TeNakh and importance of the Torah

Question 1

What is the Tenakh?

Answer 1

The Written Law

Question 2

What are the 3 sections of the Tenakh called?

Answer 2

-The Torah (the law)
-The Nevi’im (the prophets)
-The Ketuvim (the writings)

Question 3

3 reasons why the Torah is important

Answer 3

-It contains the first five books of Moses, which form the basis of Jewish law
-Orthodox Jews believe all 5 of these texts were recorded by Moses as dictated to him by God
-The word Torah is also used to refer to the totality of the Jewish law. This means the law is totally binding and informs all aspects of life.

Question 4

why is the Nevi’im important

Answer 4

-eight prophetic books that continue to trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah

Question 5

Why is the Ketuvim important

Answer 5

-eleven books that contain poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts and more

Question 6

Other reasons the Torah is important

Answer 6

Reform Jews may be more likely to reinterpret the guidance in the scriptures to fit with modern living or could be less strict in their adherence to some of the laws
-The Torah is a key source of wisdom and authority for Jewish people

Question 7

Significance of the Written law (Tenakh)

Answer 7

Contains the Torah and the laws which form the basis of the Jewish covenant and their relationship with God