The Torah and Tradition

Torah Scroll and Yad (pointer)

Crown Symbol of the reestablishment of the kingdom of Judah

Written Torah is often referred to as the Tanakh, which 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)

Pentateuch 1 st five books of the “Old” Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) 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 Earthly speech about GodRefined speech about GodMajestic 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 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 Commandments

Talmud Interpretation of the 613 Torah laws Makes laws applicable and suitable for contemporary living. Original text at center; commentaries; cross- references

Synagogue

Central Synagogue of New York

Perpetual Lamp / Menorah

Bimah

Torah Scrolls

Mohel

Rite of Passage

Jewish 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.

Ketuhah The Jewish wedding contract Lists what the husband will provide for the wife

Kiddush Wine cup used during ceremony Traditionally silver Often the one the couple will use for the weekly celebration of Shabbat

Chupa/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

Tefillin

Mezuzah

Tallit Prayer Shawl The purpose is to hold the Tzitzit Purpose of the Tzitzit (according to the Torah) is a reminder of God's commandments.

Yarmulke A sign of respect and fear of God Separates God and human, recognizing that God is above all mankind