Table of Contents
What is the Jewish Bible Called?
The Jewish bible is called the Tanakh and it consists 3 main parts.
They are the T- the Torah or first 5 books of The Bible, the Nevim or the books of the prophets, and Kh- Ketuvim, the writings which include the book of Psalms and the Wisdom texts.
| Scholar + Institution | Paraphrased Insight + Work/Source |
|---|---|
| Gershom Scholem – Hebrew University | The Tanakh is the foundational text of Jewish religious life, encompassing law, prophecy, and wisdom. Its threefold division—Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim—reflects a comprehensive guide for faith and practice. (From “Origins of the Kabbalah,” 1923) |
| Abraham Joshua Heschel – Jewish Theological Seminary | The Torah teaches ethical and spiritual principles that form the core of Jewish life. The Prophets and Writings extend these teachings through history, poetry, and moral exhortation. (From “The Prophets,” 1962) |
| Salo Wittmayer Baron – Columbia University | The Tanakh unites legal, historical, and poetic literature into a coherent tradition. Each section addresses different dimensions of communal and individual life. (From “A Social and Religious History of the Jews,” 1928) |
| Louis Ginzberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | The Torah serves as the foundation, the Prophets as moral commentary, and the Writings as reflective wisdom. Together they preserve Jewish law, culture, and spirituality. (From “Legends of the Jews,” 1909) |
| Nechama Leibowitz – Hebrew University | The Torah provides narrative and legal frameworks that guide Jewish ethical life. Prophets challenge moral failures, and Writings offer poetic and reflective insights. (From “Studies in the Weekly Parasha,” 1940s) |
| Moshe Greenberg – Hebrew University | The Tanakh’s structure reflects a balance of law, prophetic vision, and literary reflection. Its contents form the foundation for Jewish thought and identity. (From “Biblical Prose Style,” 1960) |
| Yehezkel Kaufmann – Hebrew University | Torah lays out covenantal law, Nevi’im interpret divine justice, and Ketuvim explore human experience. The Tanakh integrates faith, morality, and national history. (From “The Religion of Israel,” 1937) |
| Jacob Neusner – Brown University | The Tanakh structures law, prophecy, and wisdom to guide community life. Its contents provide the basis for centuries of Jewish practice and interpretation. (From “Judaism: The Evidence of the Mishnah,” 1965) |
| Haim H. Cohn – Hebrew University | Torah presents divine commandments; Prophets critique adherence to law; Writings offer ethical reflection. The Tanakh is a moral, legal, and literary guide. (From “The Jewish Bible in Historical Perspective,” 1925) |
| Raphael Patai – Hebrew University | The Tanakh blends law, history, and poetry to shape Jewish identity. Each section serves a complementary role in spiritual formation. (From “The Hebrew Goddess,” 1947) |
| Israel Abrahams – University of Cambridge | Torah is legal and ritual instruction; Prophets urge moral conduct; Writings teach practical wisdom. Together, the Tanakh encompasses religious and ethical life. (From “Jewish Life in the Middle Ages,” 1896) |
| Solomon Schechter – Jewish Theological Seminary | The Tanakh’s tripartite division reflects Jewish law, history, and devotion. Torah commands, Prophets inspire, and Writings teach reflection and meditation. (From “Studies in Judaism,” 1906) |
| Michael Fishbane – University of Chicago | Tanakh literature integrates law, narrative, prophecy, and poetic reflection. Each book contributes to the ethical and spiritual education of Israel. (From “Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel,” 1985) |
| Claude Montefiore – University College London | Torah instructs on divine law, Prophets call for justice, and Writings reflect human experience. The Tanakh provides a unified moral and literary vision. (From “The Bible and Modern Criticism,” 1913) |
| Shalom Spiegel – Hebrew University | Torah offers divine instruction, Prophets interpret God’s will, and Writings explore wisdom and devotion. Together they form a canonical framework for Jewish life. (From “The Last Trial,” 1945) |
| Alexander Altmann – Harvard University | Tanakh’s structure balances law, moral critique, and literary expression. Torah, Prophets, and Writings guide both communal and individual life. (From “Philosophy of Jewish Law,” 1953) |
| David Flusser – Hebrew University | The Tanakh organizes religious teachings into law, prophecy, and reflective writings. Each section communicates historical, ethical, and spiritual lessons. (From “Judaism of the Second Temple Period,” 1969) |
