OpenUCT :: Browsing by Department "Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies"

Browsing by Department "Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies"

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Open Access
Book of Ecclesiastes-Kohelet Kohelet : a living dialogue
(1997) Kohn, Eli; Gitay, Yehoshua
The book of Ecclesiastes or Kohelet, using its Hebrew title is one of the Five Megilloth (Scrolls). This Biblical book characterizes life as utter futility like "shepherding" or "chasing the wind". Throughout the book one encounters teachings that stand in considerable tension with each other. For example in 7:3 Kohelet states: "Anger is better than happiness" while later in 8: 15 he writes: "I praised Happiness: In 7: 1 he says: "Better the day of one's death than the day one is born'; while in 11: 7 he states: "Light is sweet and good for the eyes so as 'to see the sun". Contradictions such as these are found throughout the book. The following study of Kohelet will attempt to analyze.previous studies of the book which have offered ways of interpreting these contradictions. Several responses have commended themselves to interpreters. Some see the author of Kohelet as citing traditional wisdom and then refuting it. Others see the book as reflecting a single author's changing viewpoints over the years as well as life's ambiguities. Some understand Kohelet as a book written by one author while later editors added their viewpoints.
Open Access
The book of Genesis and the Genesis Apocryphon : a literary and thematic comparison
(2001) Weener-Hartney, Johanna; Gitay, Yehoshua
The main focus in this thesis is the understanding of Genesis 12: 1- 13: 4 and its development in the Genesis Apocryphon, one of the re-written Bible text, dealt with in this dissertation. Reading the Genesis Apocryphon, it draws your attention to firstly find out why, and secondly, to see how the author/s of this scroll re-wrote the above-mentioned passage in Genesis. The focus of the Genesis account is particularly on Abram leaving the Promised Land of Egypt, and consequently, what may be regarded as his ill behaviour towards Sarai, his wife, while they were in Egypt. Abraham's leave-taking of the Promised Land, and his behaviour towards his wife are unexpected, for Abram had followed God's calling, and had been promised Canaan for his and Sarai's offspring, However interfers, and lead Abram back on his steps.
Open Access
A characterization of Samuel in terms of the psychological model of Erikson
(2004) Burke, Guenevere; Gitay, Yehoshua
The story of Samuel forms an integral part of the Hebrew saga, marking the transition from the period of Judges to the Israelite monarchy. Book I of Samuel is unusual in that it portrays the birth, death and major episodes of the prophet's life. In fact, Samuel, along with Moses and Jeremiah, is one of the few characters whose full life history is documented in the Biblical text: we not only have the significant events which lead up to his birth, but he makes an appearance again after his death. Given this detail, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether a re-reading of the character of Samuel through a psychological model can throw fresh insights on how the Israelites effected the transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. The choice of Erikson is motivated by two considerations. In the first, Erikson extended the boundaries of Freudian psychoanalysis by describing both normal as well as abnormal development. His ego-psychology, with its eight-stage developmental plan, its theses and antitheses, is particularly suitable in the case of Samuel, whose life-cycle for the most part can be viewed as problematic, a series of crises. In the second, though he wrote prolifically on numerous leading historical figures and literary characters, Erikson himself never analysed a Biblical figure. This work is, however, not confined to a psychological typification of the character of Samuel. It is intended to be an interdisciplinary study: it deals with the text as an integrated literary unit and relies on the insights of classical Biblical scholarship to support many of its conclusions.
Open Access
A comparison between the descriptions of the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple with special attention to the number seven
(2001) Cole, David; Gitay, Yehoshua
Bibliography: leaves 178-182.
