1 - the Tenakh

What is it?

• Central sacred text for Jews

• Consists of 24 books

• There are 3 sections. The Torah (Law), the Neviim (Prophets), the Ketuvim (Writings)

How’s it used?

• Worship

  • Shabbat services begins with readings from Psalms (part of the Ketuvim). Portions of the Torah are read each week in the services and after that a passage from the Neviim is read

• Celebrations

  • Jews will use the Tenakh to learn about the origin of festivals e.g. Pesach. The Torah is read aloud in a Bar Mitzvah.

  • Many celebrations have their origin in the Torah e.g. Brit Milah - symbol of the covenant between God and Moses

• Prayer & Study

  • The Torah instructs Jews how to pray. A passage from the Torah and Neviim are used for personal prayer.

  • The Shema prayer comes from the Torah it’s recited every morning and evening. Studying the Torah is an important Mitzvot, Synagouges have a house of study

Why is it important?

• It is central to Jewish belief and worship and is a guide for personal, family and community life

• The Tenakh contains revelations and messages believed to have come directly from God and writings inspired by God

• It shows God’s relationship from the beginning of creation to the life of Jews in the promised land

• Helps Jews find out more about their religion and feel closer to God