RMPS - Int2/Higher - World Religions - Judaism - Education Scotland

THE MEANS
The prophetic writings also contain the three books of Isaiah, Jeremiah
and Ezekiel as well as twelve much shorter books of other prophets (see
Section 4, p43). Containing less history and more ethics, the purpose of
these books is to teach faith, justice and compassion.
Extracts from Nevi’im are read in synagogue at the end of the Torah.
Readings on Shabbat and festivals and are known as the ‘Haftarah’.
3. Ketuvim (Writings)
The books in this section of the Torah are varied. It includes Proverbs
and Ecclesiastes, which include many wise sayings. It also contains
Psalms, many of which are used in regular worship in the daily and
weekly prayers. Other books are read on certain festivals. For example,
the Song of Songs is read on Pesach, Ruth is read on Shavuot, Esther is
read on Purim, Ecclesiastes is read on Sukkot and the book of Jonah on
Yom Kippur.
The Nevi’im and Ketuvim, though sacred, are not considered to be as
holy as the Five Books of Moses. This is because they were written either
by prophets or people inspired by the divine spirit 1 while the Five Books
of Moses were written through direct communication with God. This is
considered more important than the writings of any person.
Activity 24
1. Explain in your own words the connection between the Written
Law and the Oral Law.
2. Suggest why the Oral Law was eventually written down.
1 The tradition is that God spoke directly to Moses. The prophets received
their messages and inspiration in the form of a dream, but they were not
able to converse with God as if in conversation.
RMPS: WORLD RELIGIONS – JUDAISM (INT 2, H) 61
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