Armstrong Fifth Reading

Chapter 16- I get a better sense of Armstrong's objective stance when she says, "If charity and loving-kindness were indeed hallmarks of the faith, Christianity had clearly failed in Jerusalem." I am confident that I am getting a neutral as possible account of Jerusalem's history. I realize the strategic philanthropy that was employed by Jews across Europe so that Jews could establish themselves on Europe. I also understand the overwhelming influence of archeological finds in providing people with the authority to claim that "they were there (Jerusalem) first." The influence of nationalism and Zionism makes sense. I don't understand the importance of the settlers in the kubbutzin area.

Chapter 17- The concept of physical toil in the Zionist movement is intriguing. I am interested in how Gordon persuaded other Jews to feel similarly. It is saddening to see how one terrible incident, like the Jewish boy who was murdered playing football, propels more devastating events. The more similarly Arabs and Jews felt about Jerusalem, the more conflict and tension arose between them.
I don't understand how and why the Arabs were able to persuade the British the repeal their support for Zionism during World War Two.

Chapter 18- I wonder how the other Arab nations felt about the 106,000 Arab Jerusalemites being displaced? Did they all feel strongly antagonistic toward the Jews? From this chapter, I understand how the intifadah came about.

Armstrong Fourth Reading

These chapters develop to appear historical opposed to religiously historical because they are based on more concretely documented facts. For example, Ezekial's viewing of God in the past chapters seemed biblical, but events in this set of readings seem more real-time.
I think it is very interesting that Christian denominations became so distinct and quarrelsome, that a Muslim family was given possession of the key to the Holy Sepulcher. I am surprised that Christians could not overcome their own ideological distinction to such a large extent. It was also surprising to see that Jews were the heaviest population in Jerusalem even prior to World War II. I wonder if the correlation between British beliefs, Jewish occupation, and Jerusalem prospering financially has something to do with increasing the Jew's confidence for remaining established in the city. I find it interesting that even though the Western pilgrims weren't coming to Jerusalem for religious reasons, they still helped religious groups in Jerusalem reassert their beliefs.
I wonder if the beliefs that Gordon embedded in Jews has a role in the current tensions between Jews and Muslims today.
I now understand that how the intifadah arose and how more direct events that lead to the current situation in Israel.

Armstring Third Reading

Chapter 10- I like the notion of tactile spirituality that is used to describe Christians. In a sense, this served to give legitimacy to their claim to Jerusalem. I feel as though the dominating religion turns to artifacts to heighten spiritual notions, whereas the subdued religion returns to un-materialistic spirituality. Melania seems like a very modern woman for the times. I don’t think it was very common for women to abandon their lives in the pursuit of religion in those days. I realize that she was widowed and had a family, but I wonder if she was a forerunner of a nun. The attacks on the Jews that visited Jerusalem during Sukkoth was very disheartening and I am surprised that Christian monks were found to be promulgated this violence. I am curious to see how the Palestinians treated the shrine Eudokia implanted.
Chapter 11- To be honest, I have learned a lot about the foundation of Islam through this chapter. I am really surprised to find that Islam began as a pluralistic religion until Muhammad and that it was really accepting of the believers of Judaism and Christianity. I am also astonished at how compassionately Armstrong’s accounts of Mohammad becoming a prophet and the humble ideals of Islam are written. Although this is not unlike most of the tone throughout the rest of the book, Armstrong’s portrayal of the development of Islam makes the religion seem more pure and compassionate than the beginnings of the other religions. I wonder how Jewish people felt about Muslim polygamy. Was it common for Jews to be polygamous back then too or was it simply undisputedly accepted? Were the austere ideals of the mosque design removed in favor design for more grand buildings because they became the centers for social activity? Many of the mosques I have seen today seem very elaborate. The tolerance that Jews had for Muslims during this time period is very interesting because there seem to be similarity between to two, than between Jews and Christians.
Chapter 12- I see the followers of Islam now behaving a little more similarly to the followers of Judaism and Christianity now. I wonder if the law that none of the dhimmis’ could have a place of worship equal to or bigger than the mosque was a law that was created when Muslims first conquered Jerusalem. Islam seemed to incorporate aspects of Christian belief into their faith proudly, like the story of Mary and Jesus, so I wonder to what extent the Muslims found Christians challenging their religion. This chapter lays the beginnings of how Christainity spread to Europe.

