End Paper

The content and intention of this class was phenomenal. Like I said at the beginning, I knew nothing about Jerusalem besides the tiny excerpts that I found in my history books when I was attending high school. I was mainly an East Asian history student so it was nice to finally change up the pace. I have however been fascinated by old civilizations, which for the most part is intertwined with some kind of religion or belief system.
With that said, the knowledge and different perspectives I gained from this class was fascinating. I was completely in the dark about the long history of Jerusalem and how many rulers it had at different periods in history. Yet, before this class I always believed that big business and population support derives directly from religious exploitation, so I was not so surprised to see how the different rulers came to be in power. The main part that was enjoyable was to see how all the three faiths of Abraham got their start and ties to Jerusalem. I had a great time reading the background of the Jewish Faith and how that population of people started their system within the city. I also knew nothing, and when I say nothing I mean I only knew about the five pillars and that the Islamic Profit could not be shown in human form. Learning about that religion and the creation was extremely rewarding, it helped me see a larger picture and the legitimate claim that this faith had to Jerusalem.
In short, from a personal level this class helped me understand a fuller picture of the conflict surrounding this territory and how it is so difficult to solve. It also helped me see why people of all three faiths are so passionate of this territory, which I must admit, before taking the class I never really saw the big deal of who occupies the land and saw it an immature power struggle between the religions. I now see a bigger picture and why it is so important.
Now, moving away from my personal gain from the class I would like to discuss the likes and dislikes I had of the class, also which items I found the most and least useful. Within the content of the reading I believe Karen Armstrong’s book is a must. Like I stated earlier, this was the most useful part of the class; to understand the long upbringing and struggles that occurred within this one city. Without this book I would still be completely lost on why many people are still upset with the situation. The next part I really enjoyed was the article about the musicians that lived in Jerusalem by Tamari, Salim. “Wasif Jawhariyyeh, Popular Music, and Early Modernity in Jerusalem”. This helped shed, at least partly some of the stereotypical thoughts of Jerusalem that no one had fun in the city and everyone just prayed and fought every day of their lives. Seeing a man going to party scenes, staying out all night and just generally having a great time was fantastic. It helped me see the normality of the city as well as the spiritual side.
The next story I enjoyed was the more recent story of the lady talking about getting the gas masks and the trip to the vet with her dog by Amiry, Suad. Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries. Chapter 7: “The Promised Gas Masks” (82-93) and Chapter 9: “A Dog’s Life”. These were absolutely hysterical; I loved her insight and her comedic presentations of the situations at hand. Again, helped kill the “history book” vibe and brought me back down to actual lives inside the city.
I also enjoyed the speakers and video conferences that we had in the classroom. I believe his name was Professor Richard Herrman, his presentation was brilliant and my favorite idea from his lecture was that people will always find a reason to fight, if it was not in Jerusalem over this it would be something else in another place. I never really thought of it that perspective and really enjoyed the new thought. The video conferences were also fun because of the physical gap between us, yet it was that simple to communicate (for the most part). It was also great to read the articles that these scholars produced, then being able to have an hour of their time to speak with them.
My favorite part of the class would have to be my final project though. Instead of hiding in a classroom behind our thoughts and beliefs with people who were sharing in some sense the same ideology, you challenged us to go into the real world and get a much larger perspective on the situation. Again, throughout my life I have done a lot of crazy things, but this was the first time I have ever spoken to a Rabbi as well as gone to a mosque to see a person of Islamic faith. This was by far the most rewarding part of the class. Being able to sit down and have conversations with people about their faith and see their personal beliefs and why they are this way was more educational than an entire quarter in the class.
The next part I really enjoyed, yet sometimes frustrating, was the challenge of getting people to talk to me by the extent of my questions and sincere quest I had for learning, even though I was just an undergraduate student. I must admit though, it felt like you gave me some criticism when you learned of the troubles I had by doing this on my own and I feel like this is the time to explain my theory behind it. I know you are a scholar in this subject, but I did not want to use the sources that everyone else used, mainly because another group in the class did close to the same project as me. I could have used the same people, arrived at the same answers and have the responses be very similar to the thoughts of the entire class. Now my entire point was to get the answers that people have not already heard and not have it sound like it was read off of a politically correct “how to” religious response sheet. I wanted the orthodox aspect, I wanted people to feel uncomfortable while watching my presentation and see some of the problems and thought processes of “non-liberal” people to help understand why the problem still exists so strongly today. Like you said to me, you were surprised I was able to talk to Rabbi Epstein and I got extremely lucky finding Shaykh Amin Abdur-Rashid to speak to and without these two people I would have felt my project was completely worthless and just another agreement to my personal thoughts, which would not have helped me understand and make educated arguments and understandings for other thought processes and ideas.
As for the criticisms for the class, first off as you already know, you need to make Hagarty Hall realize how important it is to need a larger multimedia room for the video conference days. The next is about all the blogging we did. It was a great idea to have us write down our thoughts to the readings, but I felt like it was used as a barrier and let people hide behind their beliefs, rather than confront the class and have a large discussion about it. I will admit, I did it as well, and I think the class would have been much more beneficial. I felt like we wasted too much time getting off subject, and not really using the class time to the greatest extent. In the future, I would ask the students to bring in their responses and read them aloud, or at least paraphrase it. In turn, I believe that if someone did not say something directly in class to the student’s response it would directly lead to more inter-blogging conversations between people because the student would know which one interested him instead of having to wade through thoughts you either agree with, or if I may, not really care or want to give much thought to. I think it was also be beneficial if the class discussed some of the theories or resolutions people in the past had come up with so the students could actually see how the situation has been handled so find a resolution and I believe this would spark a great discussion within the class. Besides these complaints, all the activities and readings that were planned were very great and seemed extremely thought out for the class.
In conclusion, like I have stated I really enjoyed this class and felt it helped me gain a larger perspective on not only the conflict, but a better understanding of the three religions. I really believe that every person, at least in an international field should take a class like this because it gives a large perspective of many conflicts in the world. I would also like to thank you for spending so much time compiling so much research, readings and effort into a class that is considered taboo and an untouchable topic to many people. Your studies made the class very informative, smooth and entertaining and I thank you for that. I really hope the Ohio State University always allows this class to be taught and I wish you good luck on future years.

