The 24 Books of the Hebrew Bible In their simplest form, the twenty-four books of the Jewish Bible - the Tanach - present a history of the first 3500 years from creation until the building of the second Temple in Jerusalem. The books also relate the history of the Jewish nation from its earliest stage, through the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and until the end of the first commonwealth. But the Tanach is much more than just history. In it one can learn about G-d's plan for the world and of His relationship with mankind, specifically, His chosen nation - the Jews. Here is where G-d tells us what He wants us to do! "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your G-d want of you? Presented here is a very short overview of each of the books of Tanach, divided into three main categories: the Chumash, the Prophets and the Writings. The Five Books of Moses (Chumash)
An Introduction to Judaism: History, Religion, Jews, Israel and Scriptures Judaism is the religion commonly linked to Jewish people. It is based on the principles contained in the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, which are expanded and explained in the Talmud. In 2007, the world Jewish population was of 13.2 million, 41 percent of which reside in Israel, whilst the remaining is spread around the world (the diaspora). Jewish history begins with the covenant established between God and Abraham around 1812 BC, during the Bronze Age, in the Middle East. Abraham is a central figure in Judaism, being considered the Patriarch and progenitor of the Jewish people. Throughout their history, Jewish people experienced times of great expansion and advance in knowledge (both theological and scientific) which were interspersed by periods of persecution and massacres. In 1947 the United Nations agreed to create the State of Israel in what was then Palestine. Beliefs and principles Being a Jew is very much a blood matter. Interesting facts
History of Judaism 92KGoogle + What is the History of Judaism? History is of the utmost importance in Judaism. Whereas the sacred texts of most ancient religions focus on myths and philosophical concepts, the Jewish Bible is centered around historical narrative; and most Jewish holidays are intended to connect modern Jews with their historical ancestors and traditions. (See Jewish symbols.) This article provides an overview of Jewish history from the biblical era to the modern day. Historical and Religious Context Judaism traces its history back to the creation of mankind, but the explicitly Jewish historical origins begin with Abraham and the Hebrews. Under God's command, Abraham migrated to the region of Canaan, which is roughly equivalent to modern Israel and Lebanon. The ancient Hebrew people were seminomadic herdsman and farmers, organized into tribes and living in Mesopotamia. All of these cultures featured belief in creator and preserver gods, a system of ethics, and developed religious rituals.
The Biblical Hebrews in conflict with their Neighbors The word Hebrew has been associated with the word Hiberu and Apiru, described in Wikipedia as " the name given by various Sumerian, Egyptian, Akkadian, Hittite, Mitanni, and Ugaritic sources (dated, roughly, from before 2000 BC to around 1200 BC) to a group of people living as nomadic invaders in areas of the Fertile Crescent from Northeastern Mesopotamia and Iran to the borders of Egypt in Canaan." They are "variously described as nomadic or semi-nomadic, rebels, outlaws, raiders, mercenaries, and bowmen, servants, slaves, migrant laborers, etc." The Hebrews described in the Old Testament appear to have been semi-nomadic herders of sheep and goats and occasional farmers, without knowledge of metal working, sophisticated craftsmanship or a written language. Like other nomadic herders, they were tent dwellers – as Abraham is described in Genesis 13:3. The Land of Canaan Among the critics is Michael Coogan, editor of The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Mark S. The Philistines and Samson Sources
Four different kinds of Judaism: undefined Four different kinds of Judaism: 1. Reform Judaism (its site) 2. 3. 4. Reference: Greenstein, Howard R. Epstein, Isidore. Unterman, Alan. This article follows mainly on Greenstein's books; page number without mentioning the author is referred to Greenstein. Moses Mendelssohn penetrated it into Judaism. He accepted 3 articles: 1. the existence of God; 2. He translated Hebrew Bible into German. 1. History: Under the influence of New world (US), the individualism, rationalism, universalism, and optimism. c) Change of Radical Reform: 1937 Columbus Platform goals: i)Freedom to examine the reasons of existing practice. Originator: David Friedlander (1756-1834) : [Epstein p.291] Medelssohn's disciples. Founder: Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise [p.117] Viewpoint/History: The denial of the authority of the Bible and Talmud by Reform Judaism made for individualism.
The Golem: Jewish Mythology or Kabbalistic Robot? On Sunday night “The Amazing Race” whittled down from 4 teams to the final 3 in a race around the world. This leg of the race took place entirely in Prague, Czech Republic. As is customary on The Amazing Race, the roadblocks and detours along the way were part of the local culture. One cannot speak of Prague without mentioning the great Maharal, Rabbi Judah Loew. And one cannot mention the Maharal without mentioning the famous Golem of Prague. The racers were to cover a straw and wood golem with clay and bring the golem to the Old New Synagogue in Prague to receive their next clue. Did you notice the way they describe a golem? “Teams will delve into Prague lore and Jewish Mythology by building a golem, a figure made of straw and clay that was constructed to protect the Jewish Quarter in the 15th Century.” I would probably take offense to a miraculous biblical narrative being called mythology. But when the golem was branded mythology I did not even flinch. Why? The article is here.