A Summary of Important Texts from the Hebrew Scriptures
Exodus 3.1-15: the call of
Moses; God's name revealed
Exodus 20.1-17: the Decalogue (The Ten Commandments)
Leviticus 19.33-34: from the Holiness Code
The Book of Ruth (compare to texts from Ezra, Nehemiah)
I Samuel 8.1-22: the consequences of human kingship
I Kings 21.1-29: King Ahab and Naboth's vineyard
Ezra 9.1-2: the post-exilic call for purity (compare to
Leviticus, Ruth, Jonah)
Nehemiah 13.23-27: the post-exilic call for purity (compare to
Leviticus, Ruth, Jonah)
The Book of Jonah (compare to texts from Ezra, Nehemiah)
Isaiah 44.9-17: the absurdity of idolatry
Amos 5.21-24: what does covenant require?
Micah 6.6-8: what does covenant require?
Judaism: Important
Vocabulary Terms and Concepts
Myth
Historical memory
Linear time
Canaanite religion
Ethical monotheism
Yahweh
Adonai
YHWH, Tetragrammaton
Hebrew
Covenant
Israel
Prophet, Prophetic Tradition
Suffering, Lament
Tanakh
Torah ( the Teaching, Instruction)
Nevi'im (the Prophets)
Khetuvim (the Writings)
Meshiach/Messiah
Shabbat
Kosher
Discussion Questions
1. Why is history so important to the Hebrew identity? How does the action and nature of the God of Israel relate to this historical consciousness? Contrast this perspective with that of other religious traditions we have studied this semester.
2. Why are purity and identity so important in Judaism? Give examples from the text, the lecture and ritual practices to support your answer.
3. What is "covenant?" Describe its nature and purpose, giving an analysis of its components and the reasons behind them.