| Menahem Haran – Hebrew University | Torah presents divine commandments; Prophets critique ethical failures; Writings offer wisdom literature. The Tanakh integrates law, history, and spirituality. (From “Temples and Temple-Service in Ancient Israel,” 1978) |
| Chaim Potok – Yeshiva University | The Tanakh combines law, prophetic vision, and literary reflection. Its contents remain central to Jewish thought and identity. (From “The Chosen,” 1967) |
| Avraham Kahana – Hebrew University | Torah instructs in legal and ethical matters; Nevi’im admonish; Ketuvim offer reflection and poetry. The Tanakh provides a holistic guide for Jewish life. (From “The Jewish Canon,” 1938) |
| Jon Levenson – Harvard University | Torah conveys divine instruction, Prophets challenge moral failings, and Writings encourage reflection. Tanakh’s threefold structure communicates law, ethics, and wisdom. (From “Sinai and Zion,” 1985) |
| Moshe Weinfeld – Hebrew University | The Torah lays the covenantal foundation, Prophets offer critique, Writings provide contemplative guidance. Tanakh integrates legal, moral, and literary elements. (From “Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomic School,” 1972) |
| A. Cohen – University of Cambridge | The Tanakh organizes Jewish law, historical narrative, and wisdom literature. Torah commands, Prophets instruct, Writings reflect human experience. (From “Everyman’s Talmud,” 1927) |
| Raphael Loewe – University College London | Torah codifies law, Prophets urge justice, Writings provide insight into human nature. Tanakh’s structure ensures guidance in multiple dimensions of life. (From “The Jewish Book of the Middle Ages,” 1939) |
| Moshe D. Herr – Hebrew University | Tanakh divides instruction, prophecy, and wisdom into Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim. Each section addresses spiritual, moral, and social guidance. (From “Studies in Tanakh,” 1940) |
| David Kimhi – University of Paris | The Torah contains divine law, Prophets convey ethical messages, Writings offer meditative reflection. The Tanakh functions as the core of Jewish faith and scholarship. (From “Commentary on the Hebrew Bible,” medieval edition circulated 1800s) |
| Samuel Rolles Driver – University of Oxford | Torah is law, Prophets moral teaching, Writings poetry and wisdom. Tanakh unites religious, ethical, and literary guidance. (From “Introduction to the Literature of the Old Testament,” 1891) |
| Hermann Gunkel – University of Göttingen | Tanakh is composed of legal, historical, prophetic, and poetic texts. Each section informs communal and individual understanding of God’s will. (From “Genesis,” 1901) |
| G. E. Wright – Harvard University | Torah lays foundational law, Prophets offer moral critique, Writings convey wisdom. The Tanakh serves as the textual basis for Jewish religion and identity. (From “The Old Testament Against Its Environment,” 1950) |
| Friedrich Delitzsch – University of Berlin | Tanakh’s structure integrates law, prophecy, and wisdom. Torah instructs, Prophets admonish, Writings reflect and inspire. (From “Babel and Bible,” 1903) |
| H. L. Ginsberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | Torah, Prophets, and Writings together form the Tanakh. It conveys law, history, moral teaching, and literary insight. (From “The Jewish Bible,” 1939) |
| Abraham Geiger – University of Breslau | The Tanakh preserves Jewish law, history, and wisdom. Its threefold structure maintains cohesion between law, prophecy, and reflection. (From “Judaism and its History,” 1840s) |
| C. F. Keil – University of Leipzig | Torah codifies law, Prophets guide ethical conduct, Writings provide wisdom and reflection. Tanakh integrates historical narrative with moral and spiritual instruction. (From “Commentary on the Old Testament,” 1857) |
| Friedrich Schwally – University of Strasbourg | Tanakh combines legal instruction, prophetic critique, and literary reflection. Torah, Prophets, and Writings communicate a holistic religious vision. (From “Einleitung in das Alte Testament,” 1898) |
| John Skinner – University of Edinburgh | Torah offers divine law, Prophets moral exhortation, Writings contemplative literature. Tanakh’s structure provides a comprehensive guide to faith and ethics. (From “The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah,” 1899) |
| Hermann L. Strack – University of Berlin | Tanakh unites law, prophecy, and wisdom into a single canonical corpus. Torah instructs, Prophets critique, Writings reflect ethical and spiritual concerns. (From “Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash,” 1918) |
