Judaism – Sources of wisdom and authority: Tenakh (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim) and the development of Rabbinic Judaism

The Tenakh is the foundational scripture of Judaism, comprising three sections: Torah (Teaching), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). The Torah, also known as the Pentateuch, contains the Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) and is considered the most authoritative part of the Tenakh, believed to be directly revealed by God. The Nevi'im includes historical and prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, while the Ketuvim contains poetry, wisdom literature, and historical accounts such as Psalms and Job. Together, they form the basis of Jewish law, ethics, and theology.

Rabbinic Judaism emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, shifting focus from Temple-centred worship to study of the Torah and oral traditions. The Oral Torah, eventually codified in the Mishnah (c. 200 CE) and later the Gemara (forming the Talmud), became central to Jewish practice. This development allowed Judaism to adapt and survive without a central sanctuary, emphasising interpretation, debate, and application of divine law. Key figures like Rabbi Akiva and Judah ha-Nasi shaped this tradition, which remains dominant today.

This topic is crucial for understanding how Jewish authority structures evolved from biblical texts to rabbinic interpretations. It connects to broader themes in Religious Studies, such as the relationship between scripture and tradition, the role of prophecy, and the impact of historical events on religious development. Students should grasp how the Tenakh and rabbinic literature interact, with the latter often clarifying or expanding upon the former.