Armstrong Third Reading

Chapter 8- It is most interesting the various modes through which Jews found comfort. They studied the Torah, stressed charity and compassion in the place of sacrifice, and even turned to mysticism. To me, this resembles the Jewish religion that I am familiar with today. I am certain this the due to the coming of Jesus, and the Christian's and Jew's distinct beliefs about his divine identity. I am also surprised how relentless the Jews' were in their hopes for a new temple. I am still a confused as to why if John wanted continuity between the Judaism and Christianity, why he was against building a Temple. I really like the analogy of the sea and the cave to the presence of the Devir. Interestingly, the Jew's idea of the sacredness of Jerusalem was not changing; however, their belief of how to connect of Shekhinah changed. I also don't quite understand the distinction between Jewish Christians and the circumsized Jews. Did the Jewish Christians believe that Jesus was a Messiah, and the rest of the Jews turned to asceticism?
Chapter 9- - This chapter depicts Christians gaining a sense of sacred land is Jerusalem even though, at first Christians denounced Jerusalem before because it was the site death and resurrection site of Jesus. There is an importance given to artifacts and memories, like pieces of the cross on which Jesus died, and the Eucharist and Bread. I find it interesting the Christians, like Jews, believe that God can be found anywhere too, but still want to build a New Jerusalem. It seems like Jews and Christians both have similar appeals. I now understand why Judaism and Christianity both became so distant from one another. To me, the reading makes it seem like there are not immense differences between Judaism and Christianity, but it was the way they were treated by the rulers of Rome.

Armstrong Second Reading

Chapter 5- I found this chapter quite interesting. I wonder how Ezekiel convinced the Judeans of the concept that they were able to connect to connect with the divine anywhere and to follow the new imitatio dei. I like Armstrong's integrated approach and the fact the she takes into consideration the concomitant spiritual accounts of other countries. I feel as though I have a comprehensive historical understanding from reading the chapter, and can see how this book seems less subjective than others. Ezra's role in transforming Sukkoth to a carnival is interesting. The idea that separateness signifies holiness is a little disturbing; I am a little shocked that Ezra ordered Isrealite men to send away their foreign wives.

Chapter 6- The distinction of Jews held onto older traditions and those who embraced Greek ideals is very economically class based. I appreciate the unifying and culturally embracing concept of the Hellenizing project. Embracing modernity and still honoring traditions is an interesting struggle for followers of many others religions even today. It reminds me a little of how the less conservative Jews in Isreal travel to Palestine on the Sabbath. Antioch seems brutal and ruthless. I wonder where the Hasmoneans actually came from. Jerusalem was much more expanded under the Hasonean period than it is today.

Chapter 7- Herod's newly built temple seems as though it was more inclusive than the other temples because it permitted the entrance of female pilgrims. According to the map it even included a Court of Women. There is still the notion being located in a holy place forms a strong bond with the divine. Does the idea of sacrifice ever lose its importance in Jewish religion? I now see the relationship Romans, the Jews, and Jesus' crucifixion.

First Armstrong Readings

Chapter 1: I really like the universal, humanistic approach the Armstrong begins with with. I think the idea that people want to journey to a sacred place to feel larger than life itself. Armstrong broad approach can be applied to Hindu holy sites as well. In India, there are many disputes between Hindus and Muslims about the rightful ownership of lands. I think both cultures share a distinct and rich distinct roots in the same land, and find it difficult to ascertain who was there first.
Chapter 2: Honoring the beliefs of Yahweh and El seems like a novel idea becuase I am surprised neither the Canaan and Isrealites did not try and impose their values on one another at first. The idea of sacrifice is also interesting to me because it seemed to say that kill only what one must to survive, and not cuase excessive pain to creatures. Many christains justify eating meat by claiming that Jesus served fish, so it must be morally justiable for them to eat it today. Is this notion of sacrifice somehow related?
I also found the pictures of the Jewish people trying to reestablish a sacred link fascinating becuase it relates to what was said in Chapter 1.
Chapter 3: I am completely unfamiliar with biblical stories and I am very impressed with David's character. I understand his role in the expansion of Jerusalem. I don't think I understand how David has sinned though.
Chapter 4: I understand how Isrealit.es are transforming to a more monothestic belief system from this chapter

