The Torah and TraditionThe Torah and Tradition

Torah Scroll and Torah Scroll and Yad (pointer)Yad (pointer)

CrownCrown

Symbol of the reestablishment of the kingdom of Judah

Written Torah is often referred to as the Tanakh, which Written Torah is often referred to as the Tanakh, which is an acrostic of Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim.is an acrostic of Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim.

TORAH (The Law):◦ Bereishith (In the

beginning...) (Genesis)◦ Shemoth (The names...)

(Exodus)◦ Vayiqra (And He

called...) (Leviticus)◦ Bamidbar (In the

wilderness...) (Numbers)◦ Devarim (The words...)

(Deuteronomy)

NEVI'IM (The Prophets):◦ Yehoshua (Joshua)◦ Shoftim (Judges)◦ Shmuel (I &II Samuel)◦ Melakhim (I & II Kings)◦ Yeshayah (Isaiah)◦ Yirmyah (Jeremiah)◦ Yechezqel (Ezekiel)

The Twelve (treated as one book):◦ Hoshea (Hosea)◦ Yoel (Joel)◦ Amos◦ Ovadyah (Obadiah)◦ Yonah (Jonah)◦ Mikhah (Micah)◦ Nachum◦ Chavaqquq (Habbakkuk)◦ Tzefanyah (Zephaniah)◦ Chaggai◦ Zekharyah (Zechariah)◦ Malakhi

KETHUVIM (The Writings):◦ Tehillim (Psalms)◦ Mishlei (Proverbs)◦ Iyov (Job)◦ Shir Ha-Shirim (Song of Songs)◦ Ruth◦ Eikhah (Lamentations)◦ Qoheleth (the author's name)

(Ecclesiastes)◦ Esther◦ Daniel◦ Ezra & Nechemyah (Nehemiah)

(treated as one book)◦ Divrei Ha-Yamim (The words of

the days) (Chronicles)

PentateuchPentateuch11stst five books of the “Old” Testament five books of the “Old” Testament ((Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers , Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers , DeuteronomyDeuteronomy))Traditional Jewish thought: the first

five books were told to Moses by God and written by Moses

Theory: There are 4 different “authors” of the Penteteuch, each with his own viewpoint, style and concerns that have been blended into one book.

“J” - Yahwist “E” - Elohist “P” - Priestly “D” - Deuteronomoist

God is YHWH, translated to Yahweh, (or Jahweh), translated to “The Lord”

God’s name is “Elohim,” until God reveals his name to Moses in Exodus

God is Elohim and El Shaddai

The source of the Book of Deuteronomy (as well as parts of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings)

 

Informal relationship between God and people – God walks and talks with people

God speaks to people in dreams; shows an awareness of God’s distance

More formal, institutional relationship with God

More formal, institutional relationship with God

 

Earthly speech about God Refined speech about God Majestic speeches about God

Long speeches, often retelling God’s work

 

Focus on the leaders among people

Focus on obedience to laws God gave to the people through Moses

 

Stories take on narrative form, stories

Uses genealogy lists, dry lists

Focus on significance of and faithfulness to  

Refers to “ ” as the place where the commandments were given

Refers to “ ” as the place where the commandments were given

Focus on legal aspects of Israelite faith that would support a life of faithfulness to the covenant through exile and times of loss

 

Stress is placed on people who are blessed  

Focus or ritual and religious law

Strong focus on centralized worship

 

Calls the natives Canaanites

Calls the Natives “Amorites”

Opposes intermarriage with the natives

 

The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments

TalmudTalmud

Interpretation of the 613 Torah laws

Makes laws applicable and suitable for contemporary living.

Original text at center; commentaries; cross-references

SynagogueSynagogue

Central Synagogue of New York

Perpetual Lamp / MenorahPerpetual Lamp / Menorah

BimahBimah

Torah ScrollsTorah Scrolls

MohelMohel

Rite of PassageRite of Passage

Jewish WeddingsJewish Weddings

Mazel tov: The Hebrew way to say "congratulations" or "good luck."

Breaking the glass:◦ wedding tradition.   After the

reciting of the Seven Blessings, the groom smashes a glass with his foot. 

◦ many interpretations for the breaking of glass.

◦ represents the destruction of the Holy Temple, reminding all in attendance that pure joy can only exist once the Temple is rebuilt someday. 

KetuhahKetuhah

The Jewish wedding contract

Lists what the husband will provide for the wife

Kiddush Kiddush

Wine cup used during ceremony

Traditionally silverOften the one the

couple will use for the weekly celebration of Shabbat

Chupa/chuppahChupa/chuppah

Canopy with four supporting poles representing the home to be built

Circling: The bride circles the groom 3 or 7 times under the chuppah ◦This custom is thought to

represent the bride's protection of the household

TefillinTefillin

MezuzahMezuzah

TallitTallitPrayer ShawlThe purpose is to

hold the TzitzitPurpose of the

Tzitzit (according to the Torah) is a reminder of God's commandments.

YarmulkeYarmulke

A sign of respect and fear of GodSeparates God and human, recognizing that God

is above all mankind