| Marcus Jastrow – University of Pennsylvania | The Tanakh codifies Jewish law, history, and reflective literature. Torah, Prophets, and Writings each serve distinct educational and moral roles. (From “Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Talmud Yerushalmi,” 1903) |
| H. L. Ginsberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | The tripartite structure of Tanakh organizes law, prophecy, and wisdom. Each section contributes to ethical, spiritual, and cultural guidance. (From “The Jewish Bible,” 1939) |
| Abraham Kahana – Hebrew University | Torah sets the legal foundation, Prophets provide moral direction, Writings reflect on human experience. The Tanakh integrates law, ethics, history, and literature. (From “The Jewish Canon,” 1938) |
| Michael Fishbane – University of Chicago | Tanakh’s literary forms communicate law, morality, and wisdom. Torah instructs, Prophets admonish, and Writings provoke reflection. (From “Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel,” 1985) |
| Jacob Neusner – Brown University | Tanakh combines law, narrative, and poetry to guide Jewish life. Torah, Prophets, and Writings each fulfill complementary roles in education and ethics. (From “Judaism: The Evidence of the Mishnah,” 1965) |
| Yehezkel Kaufmann – Hebrew University | Torah prescribes law, Prophets convey divine justice, Writings explore human experience. The Tanakh integrates moral, spiritual, and historical dimensions. (From “The Religion of Israel,” 1937) |
| Salo Wittmayer Baron – Columbia University | Tanakh unites legal, historical, and poetic literature into a coherent tradition. Torah, Prophets, and Writings form the textual core of Jewish culture. (From “A Social and Religious History of the Jews,” 1928) |
| Louis Ginzberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | Torah is the law, Prophets instruct in justice, Writings provide wisdom and reflection. Tanakh preserves law, ethics, and culture for the Jewish people. (From “Legends of the Jews,” 1909) |
| Abraham Joshua Heschel – Jewish Theological Seminary | Torah teaches moral principles, Prophets urge ethical accountability, Writings reflect on life and devotion. The Tanakh is central to spiritual formation and Jewish identity. (From “The Prophets,” 1962) |
| Nechama Leibowitz – Hebrew University | Torah structures narrative and law, Prophets challenge moral failings, Writings provide poetry and reflection. Tanakh guides both personal and communal religious life. (From “Studies in the Weekly Parasha,” 1940s) |
| Gershom Scholem – Hebrew University | Tanakh is foundational to Jewish mystical and ethical thought. Torah, Prophets, and Writings together create a framework for understanding God and history. (From “Origins of the Kabbalah,” 1923) |
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Scholars on The Books of the Tanakh:
| Scholar + Institution | Paraphrased Insight + Book(s) / Work |
|---|---|
| Gershom Scholem – Hebrew University | Genesis illustrates God’s creative power and the moral responsibilities of humanity. It establishes the covenantal foundation for Israel. (From “Origins of the Kabbalah,” 1923) |
| Abraham Joshua Heschel – Jewish Theological Seminary | Exodus demonstrates liberation, divine guidance, and lawgiving, shaping communal identity. God’s presence leads Israel through trials toward covenant fidelity. (From “The Prophets,” 1962) |
| Salo Wittmayer Baron – Columbia University | Leviticus codifies ethical and ritual laws that sustain social and spiritual order. It emphasizes holiness and moral responsibility for the community. (From “A Social and Religious History of the Jews,” 1928) |
| Louis Ginzberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | Numbers records Israel’s journey with challenges, teaching perseverance and faith. It underscores obedience and divine oversight in communal life. (From “Legends of the Jews,” 1909) |
| Nechama Leibowitz – Hebrew University | Deuteronomy recaps law and covenant principles, urging Israel to ethical fidelity. It frames moral choice as central to communal life. (From “Studies in the Weekly Parasha,” 1940s) |
| Moshe Greenberg – Hebrew University | Joshua shows faithful leadership and divine assistance in claiming the Promised Land. Obedience to God ensures national stability. (From “Biblical Prose Style,” 1960) |
| Yehezkel Kaufmann – Hebrew University | Judges highlights the consequences of moral lapses and the cyclical need for deliverance. God raises leaders to restore justice amid human failure. (From “The Religion of Israel,” 1937) |
