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Question 5 — Judaism (15 marks) (a) Outline the contribution to Judaism of ONE significant person or school of thought other than Abraham or Moses - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 5
Question 5 — Judaism (15 marks) (a) Outline the contribution to Judaism of ONE significant person or school of thought other than Abraham or Moses. (b) Explain eth... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 5 — Judaism (15 marks) (a) Outline the contribution to Judaism of ONE significant person or school of thought other than Abraham or Moses - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 5 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline the contribution to Judaism of ONE significant person or school of thought other than Abraham or Moses.
Answer
One significant contributor to Judaism is Hillel the Elder, who lived during the late Second Temple period. Hillel is renowned for his teachings that emphasized ethics and human dignity. He introduced the principle of the ‘Golden Rule’, encapsulated in the phrase, 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.' This principle has had a lasting influence on Jewish ethical thought and practice, promoting compassion and empathy within the community.
Step 2
How effective has the significant person or school of thought identified in part (a) been in the development and/or expression of Judaism?
Answer
Hillel's impact on Judaism is profound and enduring. His teachings contributed to the development of Pharisaic Judaism, which emphasized oral Torah and ethical interpretation of the Law. His ideas were pivotal in shaping Jewish thought post-Temple destruction, aiding in the transition to Rabbinic Judaism. Hillel's emphasis on love and compassion continues to resonate in contemporary Jewish practice, influencing modern Jewish movements and community outreach programs.
Step 3
Explain ethical teaching in Judaism in one of the following areas: Bioethics.
Answer
In the realm of bioethics, Judaism emphasizes the sanctity of life and the moral obligation to preserve it. According to Jewish law (Halacha), life is of paramount importance, and any action that endangers life must be carefully evaluated. This ethic promotes interventions in medical care, affirming the responsibility to alleviate suffering while balancing it with values such as dignity and the community's well-being.