Introduction to the Hebrew Bible Chapter 2

Jewish Bible Grouping of Books Torah: Hebrew word for “teaching” often mistakenly translated into English as “law”. First 5 books often called Pentateuch (Greek for 5 parts) or Humash (Hebrew for 5) Nevi’im: Hebrew word for “prophets” Historical narratives and prophetic messages Ketuvim: Hebrew word for “Writings” Prayers, poetry, wise sayings, short narratives etc. The Christian OT is broken up similarly but they add a 4th category. See pg. 21 Another common title for Hebrew Scriptures is Tanakh (Ta-na-Kh) Acronym made up of the initial sounds Ta = Torah Na= Nevi’im Kh=Ketuvim)

How Jews Read the Hebrew Scriptures A plain sense (peshat): looks to the surface, though not necessarily literal meaning Inquiring (derash): looks for further layers of meaning. Interpretive reading that a rabbi or minister does when giving sermon Allegorical (remez): looks for parallels between scripture and abstract concepts Mystical (sod): looks at it as a symbolic code and each letter Types of reading are meant to be complimentary, not exclusive. Not overly concerned with one “correct” way of reading Jonah 1:17 “Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights”

The Power of a NAME!!! Names carry enormous power The personal name of God was revealed in Ex. 3:15 (I AM) Yaweh (4 Hebrew letters) Known in Greek as the Tetragrammaton Only spoken in Holy of Holies therefore a substitute Adonai (LORD) Many even resort to Ha-Shem (The Name)

Your Name in Hebrew Assignment For HW, go to http://www.my-hebrew-name.com/ and receive your name spelled in Hebrew. Some names may not be there and then you will have to spell your name out the best you can using this website: http://www.jewfaq.org/alephbet.htm Check out this cool song to help learn the aleph-bet if your interested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiCzoTs1AdE Use an 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper (which will be provided for you) to write your name in a creative/illustrative way. Include color and feel free to add things that pertain to your likes and intrests. These will be due Thursday at the beginning of class. יַרְדֵּן Yarden