5/20/09 Readings

Well, now I have a perfect actual situation that can be categorized under the "fine print rule" besides warranties. Yes, everyone can exist here but I think this little area needs an eight meter wall. Yes, you can build there... but you need a permit that there is no way your going to get. You can move out of the city for more property... but then your not a resident anymore. How many more stipulations can you put on something and still believe you are doing the original idea? I also enjoyed the classifications of walls, I never thought of there being different classifications for walls.

Question: Can you by any chance explain the awkward tension between the groups when in the "public" area/ markets and what is going through your mind at that point and time?

5/18/09 Readings

I found the large impact and controversy over architecture as not only interesting, but I never really realized or thought about how that could be such a large issue. I mean after reading it, yeah of course Craig your and idiot, but I never really thought of it until that article. I like how much they had to do and how to be "respectful" to the times, cultures and past. Yet, the article itself was a bit boring to me, it did make me think about the hardships of that task.

As for the other one, it was kind of hard to read and get into what was being said. I did however find the chronology of events interesting and was amazed at the large events happening just from October to January. Besides that, I don't really have much more to say about this reading.

Week 7 Readings.

I really enjoyed reading Suad Amiry's work. I liked how she could make such an awful situation seem comical and allow us to see how the people actually made the best out of it. I thought the dog getting a Jerusalem passport quicker than her then how she used it to her advantage as hysterical. I also thought the young boy wanting the gas mask for a toy pretty funny.

As for the other reading I don't have so much to say. Pretty much a broken record, I hope there can be peace in Israel, but the connection she made with all the different "names" was interesting.

Final Project

I am going to interview different people of different faiths and make a video documentary. Now, I am going to ask them a lot of questions but the main theme I am going for is on the misconceptions of certain religions,why these have occurred and how if there is an answer, can these religions coexist in one city. Then how this misinterpretations can lead directly to the conflict in Jerusalem.

1 What are the core beliefs in your religion?
2 Do your personal beliefs agree completely with those of your religion?
3 Do you personally take your book of Scripture literally?
4 Throughout history or political means, do you feel your religion has been exploited or misinterpreted? If so, how?
5 How would you like to change people’s perception of your religion?
6 How much do you know about: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism?
7 What do you think are the main differences between these three religions?
8 How much do you know about the history of the Abrahamic religions in Jerusalem?
9 How much do you know about the conflict in Jerusalem?
10 What do you believe are the reasons for the conflict?
11 What are your religion’s ties with Jerusalem?
12 Do you believe that all three faiths of Abraham can live in harmony?
13 If it were to remain ruled by one religion, which one should it be and why?

