Part Eight VIII › Division II II › Section 826 826

Judaism

Subject Outline

AHistory of Judaism
- 1The biblical era
- 2The Hellenistic era [see also 822.E.]
- 3The Talmudic era in Palestine and Babylonia: the foundations of rabbinic Judaism [see also B.3., below]
- 4The medieval era: the European and Islamic phases of rabbinic Judaism (7th-- 18th century)
- 5The modern era from c. mid-18th century: developments in modern Judaism
- 6Judaism today: its current demographic and social aspects
BIntellectual, spiritual, and imaginative expressions of Judaism [see also C.4., below]
- 1Biblical literature
  - aCanons, texts, and vernacular versions of the Bible; e.g., Septuagint, Targum
  - bTaNaKh, the Hebrew Bible: Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim
  - cNoncanonical literature: Apocrypha, pseudepigrapha
- 2Qumran literature (Dead Sea Scrolls)
- 3Talmud and Midrash
- 4Judaic exegesis and hermeneutics
- 5Mystical and devotional writings
- 6Jewish philosophical writings
- 7Jewish myth and legend
CBeliefs, practices, and institutions of Judaism
- 1Basic beliefs and doctrines
  - aDoctrines concerning God
  - bDoctrines concerning the Jewish people: the concept of Covenant [see also 811.D.10.]
  - cDoctrines concerning mankind
  - dDoctrines concerning the universe
  - eEschatology: views about the future age of mankind and the world, the King-Messiah and his reign [see also 811.D.7., 827.F.1., and 829.A.]
- 2Basic practices and institutions
  - aIndividual and familial practices
  - bSynagogue practices and other public institutions: the role of the rabbi, chief rabbinates, and general councils and conferences
  - cSacred times: the sabbath, the Jewish holidays
  - dSacred places: the land of Israel and Jerusalem
  - eThe sacred language: Hebrew
- 3Present-day forms of Judaism
  - aOrthodox Judaism
  - bReform, or Liberal, Judaism
  - cConservative Judaism
  - dOther variations in belief and practices: Reconstructionism, Hasidism, regional or ethnic groups
- 4Art and iconography
  - aThe anti-iconic principle: the influence of the biblical prohibition against idolatry
  - bUses of the visual arts in ceremony and ritual: ceremonial objects, synagogue architecture, paintings, manuscript illumination
  - cMusic: Jewish liturgical modes, the influence of folk traditions, vocal and instrumental music