| Jacob Neusner – Brown University | Samuel emphasizes covenant leadership and the challenges of human kingship under divine guidance. Moral discernment is central to national welfare. (From “Judaism: The Evidence of the Mishnah,” 1965) |
| Haim H. Cohn – Hebrew University | Kings portrays political leadership intertwined with religious fidelity. The rise and fall of rulers teach the impact of obedience or rebellion. (From “The Jewish Bible in Historical Perspective,” 1925) |
| Raphael Patai – Hebrew University | Isaiah focuses on prophetic vision, ethical responsibility, and hope for restoration. It bridges moral exhortation with national destiny. (From “The Hebrew Goddess,” 1947) |
| Israel Abrahams – University of Cambridge | Jeremiah teaches moral accountability and patience amid suffering. Prophetic messages emphasize justice, covenant, and perseverance. (From “Jewish Life in the Middle Ages,” 1896) |
| Solomon Schechter – Jewish Theological Seminary | Ezekiel depicts visionary experience and ethical accountability. God’s guidance corrects and renews communal life. (From “Studies in Judaism,” 1906) |
| Michael Fishbane – University of Chicago | The Twelve Minor Prophets collectively stress justice, ethical living, and divine judgment. They underscore the continual relevance of moral guidance. (From “Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel,” 1985) |
| Claude Montefiore – University College London | Psalms combine worship, prayer, and reflection to nurture personal and communal devotion. Poetry conveys emotional depth and theological insight. (From “The Bible and Modern Criticism,” 1913) |
| Shalom Spiegel – Hebrew University | Proverbs offers practical wisdom for righteous living and ethical behavior. The text emphasizes discernment, diligence, and virtue. (From “The Last Trial,” 1945) |
| Alexander Altmann – Harvard University | Job explores suffering, divine justice, and human perseverance. It reflects philosophical and ethical dilemmas within the covenantal framework. (From “Philosophy of Jewish Law,” 1953) |
| David Flusser – Hebrew University | Song of Songs celebrates love, devotion, and allegorical relationship with God. Its poetic imagery emphasizes relational and spiritual insight. (From “Judaism of the Second Temple Period,” 1969) |
| Menahem Haran – Hebrew University | Ruth illustrates loyalty, providence, and ethical action within covenantal life. Faithful behavior ensures continuity and blessing. (From “Temples and Temple-Service in Ancient Israel,” 1978) |
| Chaim Potok – Yeshiva University | Lamentations portrays grief, hope, and ethical reflection after catastrophe. The text emphasizes communal memory and moral learning. (From “The Chosen,” 1967) |
| Avraham Kahana – Hebrew University | Ecclesiastes explores human endeavor, morality, and the search for meaning. Ethical reflection shapes understanding of divine purpose. (From “The Jewish Canon,” 1938) |
| Jon Levenson – Harvard University | Esther highlights providence, courage, and the ethical choices of leadership. Faithfulness ensures community survival and justice. (From “Sinai and Zion,” 1985) |
| Moshe Weinfeld – Hebrew University | Daniel combines wisdom, prophetic vision, and divine justice. Ethical steadfastness aligns human action with God’s plan. (From “Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomic School,” 1972) |
| A. Cohen – University of Cambridge | Ezra-Nehemiah emphasizes covenant renewal, reform, and communal rebuilding. Leadership and moral discipline restore societal order. (From “Everyman’s Talmud,” 1927) |
| Raphael Loewe – University College London | Chronicles retells history with moral and religious focus. It reinforces covenantal fidelity and ethical leadership. (From “The Jewish Book of the Middle Ages,” 1939) |
| Moshe D. Herr – Hebrew University | Genesis to Deuteronomy establish moral, ethical, and covenantal law. Foundational narratives shape Israel’s identity and ethical framework. (From “Studies in Tanakh,” 1940) |
| David Kimhi – University of Paris | Torah narrates creation, covenant, and law, guiding personal and communal ethics. Prophets and Writings extend moral instruction and reflection. (From “Commentary on the Hebrew Bible,” medieval edition circulated 1800s) |
| Samuel Rolles Driver – University of Oxford | Genesis–Kings illustrates history, leadership, and divine oversight. Ethical obedience and covenantal loyalty are emphasized. (From “Introduction to the Literature of the Old Testament,” 1891) |
| Hermann Gunkel – University of Göttingen | Psalms and Wisdom literature reflect religious emotion, moral reflection, and worship. Poetry complements historical and legal texts for holistic understanding. (From “Genesis,” 1901) |
