AQA · GCSE · Religious Studies
Course version: 8062 · Version from Sept 2018
Tenakh (the written law) and Talmud (the oral law), and their study, use…
Full specification wording
Practices: Tenakh (the written law) and Talmud (the oral law), and their study, use and significance in daily life.
The Tenakh is the Jewish written law, comprising the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim, containing the 613 mitzvot that guide Jewish life.
Checked against the AQA 8062 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 9 of 37
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Tenakh is the Jewish written law, comprising the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim, containing the 613 mitzvot that guide Jewish life. The Talmud is the oral law, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara, which interprets the Torah and applies its teachings to everyday situations. The study of these texts is considered an act of worship and a lifelong duty, often taking place in a yeshiva. In daily life, they are used to make ethical decisions, guide prayer, and dictate practices like kashrut and Shabbat observance. Their significance lies in providing a direct link to God's covenant, ensuring that ancient laws remain relevant and practical for modern Jews, shaping their actions and values.
What earns the marks
- Identify the Tenakh as the written law (Torah, Prophets, Writings) and the Talmud as the oral law (Mishnah and Gemara).
- Explain how the Talmud is used to interpret the Tenakh, making ancient laws applicable to modern daily life.
- Describe the study of these texts as a form of worship and a religious duty, often conducted in pairs (chavrusa).
- Analyse the significance of these texts in guiding daily practices, such as dietary laws (kashrut), ethical behaviour, and festival observance.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the Tenakh with the Talmud.
Put it right: Clearly define the Tenakh as the written law (the Hebrew Bible) and the Talmud as the oral law (commentary and interpretation).
Stating that the Torah is the entire Tenakh.
Put it right: Specify that the Torah is only the first five books, forming one of the three parts of the Tenakh.
Claiming these texts are only read by Rabbis.
Put it right: Emphasise that the study and use of the Tenakh and Talmud are significant for all observant Jews in their daily lives.
Exam tips
- Clearly distinguish between the written law (Tenakh) and the oral law (Talmud) in your answers to avoid losing clarity marks.
- Provide concrete examples of how the Talmud interprets the Tenakh, such as detailing the specific rules of work forbidden on Shabbat.
- Use the concept of 'mitzvot' (commandments) to link the study of these texts directly to daily Jewish practices and ethical living.
Try the lesson
The start of the Practices: Tenakh (the written law) and Talmud (the oral law), and their study, use and significance in daily life. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which three sections make up the Tenakh, the Jewish written law?
Listen
The Tenakh is the Jewish written law, comprising the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim, containing the 613 mitzvot that guide Jewish life. The Talmud is the oral law, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara, which interprets the Torah and applies its teachings to everyday situations. The study of these texts is considered an act of worship and a lifelong duty, often taking place in a yeshiva. In daily life, they are used to make ethical decisions, guide prayer, and dictate practices like kashrut and Shabbat observance. Their significance lies in providing a direct link to God's covenant, ensuring that ancient laws remain relevant and practical for modern Jews, shaping their actions and values. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the Tenakh as the written law (Torah, Prophets, Writings) and the Talmud as the oral law (Mishnah and Gemara). Explain how the Talmud is used to interpret the Tenakh, making ancient laws applicable to modern daily life. Describe the study of these texts as a form of worship and a religious duty, often conducted in pairs (chavrusa). Analyse the significance of these texts in guiding daily practices, such as dietary laws (kashrut), ethical behaviour, and festival observance. A common slip: Confusing the Tenakh with the Talmud. Instead, Clearly define the Tenakh as the written law (the Hebrew Bible) and the Talmud as the oral law (commentary and interpretation). Exam tip: Clearly distinguish between the written law (Tenakh) and the oral law (Talmud) in your answers to avoid losing clarity marks.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Tenakh
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Talmud
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Education and study
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Daily religious observance
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See every definition
- Tenakh
- The Jewish written law, comprising the Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim, containing the 613 mitzvot that guide Jewish life.
- Talmud
- The oral law, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara, which interprets the Torah and applies its teachings to everyday situations.
- Education and study
- Considered an act of worship and a lifelong duty, often taking place in a yeshiva.
- Daily religious observance
- The texts are used to make ethical decisions, guide prayer, and dictate practices like kashrut and Shabbat observance.
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