Tamari Readings

Well it felt good to finally not be reading about wars and dipping into the common man and a little bit of phychology. I found the article on Caanan and his Jerusalem circle interesting but not a very new idea to me. Wondering how or if biblical texts have influenced later generations. Then also linking these to the similarities of other cultures and looking to see how they have changed. It was cool to see the stories but nothing too surprising to see the similarities. It was nice to finally have a coined term "Nativist ethography" to refer to the act of needing to belong and remember one's heritage.
I did enjoy the article on the musician Wasif. It was good to read about first hand experiences and different perspectives rather than constant religious practices and wars. Another interesting point is how similar the life of a musician then to a musician today is. Basically, just the common themes between civilizations and how much different a place is from a different perspective.

Channels of Rage Paragraph

I found the video interesting in the aspect that it showed that there are younger people speaking out and a person can actually see first hand what the youth were saying and to see the support at the concerts. I also thought it was interesting that Tamer was the first to actually use Arabic in his songs. I would have on the other hand enjoyed more footage on what the public was saying about the two rappers along with a bit more conversation between the two like at the end. I was getting tired of listening to the same songs and lyrics over and over again. It was a good thing to see, it finally mixed up the "old" history and made Israel's struggle and little bit more relevant.

Channels of Rage Reviews and Music Scene

http://www.fipresci.org/festivals/archive/2003/jerusalem_2003/jerusalem_2003_keder.htm

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117925365.html?categoryid=31&cs=1

This is called the Sunset to Sunset and it is a dance festival by Moksha Project. It is basically a rave in Israel and it looks like it would be a blast. Anyone want to go haha...
http://lovingtelaviv.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/moksha-project-israel-september-sunset-to-sunset-outdoor-dance-festival/

Armstrong Chapters 16-18

The main thing that I enjoyed about these last few chapters was seeing Jerusalem modernize as well as being able to more easily understand the conflicts because of it being a more modern period in history. It was nice to be able to review back to more recent history and know other problems going on around the rest of the world that directly or could have contributed to the conflicts in Jerusalem. The part about archeology and modern technology was also interesting, but I wish she would have gone into more detail on how that might have led to problems instead of shoving them off and just talking about countless leader changes.
Now, I did not however enjoy the ending of the book. I read this massive book with all these facts with Armstrong making claims and in some peoples minds having strong opinions and large amounts of knowledge on the subject. She is a "scholar" on the subject and obviously has large amounts of passion towards the topic. Then as soon as she could express her view or perhaps a vague plan or proposal of what she thinks the best situation for Jerusalem might be (coming from a scholar so I would be interested and respect her opinion greatly) she just plainly says no one knows what to do. Then she goes on by saying all three religions are going to have to give a bit of tolerance and that Jerusalem was always in better shape when governments in the past had tried this idea. Well, I could have said that theory before reading the book. You mean when people are more tolerant there is less fighting? Places are always better when there is a bit of peace? Thanks for the heads up and saying something that everyone already knows... How about a little help on the topic now...
But, besides that rant I did enjoy reading all the history of Jerusalem and how it has come to be such a focal point and complex city because of it's long painful past and countless days of turmoil.

Armstrong 14-15

I found these chapters to be similar to what I have been saying in earlier posts, just different rulers and a different year. Transactions were still being made because of money and power. For example, Latin Christians were aloud into Jerusalem after a pay off as well at the Jews being able to build a new synagogue.
There is also still the theme that everyone is happy for a bit, then something goes wrong, whether it is the economy, lack of consideration or an outside force of a crusade then everything goes up in flames.
I did however enjoy getting into the section of science influencing and changing ways that people began to see and interpret the religion. Then it went back to powerful European forces, like Napoleon, coming over to create an empire... for the sole reason of keeping up with Europe.
I did also enjoy how every religion fights so hard for Jerusalem, yet as soon as there is a hardship they began just giving it up or moving away.

