the law (books, law and prophets)

• Tanack


  the Jewish Scriptures comprising the books of law, the prophets, and collected writings: Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim. The old testament.
• Torah


  The first 5 books of the Bible (Law) : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
• Nevi'im


  The next 8 books of the Bible about the Prophets.
• Ketuvim


  The next 13 books of the Bible (writings): poetical books, scrolls, prophecy and history.
• Talmud


  a collection of teachings and discussions from early rabbis about the Torah. It explains how to apply and follow the mitzvot. Refered to as the spoken law.
• secular jews = the TENACKH is a history book, giving background to the Jewish people but carries no authority.
• reform jews = more interested in the message of the nevi'im than the torah due to universal messages. Some are now recognising the Torah more and see tradition as valuable.
• orthodox = the TORAH is first place to draw teaching from.
• What are the 2 parts of the Talmud?

  MISHNAH and GEMARA
• What is a prophet?

  • Spokespeople for God.
  • Are chosen to speak on God's behalf.
  • They can be anyone.
• Talmud -> By the time of the Second temple the " spirit of prophecy had departed" .


  This means that

  • Prophets were no longer common
  • Jews now have the TENACKH for God to speak to them through
• Beliefs on Prophets

  • They are role models of holiness + closeness with God
  • Speak against injustices or when jews do not follow MITZVOT.
• When a person reaches a sufficient level, SHEKINAH comes to rest on them but it can leave if there is a lapse in spiritual perfection.
• A reading from the NEVI'IM is read every SHABBAT which links to the reading from the TORAH. -> This shows that the teachings and messages of the prophets are still relevant to jews today.