Judaism - Sacred Texts and Writings

• Covenant


  The most solemn, holy, indissoluble, binding agreement that can be made between two parties
• Sections of the Hebrew Bible

  • The Torah
  • Nevi'im
  • Ketuvim
• The Torah


  The Pentateuch or the first five books, revealed to Moses and the most sacred of all Jewish literature
• Books of the Torah

  • Genesis
  • Exodus
  • Leviticus
  • Numbers
  • Deuteronomy
• Nevi'im


  The Prophets, the second section of the Hebrew Bible containing historical events and religious teachings
• First Prophets


  • Joshua
  • Judges
  • 1 and 2 Samuel
  • 1 and 2 Kings
• Last Prophets


  • Isaiah
  • Jeremiah
  • Ezekiel
  • The 12 minor prophets
• Joshua 1:10, Judges 2:16, 1 Samuel 8:19-20, 1 Kings 2:1-3, Isaiah 2:4-5: 'Key verses from the Nevi'im'
• Twice-daily lamb offering


  One of the most important and continual sacrificial rituals commanded by God in the Torah, demonstrating the Israelites' constant devotion and service to God
• Exodus 29:39: 'The one lamb you shall offer up in the morning and the other lamb you shall offer up in the afternoon.'
• Shema


  The most important prayer in Judaism and a declaration of faith in the oneness of God, encapsulating the essence of Jewish belief and practice
• Deuteronomy 6:4-5: '"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."'
• Shema


  • Affirmation of Monotheism
  • Commandment to Love God
  • Emphasis on Torah Study
  • Daily Recitation
  • Symbolic Rituals
• Centrality of Jerusalem


  The prophecy highlights Jerusalem's role as a spiritual centre from which divine instruction will emanate, underscoring the city's enduring significance in Jewish tradition
• Ethical Monotheism


  The vision reinforces the Jewish belief in one God who will judge nations based on ethical conduct, reflecting Judaism's emphasis on moral behaviour
• Liturgical Recitation


  This passage is recited in synagogues on Shabbat and festivals, keeping its message of peace and universal redemption at the forefront of Jewish consciousness
• Isaiah 2:2: '"In the days to come, The Mount of the Lord's House shall stand firm at the head of the mountains And tower above the hills. And all the nations Shall gaze on it with joy."'
• Prophetic vision of social justice

  The call to "seek justice" and "correct oppression" emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and advocacy for the vulnerable in society
• Isaiah 1:17: '"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."'
• Psalm 23


  Recited during various Jewish rituals and ceremonies, providing solace and reassurance in difficult moments, and affirming the Jewish values of moral conduct and gratitude for God's blessings
• Psalm 23:1-3: '"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."'
• Ecclesiastes


  Encourages profound contemplation of life's deeper meaning beyond the physical world, and has profoundly influenced Jewish philosophy, ethics, and attitudes towards wealth, pleasure, and the pursuit of knowledge
• Ecclesiastes 1:2-3: '"Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does a person gain from all the toil at which he toils under the sun?"'