This lecture was a continuation of the first lecture, Jerusalem as a sacred space. We learned the differences of a temple- ziggurats (places of worship) and pyramids (tombs). We also discussed a quick and easy way to make everyone agree on a plan- call it divine! Some temple plans are considered “divine” and people believe that god gave them the designs and determined how the temple should look. There is also an idea that places that are founded for places of god are of divine origin. Also, we learned of the consecration of sacred space by having a ceremony before you construct something by making it sacred.
I was intrigued by the conversation about God’s name in the Old Testament. Yahweh (the jewish God’s name, also called Adoni and Jehovah). I found it quite interesting that orthodox’s do not even utter their lords name out of sheer respect for him. This is a practice I do not really understand since my understanding of faith is that all are equal, yet I do admire their intentions and strong sense of faith.
Another thing that I found interesting was the way that Judiasm became a mobile faith. They strictly adhere to many traditions and ways of life such as keeping the sabboth (because of the exodus), dressing properly, not eating certain foods. Although I have many Jewish friends and have even been to many Jewish ceremonies such as temple, holiday celebrations, and bar and bat mitzvahs, I had never really thought about the longevity of the traditions I was witnessing and the fact that such practices had been taking place for so many years all across the globe. It gave me a new appreciation of their faith and their willpower to stick to their somewhat demanding beliefs, rituals, and traditions.
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