The Hebrew Bible The Hebrew Bible is not
The Hebrew Bible • The Hebrew Bible is not just a history of the Jews. The Jewish people believe three parts of the Hebrew Bible reveal God's will as carried out in human events and unite all Jews in a common belief. The Torah tells the history of the ancient Hebrews' covenant with God and contains the Ten Commandments and other rules. The Prophets traces the history of Judaism and the Jewish people and tells people how to relate to God, others, the land, and themselves. This section contains books by or about Jewish prophets—people chosen by God as messengers for bringing truth to the people. The Writings contain Psalms, a collection of songs praising God, and Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings. It also tells stories about heroes such as Esther, Job, Ruth, and Daniel, and provides more history of the Jewish people.
What Is the Importance of Law and Learning? • The Hebrew Bible and commentaries on the Bible are vitally important to Jews. They are the source of Jews’ most important teachings, including teachings about ethics. Over many centuries after the time of Moses, prominent Jewish rabbis wrote down their commentaries, or discussions, about Jewish laws. • The Talmud, a text finished around 600 CE, is an important collection of oral teachings and commentaries about the Hebrew Bible and Jewish law. The Hebrew Bible and the Talmud are central to Jewish teaching and practice. As a result, Jews value the study of these religious texts. Jewish scholars still write commentaries on the Hebrew Bible and Talmud today.
What Are the Basic Teachings of Judaism? • Ethical monotheism is the idea that there is one God who sets down rules about right and wrong. This is probably the most important teaching of Judaism. The actions of each individual should be based on righteousness and justice. The Jewish idea of individual responsibility means that these laws and commandments apply equally to every Jewish person. Another basic belief of Judaism is that God has a special relationship with the Israelites. In return, Jews have a special responsibility to serve God and study and obey God's laws. Many of these ideas have influenced modern thinking about equality, human rights, and the need to be concerned with the welfare of others.
- Slides: 3