What is the issue at stake?
What is Geiger’s approach to the use of Hebrew as the language of Jewish prayer? What is his argument?
What is Frankel’s approach to the use of Hebrew as the language of Jewish prayer? How does he respond to Geiger?
How does Frankel’s understanding of the role of Hebrew language in Jewish religious and cultural identity differ from that of Geiger?
The first paragraph of your paper should include a succinct statement of what you are going to argue to answer the questions posed by this assignment. The following paragraphs should develop your argument to support the thesis that you have stated in your opening paragraph. Your final paragraph should build on your argument to lead the reader into some implications of your thesis and argument for understanding the nature of the debate about the use of Hebrew as the language of Jewish prayer. Again, your argument must be supported by specific evidence from the documents. You are trying to persuade the reader to agree with your thesis statement.
This assignment is not a research paper, but you should (as appropriate for your argument) interact with the readings and class discussions for the course. You are also free (but not required) to pursue outside reading. In any case, do not pass off the ideas of others as your own. Footnote your use of the ideas of others. Use the note method of citation.