Response to Dumper, Rehav, Khalidi

The Dumper Article was extremely helpful in helping me understand the fundamental historical aspects of Jerusalem explain the city's importance today. Reading this article help me understand when and how the Muslim occupation took place. To be honest, I didn't even know that Britain had any role in the creation of Isreal. I felt as though this article was sort of a concise, "objective" History of Jerusalem for Dummies! From reading this article, I feel sympathy for the Palestinians and gage an idea of what Isrealization of Jerusalem means. This reminds me of the bread bakers video we have seen; the Zalitimo is declinign, while the Challah bakers are making more bread.
The Kalidi article help me understand that the history of Jersusalem is not built on concrete evidence; rather, it was built on religious beliefs. It offer an comprehensive explaination as why Muslims also feel a religious tie to the city. Is the 1948 war referring to WWII?
The Rubin article demonstrates how Jewish people have been constanty kicked out of Jerusalem for the past two milleniums. After reading this article, I wonder if Jews and Muslims have co-inhabited and had a collective conscious in Jerusalem for so long, then why are there so many problems today? Why are the two so uncompatible today?

Response to First Reading (again)

I find it interesting that so many people are involved in trying to represent Jerusalem in America. I did not imagine the layers of intricacy involved in trying to wholesomely represent both cultures. Further, I think that I better understand the importance of folk culture. In all honesty I do not understand or have anybackground knowledge about the political factors (Olsa Agreement) that led to the cancelation of the festival.

Response to Video

It is amzing to see how something as simple bread making is a reflection ofthe socio-polital situation. I wonder if the Isrealis realize that when they close everything down for the Sabbath, they are affecting Palestine business as well. I like the fact that one of the authors in our first reading was stating that the thing that she misses most is Zalitimo and then seeing it in video.

About Me Blog

Art: I am crazy about Elephants and Peacocks! I am a Resident Adviser and I make elephant door decorations and adorn my bulletin board with peacocks feathers. I don't know if this is an exoticism my Indian culture, but I have just fallen in love with them and collect them in every form. Hindu culture describes elephants as wise and patient and these are qualities that I value. I love cloth with mirrors and bhandini (an north Indian type of tie-dye). I will not wear or decorate animal products, like leather.

Food: I am definitely a foodie. Many times when I go home from college, my visit revolves around food: planning, making, buying, and best of all- tasting food. Just recently, I learned to roll and bake a flat bread (chapatti) just like my mother- I was quite happy! My favorite cuisines include Indian , Inchin , Mediterrean, and Japanese. I am a vegetarian but I don't eat eggs and do my best to only eat organic dairy. I have been raised as a vegetarian on Indian food and find the most satisfying meal a bowl of lentil soup and rice. Many times, my non-Indian friends say that there is a distinct scent of a mixture spices that they recognize upon entering my home which I cannot seem to pick up. I am used to topping soups and curries off with cilantro as a symbol of freshness and vibrance.

Religion and Books: I am a practicing Hindu. I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I have read the ancient Hindu texts like the Ramayan and parts of the Bhagavat Geeta, and aspire to eventually read and understand the Vedas. I have a difficult time understanding because I don't understand Sanskrit and am not sure how exact the interpretation is. At home my parents and grandmother read religious books that are written in Gujarati, a northern language of India.
Everyday, my mother wears a simple red bindi on her forehead to symbolize her status as a married woman and the wisdom from the precinct third eye. When attending Indian cultural event, she a wears more colorful and fashionable bindi.
Music and Dance: At home, my father is an avid fan on old Bollywood film songs. I have become accustomed listening to these songs as well as songs from new Bollywood movies. I think his interest in this music is because he wholesomely understands the Hindi lyrics and their cultural context. I enjoy listening and dancing to Indian drums called the Tabala. I have been trained in the Indian Classical Dance form of Kathak. When I dance I feel as though I experienced and displayed an essential, unadulterated quality of my culture.