Open Access
The concept of motherhood in the Bible = Ha-Imahut ba-Mikra
(1989) Reisenberger, Azila Talit
Following the canonization of the Hebrew Bible, a new process of interpreting this text was initiated. Despite the vast amount of biblical research generated in the two thousand years since the canonization, relatively little has been written on the subject of "Womanhood" in the Bible. With the change in the status of women in modern times, a growing interest has emerged in their counterpart, namely, the women in Ancient Israel. The concept of "Motherhood", which was seen as the imperative of woman's existence has, like other aspects of the woman's life, been researched from legal, medical, social and other points of view. The ensuing work investigates the influence that motherliness and the concept of Motherhood as a whole has had on the culture recorded in the Hebrew Bible. Three main areas are explored in this study, namely: 1. Literary Conventions 2. Rhetorical Strategies, and 3. Linguistic Developments. Each of these respectively constitutes a sub-section of the study. The first section is composed of two chapters. Chapter one traces those biblical stories which follow the theme of the barren woman who gives birth to a hero. Chapter two in turn deals with the theme of women who bear children easily, and the consequent fate that awaits them. The second section investigates the rhetorical strategies employed in two respective Biblical themes, which were used to foretell, in a pseudo-prophetic manner, and thereby to excuse and justify certain events which were to follow in the course of history. The first chapter deals with the narrative which depicts a woman who takes an unusual initiative in her attempts to fulfil her desire to become a mother. The second chapter examines the initial reactions of mothers to their new born offspring and how this in turn influences their later status in the family. Analysis of the rhetorical strategies employed in both cases, sheds light on the views on "Motherhood" held by the biblical author, and his approval or disapproval of national leaders, at the time of their birth. The third section is comprised of two chapters. In the first chapter a correlation is drawn between language and cultural development. In the second chapter all words, new roots and idioms which have evolved out of the various aspects of "Motherhood" are categorised. The author concludes that a vast impact of the concept of Motherhood is evident in the biblical language, the rhetorical techniques and the literary conventions which form the context within which religious beliefs are formed and historical events are recorded. It is the author's contention that an understanding of this influence will lead to a greater comprehension of the Hebrew Bible and the message carried within it, and will facilitate a theological study of the influence of "Motherhood", on the development and understanding of the abstract concept of monotheism. The Language employed in the investigation is Hebrew
Open Access
Examination of the Biblical texts that form the basis of evangelical Christian support for Israel, with special reference to the response of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
(2008) Carstens, Jack E; Reisenberger, Azila
The thesis is set against a background of growing support for Israel and the Jewish people from the Evangelical Christian world. This phenomena is attracting attention from many quarters, including secular as well as religious parties. This support is all the more pronounced because it is happening despite a barrage of antagonism directed against Israel by the world press, international human rights groups and by groundswell of hatred from the Muslim world. In the eyes of their detractors, Israel is an occupying force that is dehumanizing the Palestinians who are the victims of Zionist colonialism.
Open Access
Extremist religious philosophy : the religious doctrines of Satmar Rebbe
(2011) Kadosh, Refael; Reisenberger, Azila Talit
Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, The Satmar Rebbe, (1886-1978) was a well known Hassidic rabbinical leader of the 20th century. He was born into a rabbinical 'dynasty' and was ordained as a rabbi, Rosh Yeshiva and Rebbe in Hungary at a young age. It was in Hungary that his anti-Zionist views were developed. Notwithstanding the annihilation of Eastern European Jewry during the Holocaust, these views became more extreme with the passing years, and in some of his writings he explained the Shoa as a punishment from G-d for the "Zionist sin". The dissertation investigates the Rebbe's writings, which include: his biblical commentary, letters, speeches and sermons, hallachic responsa and philosophical contemplations; with special attention to his most famous book: "Vayoel Moshe".
Open Access
The history of Yiddish theatre in South Africa from the late nineteenth century to 1960
(2003) Belling, Veronica; Shain, Milton
This dissertation sets out to investigate the history of Yiddish theatre in South Africa. Yiddish theatre first emerged in Jassy in Rumania in 1876. However with Czarist persecution and the great Jewish migration from Eastern Europe, the 1880s it had spread to Western Europe, the Americas, and South Africa. This dissertation attempts to answer the question as to why of all Eastern Europe's diasporas, Yiddish theatre at no stage put down permanent roots in South Africa. It aims to prove that the survival of Yiddish theatre was entirely dependent on the survival of the Yiddish language. Thus the fate of Yiddish theatre in South Africa was influenced by the early timing of the formative immigration, between 1890 and 1914, the common origins of the immigrants in Lithuania and White Russia, and their educational and cultural poverty. These factors were reinforced by the exclusive adherence of the Anglo-German Jewish establishment and the vast majority of the immigrants, to Zionism and the Hebrew revival. Yiddish was unequivocally rejected, so that it never featured in the construction of South African Jewish identity. Finally the Quota Act of 1930, reinforced by the Alien's Act of 1937, put a total halt to Eastern European Jewish immigration, the lifeblood of Yiddish theatre.