Armstrong 10-13

Well, chapter 10 was my least favorite chapter, although I can see why it is relevant. Helped me understand a suppose a little better why Christians began fighting harder for Jerusalem after the mass killing and exile.
I really enjoyed finally reading about Muhammad and the Islamic religion. I enjoyed how Muhammad believed that they (as a faith) should not disgrace the earlier religions and basically let them do as they please. I am also glad that I finally know why the prayers are toward Mecca and not Jerusalem. Another thing I found interesting was how they would not build on other religious sites and actually choose to settle a less prosperous land. I also enjoyed the similarities of making Jerusalem an official holy city by bringing the Black Stone from Mecca to Jerusalem just like the Arc of the Covenant had been in earlier times.
The main thing that stood out to me though was how each religion would try to "out do" each other like when the Christians decided to make a building taller than the Dome of the Rock. Or when there was a mosque build in a "Christian" territory.
The chapter about the Crusades was also a fairly new topic to me. I mean, I knew what they were but not into this much depth. Besides the killing I almost found this chapter comical. They Crusade back to Jerusalem to take it over because it belonged to them spiritually. Yet, once they succeed in this task they all leave and the city becomes underpopulated? Then once they are there, this place that has such a large connection to them... the only way they felt like they belonged was to mass produce buildings instead of having the spiritual connection. Just seemed like an odd way to leave a holy war... by leaving your "holy" city.

Armstong Chapters 8-9

Well, chapter eight was pretty hard for me to get through but I enjoyed chapter nine very much. The main themes I saw in these chapters were just the overthrowing of religions from Jewish to Pagan to Christianity. I did find it interesting how they banned Jewish people from entering their "Holy City" or let them only enter on certain religious times of the year.
Now the part I found most interesting was the Christian transformation. At the start they had no affiliation with Jerusalem because they said it was an unholy city and Jesus said it would be ruined. Yet, as soon as Constantine came to power and declared Christianity the religion now all of a sudden Jerusalem was very much theirs. Another thing was how, at first, Christians were told to respect other religions and that "God" was with them wherever they went. Also, it was better to be pilgrims and poor and think beyond this realm. Yet, as soon as a little power and backing entered the picture it was all about discovering relics and building temples that were earlier not even a thought. Just thought it was interesting on how no matter what the belief system is somehow as soon as power and money is available things just seem to change extremely rapidly.

Armstrong 5-7

The main aspect that I saw in these three chapters is just more of the hardships and troubles that the people of Jerusalem went through. Yet, it was nice to see that there were some moments of not peace, but I suppose more tolerate times would be the best way of explaining it. I also enjoyed reading about Herod and how politicians back then were not much different than they are today. By that statement, I mean that they will switch back in forth in order to "stay in power".

After the readings I could not help but think of the religion as a business and all these facts about constant chaos always seemed to have power and money mixed into the story. For example, when Menelaus went behind Jason's back and offered a better bribe in order to have the high priesthood position for himself. It was also relevant when the Persian Army said that all temples would be rebuilt. Then, after living in tolerance many Jew's claimed that he was here because of Yahweh and went again to the most powerful. Again it is seen when people were even segregated in their own religion until they "sacrificed" or gave something up could a person be let back into Jerusalem. The best example is with Herod always switching companions to the person that would most likely let him stay in power. The withholding of power is even seen when "disciples" and "prophets" were killed because they were creating an uproar in the city that could create another revolution and possibly kill the power for the one in charge. The history within these three chapters just seem like the exploitation of religion in order to obtain power and money in my mind and I find it interesting how this theme is still common in today's' society.

First what I would like to talk about is the assimilation of beliefs/religions to correspond with different one's. This is a part of religion that I find amazing. How most religions came from a polytheist, pagan background to end up as monotheist and they all correspond with an earlier "primitive" belief.

The assimilation of Baal and Yahweh was an interesting segment in the book. For example, they both were great men that lived on a mountain. They both had battle with a sea monster to save the world from the flooding chaos. Like Murduk, Yahweh split a monster to lay the new foundations of the world. Both of these "gods" were also called El Elyon at some point.
Then the point of wanting to get rid of pagan ideals, when in fact the buildings were started pagan and had pagan artifacts inside even while they had their monotheist worship.

Another idea I find interesting is using the religion until something more favorable arises or a better "option" may be seen. For example, the Kingdom of Judah and the vassal of Israel who both had different "religions". Yet, because if the treaty between these two were to be made then they could both fight Damascus. In order for this to happen Jehoram and Athaliah married to create this treaty.

The last idea is using your "god" as a war hero. I find this highly amazing and in a way contradictory. This was relevant in Joshua claiming his "god" giving him the right to use excessive force to take back the land. It is also seen when the Assyrians become plague ridden and Yahweh is praised for that action.

