O presente trabalho expõe, inicialmente, algumas definições sobre Judaísmo Ortodoxo, tipos de Judaísmo Ortodoxo, seus modelos educacionais e um breve histórico da comunidade judaica ortodoxa paulistana para subsidiar o estudo e a discussão sobre como a inclusão tecnológica e a interação virtual dos estudantes das suas instituições de ensino ocorrem nesse contexto. Procurouse demonstrar como os rabinos ortodoxos, temendo que as mudanças tecnológicas conduzam os integrantes de suas comunidades a abandonar práticas que asseguram a continuidade destas, estabelecem normas e interdições em relação ao uso de computadores e da Internet, dificultando a interação dos membros de sua comunidade com elementos externos aos de seus próprios ambientes presenciais. Considerando que atualmente a inclusão virtual é cada vez mais necessária para integrar os cidadãos na sociedade, o presente estudo aborda uma importante questão de forma pioneira ao expor o que a Internet representa para estes indivíduos, deixando transparecer a dificuldade dos rabinos ultra-ortodoxos em solucionar os impasses relacionados ao uso desta nos programas curriculares das disciplinas do Ensino Básico de suas instituições de ensino. Para o presente estudo, elaborado entre os anos de 2004 e 2007, foram utilizadas formulações teóricas disponíveis em artigos, revistas e livros sobre a comunidade judaica ortodoxa e foi realizada uma extensa pesquisa de campo em que foram entrevistadas autoridades rabínicas e líderes da comunidade em questão. Foram, também, analisadas informações obtidas por meio de questionários sobre o uso dos computares e da Internet respondidos pelos diretores de todas as instituições de ensino judaicas ortodoxas paulistanas reconhecidas pelo MEC e pelos seus estudantes de 1º e 2º ano do Ensino Médio. / The present doctorate thesis expounds, initially, some definitions about Orthodox Judaism, varieties of Orthodox Judaism, its educational models and a brief history of the orthodox Jewish community of São Paulo in order to assist the learning and discussion about how the technological inclusion and the virtual interactions of its schools students take place in this context. It was attempted to demonstrate how the orthodox rabbis establish rules and prohibitions concerning the use of computers and of the Internet, making the interaction between their communitys members and outsiders of their own physical environments more difficult because they fear that technological changes will drive their followers to abandon practices that ensure the continuity of their community. Considering that today the virtual enclosure is increasingly necessary to integrating the citizens into society, the treatise at hand approaches an important issue in a pioneer way expounding what the Internet represents to these individuals and implies the hardness faced by the ultraorthodox rabbis to solve the difficulties related to the use of the new technologies and of the Internet into the secular study programs in their schools. For the present tractate, elaborated between the years of 2004 and 2007, theoretical formulations available in articles, magazines, and other studies about the orthodox Jewish community were employed, as well as an extensive field research interviewing this community `s authorities and leaders was performed. Another source of the acquired and analyzed data are questionnaires regarding the use of computers and of the Internet, responded by the principals of all Jewish orthodox schools in the city of São Paulo accredited by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture and by their students of the 10th and 11th grades (High School).