Open Access
The holocaust and apartheid: similarities and differences: a comparative study
(2004) Peires, Juliette; Shain, Milton
In recent years it has become fairly commonplace to make comparisons between the Holocaust and Apartheid. This dissertation explores similarities and differences. It acknowledges that both systems were rooted in ideas of race, but while the tools used by the Nazis in Germany and the apartheid government in South Africa are superficially similar, their very different objectives brought about radically different outcomes once their policies were enforced. The dissertation opens with a discussion of the methods used by each of the different systems to define the victim races, and justify their inferior status. In Germany the reasons given were the desire to preserve the pure Aryan volk and protect the volkisch culture. In South Africa the stated premise was that each 'ethnic' group would best realise its full potential if it was encouraged to preserve its integrity and promote its own culture. In both countries separation was followed by deprivation of citizenship. Under German rule Jews were rendered stateless and expelled as far as possible from the Reich. In South Africa 'blacks' were made citizens of 'ethnic homelands'. Unlike the German Jews, South African 'blacks' had at least some kind of nominal right to equality in their designated 'homelands'. Freedom of movement was restricted and residential segregation enforced in both countries. Jews, previously prominent in the cultural, academic and economic life of Germany, were impoverished and dehumanized. 'Blacks' in South Africa were locked into their role of unskilled, manual labourers, a position that they had occupied since the beginning of 'white' settlement in the Cape. Initially Jews were confined to ghettos, eventually to labour and death camps. In South Africa people of colour were forcibly removed to rural 'homelands'. However the demand for cheap labour eventually necessitated their admission to the urban industrial areas, and although they were restricted to living in 'townships' their exclusion was never total and their physical destruction was never contemplated. In both countries government controlled local authorities kept tight rein on the administration of the residential areas that were demarcated for the disadvantaged. In Nazi Germany the SS appointed Judenrate (Jewish Councils) to administer the ghettos. These councils were used to secure the peaceful acquiescence of Jews en route to the death camps. Eventually the councillors were killed together with the people they were supposed to govern. In South Africa town councils were established for local government in the townships, but these councils were unsuccessful because they were government controlled and illegitimate. Their purpose was to administer the separate development areas, not to pave the way for eventual extermination of their inhabitants. In neither Germany nor South Africa did churches play an active role in preventing discrimination and injustice. In Germany this was simply a continuation of the traditional attitude of anti-Judaism nurtured by the refusal of Jews to convert to Christianity. In South Africa missionaries worked hard to convert 'blacks' to Christianity, but Dutch Reformed Church ministers believed that it was God's will that 'black' and 'white' should be kept separate, church services were strictly segregated, and this was in keeping with the apartheid ideal. With regard to the media, both Nazi Germany and the apartheid regime backed those sectors of the media that promoted negative images of Jews and 'blacks', while censoring those that were more liberally inclined. The fundamental differences between the Holocaust and apartheid became most apparent in their terminal stages. Whereas Nazism led to genocide, the leitmotif of apartheid was cheap labour, not planned extermination. The Nazis created death camps and designed advanced technology especially for the purpose of speeding up mass murder and body disposal. Apartheid killings in South Africa were carried out by traditional means on an individual basis and not by large-scale extermination techniques. The killings in South Africa were directed only at opponents of the regime and not for the purpose of exterminating a specific ethnic group. This dissertation presents two case studies of racist ideology which promoted discrimination and the elevation of a 'superior' race at the expense of the disadvantaged. In Germany this resulted in a programme of genocide whereas the apartheid system in South Africa, though intended to service the material interests of the ruling group, nevertheless proved dysfunctional and sowed the seeds of its own demise.
