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Questions and Answers
Why are Jews described as 'the people of the book'?
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?
How are the Jewish texts divided?
The Torah (Law), Nev'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings), collectively known as the TaNaK.
What is a canon?
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?
How many books are in the Jewish canon?
Name the 5 books in the Torah (Law).
Name the 5 books in the Torah (Law).
What language are most Jewish scriptures written in?
What language are most Jewish scriptures written in?
What is the least common language the Jewish texts are written in?
What is the least common language the Jewish texts are written in?
What types of writings can you find in Jewish scriptures?
What types of writings can you find in Jewish scriptures?
What is a genealogy?
What is a genealogy?
What is a history?
What is a history?
What facets of G-d does the scriptures emphasize?
What facets of G-d does the scriptures emphasize?
The Torah is the ___________ of Judaism.
The Torah is the ___________ of Judaism.
How does the Torah begin and end?
How does the Torah begin and end?
What is the main part of the Torah?
What is the main part of the Torah?
Who are the main matriarchal and patriarchal leaders of these people?
Who are the main matriarchal and patriarchal leaders of these people?
In some instances, central figures are given ___ ______ by God.
In some instances, central figures are given ___ ______ by God.
What are some of the new names God gives to central figures?
What are some of the new names God gives to central figures?
What events does the book of Exodus cover?
What events does the book of Exodus cover?
What books are the Laws of Judaism covered?
What books are the Laws of Judaism covered?
What is Leviticus about?
What is Leviticus about?
What is Yom Kippur?
What is Yom Kippur?
What is Numbers about?
What is Numbers about?
What is Deuteronomy about?
What is Deuteronomy about?
In what way are adherents meant to read the Torah?
In what way are adherents meant to read the Torah?
In what way are the Torah scrolls written?
In what way are the Torah scrolls written?
People usually learn to read the Torah from a book that provides the unpointed version and the ___________ version with markings.
People usually learn to read the Torah from a book that provides the unpointed version and the ___________ version with markings.
Why does the Torah take precedence over the other two sections of the Hebrew scriptures?
Why does the Torah take precedence over the other two sections of the Hebrew scriptures?
What is the Nev'im (Prophets)?
What is the Nev'im (Prophets)?
What is the Ketuvim?
What is the Ketuvim?
Some books in the Ketuvim have __________ significance.
Some books in the Ketuvim have __________ significance.
Which books in the Ketuvim are read in the synagogue on specific holidays?
Which books in the Ketuvim are read in the synagogue on specific holidays?
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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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