Philosophies of Judaism Final Exam Dec. 18, 1996
This exam can be taken in class on Wednesday Dec. 18, from 12:30 to2:20 or as a take-home exam due at that same time. Whether done as take-homeor not, all answers should be less than 300 words per answer. Take homeexams are to be typed, double-spaced, with footnotes for sources (text,colleagues, lecture). Exams taken in class do not require such annotation.The in-class exam should be "do-able" in less than an hour anda half. Individuals are required to answer #1 and any two of the otherquestions. Groups (no group may have more than 4 members) are requiredto answer #1 and five more of the following six.
1. Construct a feminist interpretation and critique of one of the following:Fackenheim, Lilith, Maimonides, Buber, Rosenzweig, Philo, or Plaskow. Rememberthat a critique can indicate both good points and bad, strengths and shortcomings.Evaluate the critique you just constructed.
2. What do you think of Rosenzweig's view of philosophy as genuine dialogue?Why? What, if anything, is peculiarly Jewish about this?
3. What is Fackenheim telling his readers about the duty of Jews sincethe Holocaust? Do you think he is right? Why or why not?
4. What do you think of Buber's view of philosophy as genuine dialogue?Why? What, if anything, is peculiarly Jewish about this?
5. Both Buber and Rosenzweig experienced significant conversions towardsthe lives they lived and philosophies they developed. Pick one and saywhat you think happened and why.
6. Which Jewish thinker we have studied could have written [or wrote]the following passage? Why do you think so? What do you think the passagemeans? Why would someone believe it?
It is almost universally said that the Holocaust is an irrefutable blemishon--if not denial of--God. This is true. It is equally true that the survivalof the Jewish people--at all times and especially through the Holocaust--isan inexplicable handiwork of His. (It is, incidentally, little less cruelthan the slaughter, as Elie Wiesel and others make clear.) We are entitledto put it blasphemously; God was so vicious as to kill us, and He was sovicious as to preserve us; to him go all blame and all glory.
7. Summarize the main points of one of the student presentations. Offera critique of the presentation. (See question #1, regarding the meaningof "critique.")