Authority
1. What is the source & evidence for religious truth claims within the religion?
2. From where does the authority for leadership arise? ScriptureWord used to decribe sacred texts? Historical figure? Human figure? Tradition? SpiritualA word with many religious connotations, often used to describe a multiplicity of phenomena that would include inner, reflective or emotional experiences, and those aspects of life that give it meaning and depth or which are profoundly moving or aesthetic. ?
3. Means by which authority is expressed in practice? Position of scripture? Place of worshipThe offering of praise and reverence to God via a religious service ? Clothing? Attitudes in prayer etc?
4. Means by which authority relates to individuals, communities and the world.
5. How is the authority evaluated?
For Jews all authority comes from the TorahIn Judaism, the Law or the first five books of the Bible and so from G-d.
The Torah or Law – the first five books of the Jewish Scriptures or TenakhReferring to the sacred writings of Judaism, the Law, Prophets and Writings: GenesisFirst book of the Bible, ExodusSecond book of the Jewish scriptures or a period when Moses led the Isrealites out of Egypt, LeviticusThe major law book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, NumbersOne of the five books of the Pentateuch to be found in the Bible, Deuteronomy are the word of G-d written down by MosesRegarded as the law giver and major founder of Judaism. Moses received both the Written Torah – these five books, and the Oral Torah – the TalmudOral Torah - the traditions or Jewish explanations of the Written Torah, direct from G-d.
The Written Torah is unchanging and unchangeable and all truth claims are based on the teachings it contains and the belief that it is the revealedGod disclosing himself in history and people word of G-d.
The handwritten Torah Scrolls are called the Sefer TorahIn Judaism, the The Holy Torah. The Torah is treated with great respect by all Jews. It is handwritten on large pages of animal skin and placed on large rollers. The scrolls are carefully copied by hand by a specially trained scribe using a turkey or goose feather.
The Sefer Torah contains only consonants, there are no vowels, punctuation or musical notation. Hebrew is written from right to left across the page.
The teamim or signs which show how the Torah should be read and chanted were developed in the period 400-1000 CE by Masorete scholars and are found in printed versions.
The scrolls are decorated with covers, bells, breastplates and other decorations. When not in use they are kept in a cupboard in the synagogueA Jewish place of worship and study called the Aaron HakodeshIn Judaism the Holy Ark of the covenant in the synagogue (the ark). The ner tamid A Hebrew term referring to the perpetual light found in the Jewish synagogue (eternal light) burns constantly in front of the ark.
When they are being read they are not touched by hand but a yadA silver pointer used to follow readings of the Torah scrolls in Jewish worship (pointer) is used so that the reader can follow the text.
The respect given to the Torah and the mitzvot (laws) which it contains show its great importance to Jews as a document which contains the truth about G-d and about their relationship with him.
The local Jewish community may be led by the RabbiIn Judaism, a teacher (teacher). A Rabbi is a learned person who leads the community, teaches the people and may lead them in worship. However, the authority of the Rabbi comes from learning in the Torah and Talmud and there is no sacramental or priestly role attached to the position.
In worship Jews show their respect for G-d and the Torah. Traditionally, the ark is placed on the east wall of the synagogue so that, when facing the scrolls, Jews are facing Jerusalem.
When praying in the synagogue, Jews stand to face the Ark. In respect to G-d, male Jews cover the heads with a yamulkah or kippahA small skull cap worn by Jewish males in worship and at the synagogue - a skull cap.
All Jews recognise the authority of the Torah though there may be disagreement over the status accorded to the Talmud.
Websites
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Jewish+Education/
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/index.htm
http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/
Bibliography
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Cohn-Sherbok, D., 2003. Judaism: History, Belief and Practice. London: Routledge.
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Koltun, E., (ed.), 1989. The Jewish Woman. New York: Schocken, New York.
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Mayled, J., 2007. ‘Judaism’. In Tyler, S. & Reid, G., AS Religious Studies. London: Pearson.
Mayled, J., 2007. ‘Judaism’. In Tyler, S. & Reid, G., A2 Religious Studies. London: Pearson.
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Schauss, H., n.d. Jewish Festivals: History and Observance. s.l.: Schocken.
Unterman, A., 1996. The Jews: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. s.l.: Sussex Academic Press.
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