. Otherwise you will just get it back with a grade, but without comments.