Open Access
An inquiry into the withdrawal from writing of the modern Hebrew poet Avraham ben Yitzchak
(1991) Dison, Naomi Judith; Reisenberger, Azila Talit
When one reads Dr Sonne's poetry (Avraham ben Yitzchak, or ABY) from time to time, it strikes one as being the most unique in Hebrew, unlike all other classic poems of his era. Instead of writing about the nationalistic or Zionistic spirit, ABY dealt with the poems in a very personal but objective lyric way, which touches the heart. The nature description is unusual and unique, and the special aura or outlook, the philosophy, something that is not quite Jewish, was a taste of something else (the other, different) and this work contends that on examining this element of distinction, it became most obvious that here was a testimony of Chinese culture that had invested itself into a sensitive philosopher and touched his heart and made an imprint upon him.
Open Access
Jesus' resurrection : a history of its interpretation from Reimarus to the present
(2006) Aggett, Michael; Wanamaker, CA; Shain, Milton
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-112).
Open Access
Jewish theodicy : reflections on the Holocaust and Zionism in rabbinical thought
(2002) Kadosh, Refael; Gitay, Yehoshua
Includes bibliographical references.
Open Access
King David : literary aspects of characterization
(1993) Scher, Tal Michelle; Reisenberger, Azila Talit
This dissertation is based on the premise that the Bible, in addition to being a work of historical and theological significance, is also a work of literary significance. As such, the aim of the dissertation is to study the biblical figure of David as a literary character. In particular, it focuses on various techniques of characterization used to present this character to the reader. The primary texts examined in this dissertation are I Sam. 16 - I Kings 2:10, and Psalms 3, 7, 18, 34, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63 and 142. In addition to these biblical texts, various biblical and literary critics are consulted, and their theories and arguments applied to this investigation of David as a literary character. In investigating David as a literary character, certain aspects of characterization theory are considered: direct and indirect techniques of characterization, and primary and secondary levels of characterization. Chapter One outlines these theoretical issues of characterization, which are discussed in greater detail in the chapters that follow. Chapter Two deals with the use of contrast as a characterization technique. Chapter Three examines character interaction. Chapter Four considers the function of motif in characterization. Chapter Five relates certain psalms and poems to the narrative texts, as they, too, perform a characterizing function. Chapter Six is a chapter of conclusion. It must be emphasized that the focus of this dissertation is primarily on the techniques and strategies used to present the character David, and less on the character himself. The emphasis is on the process, rather than on the product. The dissertation is in English. All biblical quotes are given in English translation, with English transliteration of Hebrew words when necessary. Bibliography: pages 187-194.
Open Access
Mass murder and motivation : the Rwandan genocide
(2007) Aamaas, Åsmund; Shain, Milton; Adhikari, Mohamed
This project is about mass murderers and the motivation for becoming perpetrators of mass murder. The Rwandan genocide is chosen as a case study. The project strives to explain what seems inexplicable; why tens of thousands of Rwandan men and women turned into killers during the hundred days of genocide in 1994, most of them with no history of murderous behaviour. This project is a testimony to the human capacity for evil. The motivations behind the Rwandan perpetrators were probably not umque. Similar motivations were important to different mass murders. Other mass murders, most importantly the Holocaust, serve as a theoretical and empirical backdrop throughout this thesis. This adds a comparative dimension to the study. This thesis is divided into six chapters with the main focus upon three motivational factors behind the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide: history, ideology and ordinary human traits. The first chapter introduces us to the topic of mass murder and discusses methodological issues in connection with the thesis. A qualitative analysis will be dominant in investigating the data; the data was gathered through interviews undertaken in Rwanda, South Africa and Norway, reports, documentaries, court verdicts and other secondary sources. In the second chapter, perpetrators behind one massacre, the killing of several thousand Tutsis at the Catholic Church in Nyarubuye, speak about their motivations for becoming perpetrators. The third chapter gives an introduction to the history of Rwanda and shows how distinction between Hutus and Tutsis became an ever more important part of Rwandan society from pre colonial times until the 1994 genocide. The fourth chapter builds an understanding of the importance of ideology for the perpetrators involved in the mass murder. The fifth chapter shows that general psychological traits were important for turning tens of thousands of Hutus into mass murderers. As we shall see in the conclusion, a history of distinction, Hutu Power ideology and ordinary psychological traits were all factors motivating the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Open Access
