You Have Three Options For This Assignment Please Answer One

You Have Three Options For This Assignment Please Answeroneof The Fol

You have three options for this assignment. Please answer one of the following three questions:

1. Prothero concludes his Judaism chapter with a section titled, "Contemporary Controversy: Women in Judaism." Related sources are the Moodle articles by Shimron ("US Jewish Movements 'Outraged' by Israeli PM's Decision to Quash Western Wall Deal") and Shimron and Ben Zion ("More Orthodox Jewish Women Are Ordained; Change Is Uneven"). Please note that, in studying the status and role of women within this religious tradition, we are considering an issue (i.e., patriarchy and modern reconsiderations of it within religious communities) that we will see all semester. Your task here is to identify three "take-away" lessons from these sources that seem most important or surprising to you, explaining why they are important or surprising.
2. Prothero mentions on p. 203 that different Jewish groups "differ especially over the observance of Jewish law and the 613 commandments. They also disagree over whether and to what extent Jews should remain a people set apart or whether they should mingle with non-Jews." Start your homework response with this quote and then note how the Moodle articles by Markoe ("Orthodox Jewish Commencement Speaker . . ."), Cohen and Levitt ("Marry a Jew and You're One of Us"), and Salkin ("Should Religion Be Easy?") illustrate these issues. What values, goals, or visions of Judaism seem to be at stake in these matters?
3. Jewish identity has been a fraught and complex issue. Please consider carefully: Prothero's comments on p. 188; and your Moodle readings by Husain ("Are Jews White?"), Zauzmer ("Is Judaism an Ethnicity? . . ."), and Shimron ("Michael Twitty's ..."). But let's focus on Michael Twitty. What does the Shimron article about Twitty mean by persons having "braided traditions"? In what ways does Twitty have a "braided" identity? Do you have a braided identity? Twitty says, "I want people to understand that tradition is what you make." That can't be right, can it? Isn't tradition something you're given by others?

Paper For Above instruction

In this essay, I will analyze the three options presented for exploring Jewish topics, focusing primarily on Option 3, which delves into the complex nature of Jewish identity through Micah Twitty's example. This option prompts us to consider how individuals can forge "braided" identities that blend multiple cultural and religious traditions, challenging simplistic notions of tradition as externally imposed rather than personally crafted.

Prothero's discussion of the various degrees of adherence to Jewish law and the differing attitudes towards mingling with non-Jews exemplifies the rich tapestry of Jewish diversity. The question of whether Jews should maintain a distinct ethnic and religious identity or integrate more fully into broader societies is central to understanding contemporary Jewish life and the signals it sends about collective values. For instance, Cohen and Levitt's article on marrying within the faith emphasizes preserving Jewish continuity and shared religious practices, while Salkin's piece encourages embracing faith in a more accessible manner, reflecting a modern vision of inclusivity. These sources demonstrate how visions of Jewish identity balance tradition, modernity, and societal integration (Prothero, 2020; Markoe, 2016; Cohen & Levitt, 2015; Salkin, 2019).

Turning to Option 3, Micah Twitty's concept of "braided traditions" resides at the heart of his identity as a Black Jew and cultural interpreter. The term implies that Twitty's identity comprises multiple, intertwined strands—African-American heritage, Jewish religion, and cultural practices—that he weaves into a personal identity distinct from monolithic or singular traditions. As Shimron notes, Twitty’s "braided" upbringing allows him to transcend the boundaries often imposed by singular cultural narratives, creating a hybrid form of identity that is both authentic and innovative (Shimron, 2019).

Twitty’s statement that "tradition is what you make" suggests a move away from predetermined or externally imposed customs toward an understanding of tradition as a flexible and personal construct. This perspective aligns with broader discussions about identity formation, which increasingly recognize individual agency in shaping cultural and religious practices. While some might argue that tradition is handed down, Twitty's view underscores that traditions can evolve and be reinterpreted to fit personal experiences and contemporary realities. This approach democratizes tradition, empowering individuals to craft meaningful identities rather than passively inherit prescribed norms.

Personally, many people today, including myself, may have a "braided" identity, integrating various cultural, religious, or social influences. In an increasingly interconnected world, identities are rarely pure or singular but are expressed through complex, layered narratives that reflect one’s multifaceted experiences.

In conclusion, Twitty's assertion that "tradition is what you make" invites us to reconsider the nature of cultural and religious inheritance. It highlights the agency individuals have to shape their identities through a dynamic interplay of tradition and personal meaning. Recognizing this complexity enriches our understanding of what it means to be part of a community and how identities can be fluid, adaptable, and deeply personal.

References

• Prothero, S. (2020). Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know—and Doesn’t. HarperOne.
• Markoe, J. (2016). "Orthodox Jewish Commencement Speaker Raises Eye Brow." The Washington Post.
• Cohen, S., & Levitt, P. (2015). "Marry a Jew and You're One of Us." The Jewish Journal.
• Salkin, F. (2019). "Should Religion Be Easy?" The Forward.
• Shimron, H. (2019). "Michael Twitty's Braided Traditions." Jewish Journal.
• Husain, N. (2021). "Are Jews White?" NPR.
• Zauzmer, J. (2018). "Is Judaism an Ethnicity?" The Washington Post.
• Prothero, S. (2020). Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know—and Doesn’t. HarperOne.
• Markoe, J. (2016). "Orthodox Jewish Commencement Speaker Raises Eye Brow." The Washington Post.
• Cohen, S., & Levitt, P. (2015). "Marry a Jew and You're One of Us." The Jewish Journal.