Bible
The Tanakh
The Jewish Bible, or Tanakh, has three sections: Torah, Prophets, and Writings. But the Bible is hardly bound by its covers. It has inspired commentaries that span thousands of years. The origins of the biblical books may be disputed, but their centrality to Judaism--and Western civilization--is most definitely not.
Read moreTorah
What is the Torah?
The five books of Moses form the basis of all Jewish law and practice.
Portion by Portion
A description of the highlights of the Torah, according to the divisions of the weekly portions.
Torah of Moses
A look at the concept of Mosaic authorship of the Torah in traditional sources.
Literary Criticism
Examining narrative technique, tone, theme, narrative structure, and imagery in the Bible.
Authorship
Is the Bible God's word?
Bible Characters
Moses
The greatest of Jewish leaders and prophets.
Abraham
He may have been a historical individual before he became a figure of tradition and legend.
Rachel
The last of the matriarchs was Jacob's true love.
Hagar & Ishmael
An example of ancient surrogate motherhood and the biblical destiny of the child.
Jacob
The father of the children of Israel.
Prophets
Prophets
Nevi’im (Prophets) presents Israel's history as a nation on its land.
Former Prophets
A remarkable discovery with eternal repercussions.
Latter Prophets
The literary prophets had a difficult and often unpopular mission.
The 12 Minor Prophets
Twelve minor prophets form one book.
Isaiah
Ethical teachings and prophetic intervention in the political events of his day.
Writings
Writings
The third section of the Tanakh includes a variety of religious expressions.
Wisdom Literature
The wise man's counsel.
Book of Psalms
Traditional interpretations, modern views, and liturgical uses of Psalms.
Proverbs
King Solomon (or someone like him) brings wisdom to the people.
Song of Songs
The Rabbis taught: All the writings are holy, but the Song of Songs is the Holy of Holies.