Download 2011 HSC Studies of Religion Exam solutions Question 5

2011 HSC Studies of Religion
Exam solutions
Question 5 — Judaism (15 marks)
(a)
Describe ONE significant practice within Judaism drawn from the following:
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A Jewish wedding is a significant ritual that joins a Jewish man and woman in matrimony.
Jewish ceremonies may vary according to the variant of Judaism, but there are many
common factors. In a Jewish wedding, both parties must sign a marriage contract or
Ketubah, the wedding takes place under a wedding canopy or Chuppah. The bride accepts
a ring from the groom and the vows are sealed by the breaking of a glass that signifies the
destruction of the temple. There are two main stages to a Jewish Wedding betrothal
(kiddushin) and the marriage itself (Nissuin).
(b)
How does the practice chosen in part (a) express the beliefs of Judaism?
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Judaism is a living religious tradition that bases its beliefs on the teachings and
commandments of the Torah. The 613 Mitzvot or commandments of the Torah serve as a
guide for Jewish living, these Mitzvot inform adherents of Judaism “To take a wife by
kiddushin” (70) thus marriage in Judaism is understood to be a commandment. Ultimately a
Jewish marriage is considered a ‘covenantal’ relationship similar to that made between God
and the Jewish people. In Judaism, marriage is considered to be the idyllic state as a man
and a woman cannot be complete without marriage. The word for marriage is Kiddushin
which also means sanctification. For each married couple there are certain Mitzvot that must
be adhered to, one example is that the Mitzvot to bear children “And God blessed them, and
God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply.” Genesis 1:28.
(c)
Jewish practices are instruments for the expression of obedience to God’s
commandments.
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To what extent does the statement apply to the significance for the Jewish
community of the practice chosen in part (a)?
The practice of Jewish marriage is more than a legal union; it is a unification of two people
blessed by God and an instrument for the expression of obedience to God’s
commandments. A Jewish person is obliged to their marital partner as well as the entire
Jewish community. Marital duties, therefore, have effects on the complete Jewish
community. For Jewish couples marriage is a duty and an obligation and a practical
response to Gods commandments and God exists as part of a Jewish marriage. Providing
the marriage with the same sacredness and commitment as a person or a community might
have in their relationship with God. Marriage is the bedrock of the Jewish family; it forms the
sound basis for family structure and it fulfils the command to "Be fruitful and multiply.”
Genesis 1:28
Cambridge University Press
Within a Jewish wedding ceremony there are certain rites and rituals that mirror the
teachings and commandments of the Torah and as such hold a special place in the Jewish
psyche. Two main stages of Jewish marriage reflect the law of the Torah, the first is
“kiddushin" and the second step is known as "nisu'in." During Kidushin words from the
Torah are recited “behold you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and
Israel” thereby making links to the sacred texts and the covenant of God. Sheva Brachot or
the blessings are read “Grant abundant joy to these loving friends, as You bestowed
gladness upon Your created being in the Garden of Eden of old. Blessed are You Lord, who
gladdens the groom and bride” (6). The second stage of marriage is nisu'in is this takes
place when the bride is accompanied through the "chupah" – at this point the husband and
wife are united. The chuppah symbolises the family home, at this point the seven blessings
or benedictions are recited uniting the husband and wife under one roof for the sake of
marriage. Marriage important because it provides companionship, love and intimacy and
this is based on the teaching in Genesis 2:18 that woman was created because "it is not
good for man to be alone." Jewish people consider celibacy unnatural and Jewish people
are encouraged to marry. Marriage is also important to the Jewish community as it allows
people to procreate. Marriage is a fundamental part of any Jewish community and forms the
framework for Jewish life. It also provides links to the history, culture and traditions of the
Jewish people and the covenant between God and the people of Israel.
Cambridge University Press