Jewish Studies Provides a Deeper Understanding of Judaism
course that deals with the study of Jews and Judaism, Jewish studies is given in many major institutions of learning around the world. Because Judaism affects the lives of people everywhere, especially in the light of political developments and conflicts in the Middle East, Jewish studies has become a much sought-after course today. Many students take the course either on a non-degree basis or to get a Master of Arts degree in the subject. There are even many students who go for a Ph.D. in Jewish studies.
Students take a course in Jewish studies for many reasons. Some, especially non-Jews, want to acquire a deeper understanding of Jesus and Christianity in the context of a Jewish background. Others try to fathom the reasons behind the difficult relationship between Judaism and Islam. Still others take Jewish studies in pursuit of philosophy. Whatever the reason, these students hope to explore one of the world’s great faiths that has had a profound influence on civilization.
Jewish Studies about Animal Rights in Jewish Tradition
In the course of Jewish studies, you will come across the kapparot practiced as part of Jewish tradition. The ceremony is performed just before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in Jewish tradition. The kapparot is based on the belief that a person’s sins can be erased by being symbolically transferred to a fowl.
In the kapparot of Jewish tradition, a rooster represents a man while a woman is represented by a hen. The ceremony starts with selections from Isaiah, Psalms and Job being recited. The rooster or hen is held above the person’s head and swung around three times while the person says a prayer that goes: “This is my exchange, my substitute, my atonement; this rooster/hen shall go to its death, but I shall go to a good, long life and to peace”. The bird is then donated to the poor for food and it is the belief that it has assumed any misfortune that would have happened to the person because of his or her sins.
Jewish Studies about Weapons in Ancient Jewish Times
Jewish studies of warfare and conquest show a variety of weapons in ancient Jewish times. Archaeological finds, drawings and paintings show that there were three basic types of offensive weapons in ancient Jewish times used by the Jews or their enemies. The sword, dagger or spear were the weapons of choice for short-range, hand-to-hand combat. For medium-range combat, the spear was occasionally used but the lighter javelin was preferred by combatants. The sling and the bow were used for long-range battle.
The standard sword of ancient Jewish times was known as a “sickle sword” and was effective for slashing but not for thrusting or stabbing. It was also difficult to hide because of its design. Consequently, for his assassination attempt described in Judges 3:16, Ehud fabricated a foot and a half long double-edged sword which he could conceal in his clothing.
Jewish Studies in Various Centers of Learning
The study of Jewish history and culture is broadly referred to as Jewish studies. It is similar to an education in Humanities but focused on the Jewish culture and its contribution to civilization. Jewish studies are offered by many universities and colleges around the world including the most prestigious centers of learning. Here are some of the universities that offer Jewish studies and a description of their courses.
The world’s largest Jewish studies school is reported to be the Bar-Ilan University. With approximately 500 departments, almost 70 research institutes, 24 libraries, 300 laboratories, more than 650 senior and over 1,100 junior faculty members, the university offers 7,000 courses in Jewish studies. It has a Faculty of Jewish Studies with interdisciplinary courses in Contemporary Jewry and Advanced Torah Studies.