O presente trabalho expõe, inicialmente, algumas definições sobre Judaísmo Ortodoxo, tipos de Judaísmo Ortodoxo, seus modelos educacionais e um breve histórico da comunidade judaica ortodoxa paulistana para subsidiar o estudo e a discussão sobre como a inclusão tecnológica e a interação virtual dos estudantes das suas instituições de ensino ocorrem nesse contexto. Procurouse demonstrar como os rabinos ortodoxos, temendo que as mudanças tecnológicas conduzam os integrantes de suas comunidades a abandonar práticas que asseguram a continuidade destas, estabelecem normas e interdições em relação ao uso de computadores e da Internet, dificultando a interação dos membros de sua comunidade com elementos externos aos de seus próprios ambientes presenciais. Considerando que atualmente a inclusão virtual é cada vez mais necessária para integrar os cidadãos na sociedade, o presente estudo aborda uma importante questão de forma pioneira ao expor o que a Internet representa para estes indivíduos, deixando transparecer a dificuldade dos rabinos ultra-ortodoxos em solucionar os impasses relacionados ao uso desta nos programas curriculares das disciplinas do Ensino Básico de suas instituições de ensino. Para o presente estudo, elaborado entre os anos de 2004 e 2007, foram utilizadas formulações teóricas disponíveis em artigos, revistas e livros sobre a comunidade judaica ortodoxa e foi realizada uma extensa pesquisa de campo em que foram entrevistadas autoridades rabínicas e líderes da comunidade em questão. Foram, também, analisadas informações obtidas por meio de questionários sobre o uso dos computares e da Internet respondidos pelos diretores de todas as instituições de ensino judaicas ortodoxas paulistanas reconhecidas pelo MEC e pelos seus estudantes de 1º e 2º ano do Ensino Médio. / The present doctorate thesis expounds, initially, some definitions about Orthodox Judaism, varieties of Orthodox Judaism, its educational models and a brief history of the orthodox Jewish community of São Paulo in order to assist the learning and discussion about how the technological inclusion and the virtual interactions of its schools students take place in this context. It was attempted to demonstrate how the orthodox rabbis establish rules and prohibitions concerning the use of computers and of the Internet, making the interaction between their communitys members and outsiders of their own physical environments more difficult because they fear that technological changes will drive their followers to abandon practices that ensure the continuity of their community. Considering that today the virtual enclosure is increasingly necessary to integrating the citizens into society, the treatise at hand approaches an important issue in a pioneer way expounding what the Internet represents to these individuals and implies the hardness faced by the ultraorthodox rabbis to solve the difficulties related to the use of the new technologies and of the Internet into the secular study programs in their schools. For the present tractate, elaborated between the years of 2004 and 2007, theoretical formulations available in articles, magazines, and other studies about the orthodox Jewish community were employed, as well as an extensive field research interviewing this community `s authorities and leaders was performed. Another source of the acquired and analyzed data are questionnaires regarding the use of computers and of the Internet, responded by the principals of all Jewish orthodox schools in the city of São Paulo accredited by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and Culture and by their students of the 10th and 11th grades (High School).

This dissertation poses a set of six questions about one of the Israel Lobby’s particular components, a Potential Christian Jewish coalition (PCJc) within American politics that advocates for Israeli sovereignty over “Judea and Samaria” (“the West Bank”). The study addresses: the profiles of the individuals of the PCJc; its policy positions, the issues that have divided it, and what has prevented, and continues to prevent, the coalition from being absorbed into one or more of the more formally organized components of the Israel Lobby; the resources and methods this coalition has used to attempt to influence U.S. policy on (a) the Middle East, and (b) the Arab-Israeli conflict in particular; the successes or failures of this coalition’s advocacy and why it has not organized; and what this case reveals about interest group politics and social movements in the United States. This dissertation follows the descriptive-analytic case-study tradition that comprises a detailed analysis of a specific interest group and one policy issue, which conforms to my interest in the potential Christian Jewish coalition that supports a Jewish Judea and Samaria. I have employed participant observation, interviewing, content analysis and documentary research. The findings suggest: The PCJc consists of Christian Zionists and mostly Jews of the center religious denominations. Orthodox Jewish traditions of separation from Christians inhibit like-minded Christians and Jews from organizing. The PCJc opposes an Arab state in Judea and Samaria, and is not absorbed into more formally organized interest groups that support that policy. The PCJc’s resources consist of support and funding from conservatives. Methods include use of education, debates and media. Members of the PCJc are successful because they persist in their support for a Jewish Judea and Samaria and meet through other organizations around Judeo-Christian values. The PCJc is deterred from advocacy and organization by a mobilization of bias from a subgovernment in Washington, D.C. comprising Congress, the Executive branch and lobby organizations. The study’s results raise questions about interest group politics in America and the degree to which the U.S. political system is pluralistic, suggesting that executive power constrains the agenda to “safe” positions it favors.

