Key Terms:
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The word tanach – תנך is a combination
of the first letter of the three compilations of writings that are contained
therein. These are the Torah (Law) – תרה,
the Neviim (Prophets) – נביאימ, and the Chetubim
(Writings) – כתובימ
(the כ
at the beginning of chetubim and the ך
at the end of tanach are the same letter just written differently
because of their relative positions). The compilation of these three sections
is roughly equivalent to the Christian Old Testament. Often the Tanach is
referred to as the Old Testament for the benefit of a Christian audience
although some Jews also accept this substitution. In general, it is best
not to substitute as the acceptance of an Old Testament necessarily implies
the acceptance of a New Testament, which the Jews do not accept. |