Essay Assignment
Length: 1200 Words.
Write an 1200 word essay, double-spaced, with proper in-text citations, answering one of the following questions using the Oxtoby readings on Judaism:
1. Explain how Jewish identity can be based upon religious, cultural, or ethnic elements - or any combination of them.
2. Describe the experience of visiting B'nai Synagogue. What did you notice about the space? How was it decorated? How was the space organized? How was it being used? Did anything surprise you? What was similar to other religious spaces you have been in? What was different?
3. How do different Jewish rituals and practices reflect the importance that Judaism attributes to its historical past?
4. Re-tell the story of Abraham and the binding (almost sacrifice) of Isaac from a 21st century context. Who is Isaac? Who is Abraham? What is his job? Why does he do what he does? Why does he stop? How does Sarah react?
5. Reflect on one (or more) of the creation narratives we have read and discussed in class--Genesis (Jewish & Christian), Enuma Elish (Babylonian) , Theogony (Greek), and Pyramid Texts (Egyptian). What questions do they answer about why the world is the way it is? What do you find that is true/what do you agree with? What do you disagree with?
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.