Background. While the prevalence of a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes occurs in about 1:400 (0.25%) in the general population, the prevalence is as high as 1:40 (2.5%) among the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Despite cost-effective preventive measures for mutation carriers, Orthodox Jews constitute a cultural and religious group that presents challenges to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing. This study analyzed a dialogue of key stakeholders and community members to explore factors that influence decision-making about BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing in the New York Orthodox Jewish community. Methods. Qualitative research methods, based in Grounded Theory and Narrative Research, were utilized to analyze the narratives of key stakeholders and community members in an analysis of qualitative data collected from 49 stakeholders. A content analysis was conducted to identify themes; inter-rater reliability was 71%. Results. Facilitators to genetic testing were prevention and education, while barriers to genetic testing included negative emotions, impact on family/romantic relationships, cost, and stigma. The role of religious figures and healthcare professionals in medical decision-making were viewed as controversial. Education, health, and community were discussed as influential factors. There were issues around disclosure, implementation, and information needs. Conclusion. This study revealed the voices of the Orthodox Jewish women (decision-makers) and key stakeholders (influencers) who play a critical role in the medical decision-making process. The findings have broad implications for engaging community stakeholders within faith-based or culturally distinct groups to ensure better utilization of healthcare services for cancer screening and prevention designed to improve population health.

This thesis investigates artifacts and concepts present in the Noahide world and how they affect Noahide identity. Five factors are analyzed, namely Noahide law, religious pluralism, ritual, sectarianism, and conversion. I consult the Hebrew Scriptures as well as early, medieval, and modern rabbinic sources to set the conceptual background of the Noahide movement before moving into the primary, contemporary sources written by Orthodox Jews, Orthodox rabbis, and Noahides. To supplement my literary analysis, I have conducted a survey of self-identifying Noahide practitioners. This survey collects data concerning religious background, religious behavior, demographics, and free responses. I aim to show first and foremost that Noahidism is a new, exclusive religious tradition which comprises the lay order of Orthodox Judaism. This is born out of a theology which requires belief in the Jewish God and Jewish revelation, a strict ritual system based on Orthodox Jewish prescriptions, and a sectarian typology which mirrors Orthodox Jewish sectarianism. Additionally, my analysis of conversion shows Noahidism is not a gateway to Orthodox conversion, but an end in itself.

This study intends to discover distinctions between two minority groups, Mormons and Orthodox Jews, compared to a mainstream Protestant group, the Methodists, in terms of newspaper behavior. It intends to probe for differences in newspaper readership frequency and uses (Berelson, 1949) between religious minority group members and majority group members. It originated with the belief that religion (type) and degree of ingroup identification in the minority communities (stronger) would lead to greater newspaper avoidance and limit newspaper use primarily for information/public affairs, rather than Berelson's (1949) other categorizations of socialization, respite, entertainment. Indeed, minority-majority distinctions did not hold. Important differences emerged between religious and more secular individuals in all communities. It was the degree of religiosity that most deeply impacted newspaper use, not denominational ties. The more individuals scored highly on a "religion-as-spiritual-quest" factor, the less they read newspapers, particularly the business newspaper. For "spiritual questors" of all denominations, the house of worship, with its myriad activities, served as a leisure-time base and, for them, recreational use of the newspaper was minimal. / Communication Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Communication)

