Jewish Texts

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Ketuvim (Writings)

The third section of the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, includes poetry, philosophy, history and stories.

The Book of Psalms

These 150 Hebrew poems are central to Jewish prayer and the inspiration for countless forms of creative expression in Western culture.

Havruta: Learning in Pairs

A modern emphasis on peer-guided text study--an approach with ancient roots--reflects new social realities in the world of traditional Jewish learning.

Women in Rabbinic Literature

The rabbis of the Talmud designated specific female roles and activities, and were wary of women's nature, but they also tempered biblical laws that caused hardships for women.

Women in the Bible

In the Bible, women are sometimes portrayed as men's equals and other times as men's subordinates — or property.

Creating the Canon

The process and the product of the canonization of the Bible became the basis for a varied tradition of interpretation.

Esther as Comedy

Can a book of the Bible be funny?

Yom Kippur All Year Long

The proper observance of Yom Kippur, including repentance and introspection, should bring us nearer to God all year long.

The Zohar

This influential work of Jewish mysticism continues to inspire spiritual seekers.

Ecclesiastes (Kohelet)

Traditionally read during Sukkot, the Book of Ecclesiastes grapples with the meaning of life.

Jonah: Success or Failure?

The story of Jonah teaches compassion by not following the prophet's example.

About Talmud

A short description of what the Talmud is and is not, and how and why the Talmud has been studied by Jews throughout the generations.

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