The Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith

We began watching this video today, starring Rabbi Mordechai Becher, in which he discusses the 13 Principles.  Please continue to watch through to the end (we watched the first 9 minutes or so already). Then, when you are finished watching, please answer the questions listed below, and share them with me via email. This assignment is due before class on Friday, Feb 27.
(The first 4 questions are contained in roughly minutes 10-20.  The next 4 are discussed in minutes 20-29, if you'd like to split up the assignment over the next 2 nights.)

1. Explain Rabbi Becher's analogy between what he terms "physical suicide" and "spiritual suicide", and how it pertains to the 13 Principles.
2. What were some of the prime objections to the Rambam's formulation of those Principles?
3. How do our beliefs about another individual affect the kind of relationship we can have with them?  What does this have to do with the 13 Principles?
4. Is it really accurate to refer to them as the Principles of Faith or Belief?  What did the Rambam really call them, in his original Arabic writings?  Why is the terminology so significant?
5. What ties the first 4 Principles together?  Briefly discuss a new concept that you learned about one of them.
6. What ties the next 5 together?  Briefly discuss a new concept that you learned about one of them.
7. What ties the last 4 together?  Briefly discuss a new concept that you learned about one of them.
8. Why are both proper beliefs/understandings AND proper actions necessary in Judaism?

Famous Jewish Philosophers-Roundup

We have so far studied the historical backgrounds and enduring contributions of the Rambam, Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi, the Ba'al Shem Tov, the Ramchal, Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, and to a lesser degree, those of Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, and Rabbi Emanuel Feldman and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (yibadlu l'chaim tovim--they should both live and be well).

Assignment:  Ask one of your Judaic studies teachers, administrators, rabbis, rebbetzins, or other spiritual role models which one of these great Jewish thinkers has had a significant impact on their life, and why (you can transcribe an interview with them in person, by phone, or by email).  Please copy their answer in a comment below, and then tell us what intrigues you about their answer. Does it motivate you to want to learn more about that philosopher?  What else does it make you want to know about the person you interviewed? 

I would like each of you to respond to this post in the comments section below.  After you contribute a comment of your own, read your classmates' comments and write an additional response to at least one of them.

This assignment must be completed by Monday, Feb 23.  If you have not heard back from the person by Sunday night, please inform me.  Make sure to (politely) request a response by then so that you will be able to complete this assignment on time, but do so right away so as to give them enough time to get back to you.

*Keep in mind: Although I am not going to be grading this assignment on the basis of your English language skills, I do fully expect you to use your best writing, so that you can be sure you're communicating clearly and efficiently. That includes using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions (complete sentences and paragraphs, topic sentences, etc.).

**Please note: Before you post anything at all on this blog, create a Google Doc titled "JL&F Blog" and write everything there first. Then copy and paste it into the blog (this goes for all blog submissions). Occasionally people will write a lengthy response and then hit "submit", only to see it all instantly disappear. As long as you've got the original version in your Google Doc, this isn't a big problem; you can just send me your submission and I will post it for you.

Rabbi Oxman

Rabbi Oxman spoke about many interesting things he id in his career. As a Chaplin in the army it was his job to facilitate and organize Jewish affairs. One of the things I found interesting about what he said, was that some programs drew in people who didn't have so much religious connection. Maybe people just wanted some connection to their Jewish lives at home, even if its not exactly what they are used to. It also shows the community aspect of Judaism. It drew people in and made them feel like they were connected to each other. It's also nice that in the middle of war and craziness, people still view their religion that important. They don't say they're to tired or busy to practice Judaism, they want to do it.

One thing I still don't understand is, is his job only for Jews? Does he also do religious things for people of other religions? I can't imagine there are THAT many Jews on any given base, so why does the American army make a position to help a few people on each base. If so, that's great but I don't understand the need to hire a whole group of people just to help the Jews on the base. Also, is their a Chaplin for every religion? 

First Guest Speaker

Since we don't really have much time together this week, the blog will be our best format for a follow-up discussion based on Rabbi Brett Oxman's visit to our class yesterday.  I want to start off again by expressing my appreciation to Rabbi Oxman for taking the time to join us, and for preparing such an extensive photo slideshow and array of "artifacts" from his time in the U.S. Air Force.

What I'd like each of you to do is reflect on the stories and messages he shared with us and write a few paragraphs (2-3) about what ideas or vignettes made the biggest impression on you and why, as well as what questions you still have about his experiences or Jewish outlook that you'd like Rabbi Oxman to answer.  I will then pass those on to him so that he can have the opportunity to continue the conversation virtually.

I'll בעזרת 'ה be weighing in with some of my thoughts as well, but first I'm eager to hear what you think!  
We will do this a little differently from last time, based on your feedback: instead of writing your thoughts in the comments section, create a new blog entry of your own.  Make sure to read what your classmates post as well, and comment on at least 2 of them, stating what you agree with, disagree with, or would add to.  This assignment is due Friday, Feb. 6, before class.

*Keep in mind: Although I am not going to be grading this assignment on the basis of your English language skills, I do fully expect you to use your best writing, so that you can be sure you're communicating clearly and efficiently. That includes using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions (complete sentences and paragraphs, topic sentences, etc.).

**Please note: Before you post anything at all on this blog, create a Google Doc titled "JL&F Blog" and write everything there first. Then copy and paste it into the blog (this goes for all blog submissions). Occasionally people will write a lengthy response and then hit "submit", only to see it all instantly disappear. As long as you've got the original version in your Google Doc, this isn't a big problem; you can just send me your submission and I will post it for you.