Ancient Wisdom: The Best Books on Judaism
Judaism is a religion, tradition, and culture linked to the Jewish people, an ethnic, religious, and cultural community descended from the Hebrews and the ancient Israelites of the Levantine Mediterranean. Historically, it is the oldest of the three great Abrahamic religions, which include Christianity and Islam, although, curiously, it has the fewest followers.
Although there is no religious body or corporation that systematizes the dogmas of the Jewish faith, It is understood by its members that the practice is based on the teachings of the Torah, composed of five books. However, this is not the only text associated with Judaism, as there are other volumes that help us understand its history, precepts, and beliefs. Here are some of them.
Best books on Judaism
Jumash
El Jumash —also written Jumash o chumash— is a compilation of the first five volumes of the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Levitical, Numbers y Deuteronomy. These are known as the PentateuchIts name comes from the Hebrew word Chamesh, meaning "five," referring to the five books of Moses.
El Jumash not only contains the biblical text in Hebrew, but often includes rabbinic commentaries, translations into Aramaic—such as the Targum Onkelos— and explanations that help interpret the meaning of the scriptures. It is a fundamental book in Jewish tradition and is used in religious study, as well as in the reading of the Torah in the synagogues.
This sacred text narrates the creation of the world, the history of the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel, slavery in Egypt, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and the preparation of the people of Israel to enter the Promised Land. It is a central work for Judaism and also a fundamental reference in Christianity.
Phrases of the Chumash
- "If both husband and wife are worthy, the divine presence (Shekhinah) dwells in them. If they are not, they are consumed by fire."
- "He who has found a wife has found good and is worthy of God's grace."
Tanach
El Tanach It is the collection of sacred texts of Judaism, equivalent to what in the Christian tradition is known as the Old TestamentIts name is an acronym for the three sections that comprise it:
- Torah, which refers to a law or instruction: includes the five books of Moses that we mentioned in previous sections;
- Nevi'im, which refers to the prophets: tells the story of the people of Israel through the prophets, including books such as Josué, Judges, Samuel, Reyes, Isaiah, Jeremiah y Ezekiel, in addition to the twelve lesser enlightened ones;
- Ketuvim, or writings: contains poetic, wisdom and historical texts, As the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Business Registration, Ecclesiastes, Ester, Daniel, Ezra Nehemiah y Chronicles.
El Tanach It is the basis of Judaism and a pillar in the history and culture of the Jewish peopleHis stories address both the creation of the world and the return from the Babylonian exile, providing moral teachings, laws, prophecies, and philosophical reflections that have influenced Western civilization.
Verses from the Tanakh
- «Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.» Leviticus 19:2;
- "God is not like mortals: He does not lie or change His mind. When He says something, He does it. When He makes a promise, He keeps it." Numbers 23:19.
Rashi's Commentaries, by Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki
It is one of the most influential works in biblical and Talmudic exegesis within Judaism.Written by the medieval sage Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, known as Rashi (1040-1105), this book offers a detailed and accessible interpretation of the Torah and the Talmud, helping readers understand the deeper meanings of sacred texts.
Rashi combines linguistic explanations, references to rabbinic tradition, and contextual clarifications to illuminate complex passages. Its clear and concise style has made it an essential work for the study of Biblia Hebrew, being widely used by both scholars and students.
Furthermore, their comments do not only seek to interpret the literal text or peshat, but also incorporate elements of the midrashic tradition to reveal deeper teachings. Thanks to their meticulous approach, Rashi's Commentaries remain an essential guide to the study of the Scriptures in Jewish tradition.
Mishnah
La Mishnah It is the first major written compilation of Jewish oral tradition and forms the basis of the TalmudWritten around the 3rd century AD by the sage Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, This text organizes and codifies the legal, ethical and ritual teachings transmitted from generation to generation.
Divided into six orders or Sedarim, the Mishnah It covers a wide variety of topics, including agricultural laws, festivals, marriage and divorce, civil and criminal law, standards of purity and impurity, and regulations regarding sacrifices in the Temple of Jerusalem. His style facilitates study and discussion, laying the foundations for the later development of Jewish law or Halacha.
This book allowed the preservation of religious knowledge after the destruction of the Second Temple and the exile of the Jewish people.Its study remains central to the rabbinic tradition and has influenced Jewish thought and practice throughout the centuries.
El Talmud
This is one of the most representative titles of Hasidism, since collects and develops the oral tradition based on the Mishnah and its interpretation by rabbinic sages. It is also an essential text for understanding Halakha and Jewish thought in general.
Composed by the Mishnah and Gemara —comments and debates on the Mishnah- el Talmud It exists in two versions: the Jerusalem Talmud (4th century AD) and the Babylonian Talmud (5th century AD), the latter being the most extensive and studied.
Throughout its pages, el Talmud addresses religious, legal, philosophical, ethical and even scientific issues, reflecting the richness of rabbinic thought. Its dialogical and argumentative format makes its debate a profound intellectual exercise, one that has shaped Jewish identity and life.
Pirkei Avot
It is a treatise of the Mishnah which compiles ethical and philosophical teachings of ancient Jewish sages. Unlike other treatises that focus on Halacha, Pirkei Avot It focuses on moral conduct, wisdom, and the values that should guide a person's life..
Composed of six chapters, This book presents advice on humility, justice, self-discipline, the value of study, and the importance of good deeds. His quotes, passed down through generations, include memorable reflections such as "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?", by Hillel the Elder.
Traditionally studied during the period between Pesach and Shavuot, Pirkei Avot It is considered a timeless guide to personal growth and building a society based on ethics and mutual responsibility.Its influence extends beyond Judaism., being a universal source of wisdom about life and human character.