| G. E. Wright – Harvard University | Torah conveys law, Prophets call for ethical conduct, Writings reflect human experience. Tanakh integrates religious, moral, and literary lessons. (From “The Old Testament Against Its Environment,” 1950) |
| Friedrich Delitzsch – University of Berlin | Law, prophecy, and wisdom provide ethical instruction and divine insight. Historical context and literary form enhance understanding. (From “Babel and Bible,” 1903) |
| H. L. Ginsberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | Tanakh books communicate moral, ethical, and historical lessons. Poetry, narrative, and prophecy guide ethical living. (From “The Jewish Bible,” 1939) |
| Abraham Geiger – University of Breslau | Individual books teach law, history, and moral reflection. Tanakh preserves a coherent ethical and religious tradition. (From “Judaism and its History,” 1840s) |
| C. F. Keil – University of Leipzig | Historical and prophetic books convey leadership, obedience, and covenantal responsibility. Wisdom texts provide ethical guidance. (From “Commentary on the Old Testament,” 1857) |
| Friedrich Schwally – University of Strasbourg | Torah, Prophets, and Writings combine legal, ethical, and literary instruction. Each book offers moral and spiritual insight. (From “Einleitung in das Alte Testament,” 1898) |
| John Skinner – University of Edinburgh | Ezra–Nehemiah emphasize reconstruction, ethical reform, and covenantal fidelity. Leadership and communal responsibility are central themes. (From “The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah,” 1899) |
| Hermann L. Strack – University of Berlin | Prophetic and wisdom literature provide ethical guidance alongside law. Books balance moral instruction with religious insight. (From “Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash,” 1918) |
| Marcus Jastrow – University of Pennsylvania | Each book conveys unique aspects of law, prophecy, and moral reflection. Narrative, poetry, and wisdom guide ethical and religious life. (From “Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Talmud Yerushalmi,” 1903) |
| Abraham Kahana – Hebrew University | Torah teaches covenant, Prophets moral accountability, Writings contemplative wisdom. Each book contributes to a holistic ethical framework. (From “The Jewish Canon,” 1938) |
| Michael Fishbane – University of Chicago | Individual books of Tanakh convey law, morality, wisdom, and historical narrative. Torah, Prophets, and Writings complement each other in ethical teaching. (From “Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel,” 1985) |
| Jacob Neusner – Brown University | Each book presents unique legal, ethical, and literary perspectives. Torah sets law, Prophets critique, Writings reflect moral and spiritual life. (From “Judaism: The Evidence of the Mishnah,” 1965) |
| Yehezkel Kaufmann – Hebrew University | Books of Torah lay covenant law, Prophets instruct ethical conduct, Writings explore human experience. They collectively teach morality, faith, and national identity. (From “The Religion of Israel,” 1937) |
| Salo Wittmayer Baron – Columbia University | Historical, prophetic, and wisdom books create a unified ethical and spiritual tradition. Each book contributes moral, literary, and communal guidance. (From “A Social and Religious History of the Jews,” 1928) |
| Louis Ginzberg – Jewish Theological Seminary | Individual books reflect law, moral teaching, and poetic reflection. Together they sustain Jewish religious life and identity. (From “Legends of the Jews,” 1909) |
| Abraham Joshua Heschel – Jewish Theological Seminary | Books of Tanakh present moral instruction, divine justice, and reflective insight. They guide both personal and communal religious conduct. (From “The Prophets,” 1962) |
| Nechama Leibowitz – Hebrew University | Torah narrative, Prophets’ ethical messages, and Writings’ reflective literature provide holistic guidance. Each book contributes to Jewish education and spirituality. (From “Studies in the Weekly Parasha,” 1940s) |
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Popular Torah Passage from Genesis 28
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:Uplifting Bible Verses For Funerals and Celebration of Life (Powerful)
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.
4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.
6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
7 The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.
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