Amidst the decisive events of the 20th century - the Holocaust and the rebirth of the Jewish homeland - which impacted heavily on Jewish attitudes, emerged a broadening of religious doctrines creating diversity within Judaism. Previous insularist tendencies were replaced by revised outlooks on proselytisation, blending with the unique characteristics of South African Jewry. Clearly, local Jewish society and the Rabbinate have placed these updated perceptions high on its agenda. The inevitable mixed reactions have been reviewed in this work, which looks at the long road travelled by the convert from the viewpoint of current motivations, acceptance by the community and post conversion levels of observance. My own theory is a model encompassing the respective components of local proselytism looking at categories of converts, their motives, demands to be met and obstacles. To comprehend the contemporary position, a historical survey delved into the issue from its Biblical origins via the influences of centuries, reaching the South African scene. This inquiry investigated the development of conversion policies drawn from an evolvement of energetic Halakhic debate. These attitudes manifest themselves in archival sources from 1924, of which my analysis is the first of its kind. From these records, together with those of my own community and data available from the Cape Beth Din, the interpretative statistics thus compiled identified characteristics and motivations of applicants and procedural mechanics. This work proceeded a step further. Focus on the Durban model provided an ideal observation point for the post conversion stages. Personal knowledge of the candidates gained from my service to Durban Jewry enabled me to assess their respective adherences and absorption into the community. Furthermore, responses to a questionnaire sent to the local Jewry and interviews revealed attitudes both of Jews by birth and the converts themselves whilst added perceptions were obtained from a questionnaire sent to the Rabbis of South Africa. In the final chapter I submitted proposals and recommendations, some of which are radical. Covering the entire process of conversion this model attempts to address the future of conversions in South Africa as this is expected to remain a pivotal issue of immense momentum. / Religious Studies & Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)

This study intends to discover distinctions between two minority groups, Mormons and Orthodox Jews, compared to a mainstream Protestant group, the Methodists, in terms of newspaper behavior. It intends to probe for differences in newspaper readership frequency and uses (Berelson, 1949) between religious minority group members and majority group members. It originated with the belief that religion (type) and degree of ingroup identification in the minority communities (stronger) would lead to greater newspaper avoidance and limit newspaper use primarily for information/public affairs, rather than Berelson's (1949) other categorizations of socialization, respite, entertainment. Indeed, minority-majority distinctions did not hold. Important differences emerged between religious and more secular individuals in all communities. It was the degree of religiosity that most deeply impacted newspaper use, not denominational ties. The more individuals scored highly on a "religion-as-spiritual-quest" factor, the less they read newspapers, particularly the business newspaper. For "spiritual questors" of all denominations, the house of worship, with its myriad activities, served as a leisure-time base and, for them, recreational use of the newspaper was minimal. / Communication Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Communication)

Amidst the decisive events of the 20th century - the Holocaust and the rebirth of the Jewish homeland - which impacted heavily on Jewish attitudes, emerged a broadening of religious doctrines creating diversity within Judaism. Previous insularist tendencies were replaced by revised outlooks on proselytisation, blending with the unique characteristics of South African Jewry. Clearly, local Jewish society and the Rabbinate have placed these updated perceptions high on its agenda. The inevitable mixed reactions have been reviewed in this work, which looks at the long road travelled by the convert from the viewpoint of current motivations, acceptance by the community and post conversion levels of observance. My own theory is a model encompassing the respective components of local proselytism looking at categories of converts, their motives, demands to be met and obstacles. To comprehend the contemporary position, a historical survey delved into the issue from its Biblical origins via the influences of centuries, reaching the South African scene. This inquiry investigated the development of conversion policies drawn from an evolvement of energetic Halakhic debate. These attitudes manifest themselves in archival sources from 1924, of which my analysis is the first of its kind. From these records, together with those of my own community and data available from the Cape Beth Din, the interpretative statistics thus compiled identified characteristics and motivations of applicants and procedural mechanics. This work proceeded a step further. Focus on the Durban model provided an ideal observation point for the post conversion stages. Personal knowledge of the candidates gained from my service to Durban Jewry enabled me to assess their respective adherences and absorption into the community. Furthermore, responses to a questionnaire sent to the local Jewry and interviews revealed attitudes both of Jews by birth and the converts themselves whilst added perceptions were obtained from a questionnaire sent to the Rabbis of South Africa. In the final chapter I submitted proposals and recommendations, some of which are radical. Covering the entire process of conversion this model attempts to address the future of conversions in South Africa as this is expected to remain a pivotal issue of immense momentum. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)