8.2: The Tenakh and the Talmud

Question 1

What is the Tenakh?

Answer 1

Tenakh is the Jewish Bible, made up of the Torah (first 5 books); Nevi’im (prophets); and Ketuvim (writings)

Question 2

Which part of the Tenakh is the most important?

Answer 2

The Torah is the most important - the Law of Moses (read in synagogues)

Question 3

Does the Torah include food laws?

Answer 3

Yes, the Torah includes food laws on what foods are kosher or kashrut

Question 4

Examples of kosher food:

Answer 4

• Cow, sheep, goat & deer are kosher
• Fish with both fins scales are kosher

Question 5

Examples of non-kosher food or combinations:

Answer 5

• Shellfish, small insects pigs, birds of prey are not kosher.
• Animals slaughtered inhumanely or ones that are unhealthy
• Dairy & meat cannot be combined
• Blood has to be drained and drawn out of the meat

Question 6

Why is blood drained out of animals?

Answer 6

Blood is sacred and the life source , ritually unclean if you come in contact with blood.

Question 7

What is the purpose of Jewish food laws?

Answer 7

• Practical way to live a holy life that God commanded
• It gives a sense of identity and unity among Jews
• It keeps God as a focal point in the preparation and eating of food
• They have come from God and MUST be followed

Question 8

What is the Talmud?

Answer 8

The Talmud is the Oral Law and interprets the Torah (Mishnah – core text & Gemara – comments on it from Rabbis)

Question 9

The Tenakh and the Talmud - Sources of Wisdom:

Answer 9

“…but if he has acquired the words of the Torah he has attained afterlife”
(Perkei Avot 2:8)