In general, I enjoyed these readings and find it an almost "everyman" aspect because these are seen in almost every history book. Whether it is assimilation of religions, religion for a business type venture or using your religion as more of a scare tactic then a way to live by. I just always see these ideas interesting and easily seen throughout history and really stood out to me while reading this book.

Assignment 2

Food: Well my mom is a vegetarian so the only meats we had were fish and chicken. Then there were also a lot of organic foods, like organic peanut butter, brownies and various types of snacks. My dad's house is packed with simple things and any type of meat that can be thrown on a grill. I myself eat anything that is cheap mainly because I'm broke haha.

Art, Posters, Artifacts: In my room I have prints from Ralph Steadman as well as maps from places I have been and small tokens everywhere from my travels, like key cards for subways, different currency and used tickets for landmarks.

Books: I have a few books on Leonardo Da Vinci because he is my favorite renaissance man and I am intrigued with his work. I also have books on Ben Franklin. Besides those my collection is compiled of business and Chinese text books.

Music: I have no favorite artist. My I-pod ranges from Mozart, Fleetwood Mac, Avenged Sevenfold, Earth Wind and Fire, Coltrane, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Temptations, Tool and A Perfect Circle.

Just some pictures of travels and what I love doing...

Readings post due 3/6/09

I personally enjoyed these readings just finding in more depth how Jerusalem was shaped and made. How there were those many conquering cultures, influences and struggles within one city is incredible. Having temples constantly being interchanged between Muslim, Christian and Jewish religions. My favorite part of the readings was in "The History of Jerusalem: An Arab Perspective" by Rashid Khalidi when the article discusses how Jerusalem's history should really be discussed. It discusses how the history of Jerusalem cannot be based on what other historians believe is verifiable. The quote that stood out to me that I believe summarized all three of the articles was, "Nevertheless, the historian cannot afford to ignore what people believe simply because it is not verifiable using rigorous historical methodology. There is, after all,the possibility that it may be true or that it contains elements that can be proven." This shows how important the three religions are to the city and even if it may or may not be true, it shaped the city and must be put into consideration for further discussion. The historical aspects of the city helps me think about some of the political struggles with a better view.

Assignment 1 Baggage.

Sorry everyone I forgot to do this part of the assignment because I had it for some reason written on week 2 assignment on my syllabus and just saw the revised one today. Anyways, I am not a big fan of the word baggage because I do not feel that having different experiences that might be out of the norm or not accepted by all as a baggage but more as shaping myself as an individual.
I was brought up Protestant yet it was a very odd childhood. My mom worked at a place called Grailville which is one of the largest women retreat centers in the United States. So, even though I was protestant I grew up walking through labyrinths and going to Easter at barn in the middle of cornfields. Then on top of that I lived in Cincinnati, so I also had the city life aspect. Now, I was forced to do confirmation but because I was stubborn and did not like the specific church I decided not to join the church. After this experience I became intrigued with religion and other types of cultures, I have even studied simple meditation styles. I have even been to belly dancing ceremonies and sweat lodges.
Now that is my mom's side, yet my dad is a blue collar worker to I have that aspect. I grew up becoming a large sports fan being active in wrestling, soccer, basketball and baseball throughout grade school and high school. So, that was an interesting mesh of parents in my belief.
Myself, I really have no religious affiliation after this childhood. All I know is I love different cultures which leads to me traveling. I have been to Italy, France and England on top of living in China and teaching English and traveling throughout for three and a half months. In general I am a very open guy and have no problem accepting anyone, so if there is anything anyone wants to ask me I never get offended and enjoy the conversation.

Assignment 1

My expectations for this class is mainly to learn the mores and norms of each religion in Jerusalem as well as how they clash within the society to a larger and more in depth response than "they fight". I would also like to know the non-clashing parts about how they all have certain "everyman" thoughts on humanity and somehow begin to see people as only people and not as a religion.
I am very interested to hear the discussions on class because I feel more like an outsider looking in because my main focus has been eastern asian studies. I do not have any strong ties to Jerusalem but am more interested in hearing the sides of different backgrounds on top of I find religion fascinating.
The only thing I can see in difficulties of the class is me starting off naive in this subject and most likely making someone very angry because of my lack of education in the subject haha.
I found the research to be amazing. To find all aspects of the culture and somehow having to place this into a collection to be seen in Washington D.C. without making a mistake or somehow misrepresentation a culture in the presentation.
Hope the class goes well and I can learn all that I wish, even if its not indepth enough just having a little knowledge on the subject would be great.