Judaism Sacred Texts Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why are Jews described as 'the people of the book'?

Because sacred texts are core to Jewish Law, belief and worship.

How are the Jewish texts divided?

The Torah (Law), Nev'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings), collectively known as the TaNaK.

What is a canon?

It is the title given to the official list of writings which constitute the sacred texts of a tradition.

How many books are in the Jewish canon?

39 Signup and view all the answers

Name the 5 books in the Torah (Law).

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Signup and view all the answers

What language are most Jewish scriptures written in?

Hebrew Signup and view all the answers

What is the least common language the Jewish texts are written in?

Aramaic Signup and view all the answers

What types of writings can you find in Jewish scriptures?

Genealogies, histories, folktales, poetry, proverbs, prayers and narratives Signup and view all the answers

What is a genealogy?

History or account of the descent of a person, family or group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a history?

Events that happened in the past -- important or key defining moments. Signup and view all the answers

What facets of G-d does the scriptures emphasize?

Mercy and Justice Signup and view all the answers

The Torah is the ___________ of Judaism.

cornerstone Signup and view all the answers

How does the Torah begin and end?

It begins with creation and continues until the death of Moses, just before the people reach the Promised Land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main part of the Torah?

The stories of the matriarchs and patriarchs who founded the Hebrew people. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the main matriarchal and patriarchal leaders of these people?

Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob, Leah and Rachel, Joseph and his brothers. Signup and view all the answers

In some instances, central figures are given _ ____ by God.

new names Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the new names God gives to central figures?

Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah. Signup and view all the answers

What events does the book of Exodus cover?

Introduces the story of Moses, who liberates the Jews from slavery in Egypt and leads them to the Promised Land. Signup and view all the answers

What books are the Laws of Judaism covered?

Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Leviticus about?

It continues the laws that Moses began in Exodus. Its focus is mainly on ritual and ethics, the observation of 'Yom Kippur' and the system of vows and tithes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Yom Kippur?

Day of Atonement, where Jews are fasting and go through extensive prayer and spend their days visiting synagogues. Signup and view all the answers

What is Numbers about?

It begins with Moses taking a census of the Israelites. God then divides the people into tribes with the Levites becoming the servants of God. It also contains the struggles of the people in their rebellion. God informs Moses that he will not be let in the Promised Land. Signup and view all the answers

What is Deuteronomy about?

The final book of the Torah. Describes Moses giving an address to the Hebrew people: reminding them of the foundations of their faith, the covenant with God, the Ten Commandments and other fundamentals of Judaism. Signup and view all the answers

In what way are adherents meant to read the Torah?

Scripture is meant to be chanted and sung. Signup and view all the answers

In what way are the Torah scrolls written?

They are written in 'unpointed' Hebrew, without vowels, punctuation marks or any indication of the melodies to which the text is chanted. Signup and view all the answers

People usually learn to read the Torah from a book that provides the unpointed version and the ___________ version with markings.

Masoretic Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Torah take precedence over the other two sections of the Hebrew scriptures?

Because it contains the very foundations of Judaism and its belief system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Nev'im (Prophets)?

This sacred text presents a history of Israel as a nation and its land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ketuvim?

The final fourteen books of the TaNaK. They include wisdom literature, proverbs, psalms, a love song and historical writing. Signup and view all the answers

Some books in the Ketuvim have __________ significance.

liturgical Signup and view all the answers

Which books in the Ketuvim are read in the synagogue on specific holidays?

Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Judaism - Sacred Texts Overview

Jews are referred to as 'the people of the book' due to the central role of sacred texts in their law, belief, and worship.
Jewish texts are categorized into three main sections: the Torah (Law), Nev'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings), collectively called the TaNaK.

Sacred Canon and Structure

The canon refers to the officially recognized list of writings that make up the sacred texts, comprising a total of 39 books in Judaism.
The Torah consists of five foundational books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Most Jewish scriptures are primarily written in Hebrew, with Aramaic being the least common language found in these texts.

Content and Types of Writings

Jewish scriptures encompass a variety of literary forms, including genealogies, histories, folktales, poetry, proverbs, prayers, and narratives.
Genealogy provides a historical account of descent, while history details significant past events.

Key Themes and Figures

Scriptures emphasize the facets of God, particularly His mercy and justice.
The Torah is viewed as the cornerstone of Judaism, starting with the creation narrative and concluding with the death of Moses before entering the Promised Land.
Central figures include matriarchs and patriarchs such as Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Joseph, and their brothers, some of whom are given new names by God.

Key Books of the Torah

Exodus introduces Moses, detailing the liberation of Jews from Egyptian slavery.
Leviticus follows with laws initiated by Moses, emphasizing rituals and ethical instructions including Yom Kippur observances.
Numbers begins with a census and accounts for the Israelites' struggles, while Deuteronomy features Moses' address summarizing faith principles, the covenant, and the Ten Commandments.

Reading and Interpretation

The Torah is traditionally read in a chanted and sung manner, using 'unpointed' Hebrew that lacks vowels or punctuation.
Learning to read the Torah often involves using a Masoretic text, which provides a marked version to assist pronunciation.

Importance of the Torah

The Torah holds priority over the other sections of the Hebrew scriptures as it lays the essential foundations of Judaism and its belief system.

Further Textual Categories

Nev'im documents the history of Israel as a nation and its land.
Ketuvim consists of the last fourteen books of the TaNaK, featuring wisdom literature, proverbs, psalms, and historical narratives, with some texts possessing liturgical significance.

Liturgical Use of Ketuvim

Specific books in the Ketuvim, such as Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, are notably read in synagogues during designated holidays.

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Description

Explore key concepts and definitions related to the sacred texts of Judaism with these flashcards. Understand why Jews are referred to as 'the people of the book' and learn about the divisions within Jewish texts such as the Torah, Nev'im, and Ketuvim. Enhance your knowledge of Jewish Law and beliefs.