Clarifying Jewish Faith in Relation to the “Old Testament”
Email from Kevin Parker: “Dear Rabbi Joshua, in Christian circles, I often hear the term ‘Old Testament’ used for the first part of the Bible. Do Jews believe in the ‘Old Testament’ as Christians do?”
Response from Rabbi Joshua
Shalom Kevin, your question is a common one and addresses how different faiths relate to sacred scriptures. Let’s delve into the Jewish perspective on this matter.
The Hebrew Bible and Jewish Tradition
The collection of texts Christians refer to as the “Old Testament” is known in Judaism as the “Tanakh.” This term is an acronym for the three sections of the Hebrew Bible: Torah (Teaching), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
Significance of the Tanakh in Judaism
The Tanakh is the foundational text of Judaism and is considered by Jews to be the written record of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The Torah, or the Five Books of Moses, is the central component of Jewish religious teachings and is read and studied continuously.
Jewish Interpretation of the Tanakh
Jewish interpretation of these texts can vary from literal to metaphorical. The texts are accompanied by a vast body of commentaries, including the Talmud and Midrash, which explore the deeper meanings of the scripture and how they apply to life.
Differences in Jewish and Christian Perspectives
While Jews and Christians share these texts, their interpretations and the context in which they are understood can differ significantly. The concept of the “Old Testament” is a Christian one, implying a superseded covenant, which is not a perspective shared by Jews. For Jews, the Tanakh represents a living, current covenant with God.
Conclusion
Kevin, Jews do believe in the texts Christians refer to as the “Old Testament,” but they understand and relate to these texts through the lens of Jewish tradition and theology, which differs from Christian interpretations.
If you have any more questions or wish to explore the subject further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Rabbi Joshua
