In a free society, some are guilty. But all are responsible. — Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, 1944; 1964

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. — Psalms 1:1-3 (New Revised Standard Version of the Bible)

Introduction

This workshop continues the study of Judaism. Participants learn the core Jewish biblical story of Moses' receiving the Ten Commandments and examine the role of prophets in Jewish thought and history. They explore the tension between the identity of the Jews as a people and the spectrum of religious expression in Judaism as a faith. To extend youth's look at how some Jewish practices and values might relate to or could enrich their own lives and faith, this workshop offers a Faith in Action activity on kashrut (Jewish observance around food). Alternate Activities invite youth to develop a year's calendar of Unitarian Universalist readings, delve into Viktor Frankl's philosophies regarding the meaning of suffering, or experience a Passover seder.

Goals

This workshop will:

• Continue and deepen exploration of Judaism begun in Workshop 5
• Explore the core Jewish story of Moses and the Ten Commandments
• Introduce the biblical prophets' dual role in Judaism as makers of history and models of faith
• Articulate parallels between Judaism and Unitarian Universalism
• Reinforce Bible literacy with a story about King Solomon and an activity to familiarize participants with prophets from Hebrew scripture.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Deepen understanding of Judaism begun in Workshop 5
• Explore the role of prophets in Jewish history and faith through stories of two biblical prophets, Moses and Solomon
• Consider the significance of the Ten Commandments in Judaism, in Western culture and norms, and in their own lived experience
• Discover justice as a core value in Judaism; make connections between Jewish and Unitarian Universalist values related to a faithful person's responsibility to work for justice
• Increase Bible literacy.

Workshop-at-a-Glance