The message of the prophet Haggai : a socio-political approach
(2003) Sherrell, Atarah Christina; Gitay, Yehoshua
In this dissertation my study of the Book of Haggai was done by means of historical-critical exegesis. By entering into the sociological and historical world of Haggai I have attempted to reconstruct the political and religious settings operative at that time in order to gain a deeper understanding of the oracles of Haggai. The dissertation commences with the destruction of the First Temple and the fall of Judah. The elite in Jerusalem are exiled by their Babylonian conquerors. The people who remained behind lived in a state of economic depression, yet they rally together and soon the sacrificial cult is resumed. New leaders come to the fore in both the religious and political arenas. Meanwhile the exiled people are living in an economic prosperous country and soon the exiled King of Judah is allowed to eat at the table of the Babylonian king. Some years later the Persians conquer the Babylonians. Cyrus the Persian king adopts an attitude of religious tolerance and provides financial assistance to restore the temples of his subjects for entirely selfish reasons. In this way the Persian rulers gained popularity and the loyalty of their subjects. King Darius needed to ensure stability in Yehud (Judah) so he returns the Davidide scion Zerubbabel together with Jehozadak the high priest in exile, to Jerusalem. On the basis of Trito-Isaiah a number of biblical scholars have identified two main groups who may be classified as being either pro-Isaiah or pro-Ezekiel both of whom looked forward to gaining control of the Temple cult should it be re-established in Jerusalem. It was at this time that the prophet Haggai exhorts all the people to support Zerubbabel and Jehozadak and to reconstruct the Temple of the God of Israel. Haggai succeeds with clever rhetoric to gain the cooperation of the people. In his second major oracle Haggai addresses the priests and by means of analogy condemns the immorality that was taking place. His third major oracle is directed at Zerubbabel and expresses the hope that with the support and assistance of the God of Israel, Zerubbabel will become a king of Judah. Haggai attempts to re-establish the old order of kingship and temple cult in Jerusalem. He succeeds in re-establishing the temple cult and the Zadokite priesthood is restored giving them control of temple matters once again. Amongst the duties of Jehozadak would have been the collection of taxes for the Persian government. The taxes were in form of money and provisions that would then be used to provide for the needs of the Persian army on its way to Egypt. In his endeavour to restore the ""king"" of Judah Haggai is however unsuccessful. A careful study reveals that an underlying element of opposition had remained in Jerusalem since the fall of Judah. This leads me to conclude that Zerubbabel met a similar fate to that of Gedaliah, the first governor of Yehud. The fear of Persian reprisals became the motive for the silence surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Zerubbabel.
Open Access
Messianism in the non-fictional work of A. Oz
(1986) Guy, Tanchum
Open Access
Muslim anti-Zionism and antisemitism in South Africa since the Second World War, with special reference to "Muslim news
(2002) Bastos, Margo; Shain, Milton
This study examines South African Muslim attitudes towards Zionism and Jews since the Second World War, focusing in particular on Muslim News/Views, a national Muslim owned community newspaper. Prior to the War, Muslim attitudes were informed largely by religious teachings. Limited contact in a racialised society allowed stereotypes to evolve. In the main, Muslims consolidated their own identity and engaged with the challenges of living in a Christian society.
Open Access
Poetry as prophecy : "Simchat Aniyim" by Natan Alterman
(1986) Kalmar, Chana
Open Access
The power of laments in alleviating despair : revisiting Hebrew laments
(2001) Dison, Naomi Judith; Reisenberger, Azila
Bibliography: p. 299-315.
Open Access
The rabbinic attitude to intermarriage as reflected in Midrashic literature
(2005) Matitiani, Malcolm Salwyn; Reisenberger, Azila
Includes bibliographical references.