In identifying Judaism as a “living tradition”, Katzew is defending the existence of Judaism, in light of the rise of Christianity. He asserts that Christianity has not replaced or surpassed Judaism. He disputes the contention that Christianity has made Jewish theology “obsolete”; attesting that the sacred documents are not “Old”, drawing reference to their existence within the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. In this portion of his statement, he is asserting the “eternal relevance” of Judaism. (Valkenberg 30).
In describing Judaism as an “evolving relationship”, Katzew may have been eluding to the branches of Judaism. While other religions have branches, sects or denominations, the manner in which Katzew describes branches within Judaism supports the idea of “an evolving relationship”. Katzew draws a comparison between the…show more content… Some branches of Judaism have “withered” while others “have borne fruit” (Valkenberg 34). Through this lens, branches symbolize strength and survival, not division or weakness. Katzew further explains “As long as each of these communities remembers that it represents part of a whole, diversity can be an invaluable asset. Only when one of them thinks and acts as though their part has the whole truth is there cause for serious concern” (Valkenberg 34). Katzew further describes the beliefs and practices held by branches, and how these have evolved over time. Orthodox Judaism remains the most traditional, with fewer opportunities for leadership roles as it pertains to gender, and sexual identity. In contrast, within the Conservative branch, women can act in leadership roles, as rabbis or cantors, and openly gay and lesbian rabbis and cantors can study at seminary (Valkenberg 35). The Reform branch is more open and modern than the Conservative branch, with progressive views toward members who are gay, lesbian, or
