Assessment Essay #1: Judaism
Between AD 70 and the end of the fifth century several bodies of Jewish literature developed including the Mishnah, the Talmud, and the Gemarah. What is each of these pieces of literature? When, how and why did they develop? What relation did they have with the Torah? How did the development of this literature effect Judaism? Was there a certain time period in which this literature was used more prominently? What role does this literature play today in the various expressions of Judaism? Are there other significant pieces of literature that have developed in Judaism? What are they and what is their significance?
Reminder: Good to excellent answers to this question will go beyond the information in the textbook and your professors notes.
