Using relevant chapters in Ariel’s book, synthesize the teachings of the Rabbis of the Talmudic Era concerning God
Topic: Write a well-organized and properly documented essay to answer ONE of the following questions, using What Do Jews Believe? by David S. Ariel as your ONLY source: 1. Using relevant chapters in Ariel’s book, synthesize the teachings of the Rabbis of the Talmudic Era concerning God; human nature; good and evil.(See Chapters 1, 2 and 3) or 2. According to relevant chapters in Ariel’s book, what did Maimonides teach about God, the immortality of the soul; good and evil?(See Chapters 1, 2 and 3) Criteria for evaluation are: 1) completeness in answering all parts of the question; 2) proper quoting and citing of the source; 3) reserving your own views and opinions till the end of the paper. ************* The point of this exam is to demonstrate your mastery of the material in Ariel’s book. This is a “mini-research” paper, using one source, not a “personal response” paper. You are welcome to give your own opinions or interpretations, but do so only at the end of the paper. Write a genuine essay. Don’t use a question-and-answer format or subheadings. Your opening paragraph should restate the exam question in declarative sentences as the purpose of the essay. Middle paragraphs, containing the information requested, should follow. A concluding paragraph should summarize what you have articulated in the essay. Cite the page number in parentheses after each point you make. If you quote five or more words directly from the book, you must use quote marks as well as cite the page number. Most of the essay should be in your own words (with appropriate page numbers in parentheses). Make sure these are entirely your own words. Don’t just change a word here and there. A judicious use of well-chosen direct quotes will enhance your essay. Use ellipsis points correctly if you omit words in a direct quote. Three ellipsis points indicate words have been left out of a single sentence. Four ellipsis points indicate a sentence has ended in the ellipsis and/or entire sentences have been omitted.
