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Why are the contents of the Talmud important to Jews who keep the commandments?
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Religious Jews live by the Torah, by obeying its commands and beliefs. There are hundreds of examples. However, the Torah "as is" isn't exactly what Judaism observes. Rather, It's the Torah together with the details provided in the Talmud, which is the Oral Law that was handed down together with the laws of Moses. Otherwise, the verses of the Torah often lack enough detail to be fulfilled as is.
For instance, the law of honest weights and measures (Leviticus 19:36) does not state if any deviation is permitted. How often do the scales need calibration? What is the penalty for overcharging? Etc.
The laws (Deuteronomy ch.17) concerning the judges (Torah-sages; Sanhedrin) do not say what exactly constitutes bribery (Deuteronomy 16:19). Is it bribery if I compliment a judge before the court case but do not give a gift? And myriad other questions: How many judges are a quorum for Torah-courts? Is there a time limit for court cases? Etc.
The laws concerning restitution for damages (Exodus ch.22) do not tell us if payment needs to be made for emotional stress.
The key Hebrew word in Exodus 22:4 can mean either fire or cattle. Which is it? Or is it both?
In Exodus 22:5, is there a difference in restitution between deliberate and accidental spreading of fire?
So the answer to your question is that the Torah (Hebrew scripture) summarizes our laws, while it is the function of the Talmud to expand upon the details, and to give us the precedents and Torah-tools for determining new cases in the future.
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoBecause the verses of the Torah often lack enough detail to be fulfilled as is.
For example, "binding the words of God upon your arm" (Deuteronomy 6) -- is that a metaphor or is it literal?
Thanking God after eating (Deuteronomy 8) -- what is the wording of the relevant blessing(s)? After what amount of food should we say the blessing?
It is the function of the Talmud to expand upon these kinds of details, and to give us the precedents and Torah-tools for determining other questions in the future.
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Why are the Torah's commandments important to Jews?
Because they're from God (Exodus 24:12).
Why is the Talmud important for Jewish people?
The Talmud is the main legal text for the Jewish religion, and contains detailed discussions, stories, and laws. Some Orthodox Jews study Talmud every day of their lives.
What kinds of laws do Jews follow?
The Jews follow many laws. Most of them are written in their Bible, called the Torah. The most important laws are in the Ten Commandments, which the Jews believe were written by God. the Ten Commandments are the basic structures of Judaism. For more information, see the attached Related Link.
What is the most important commandment for Jews and why?
Jewish law and tradition teach explicitly that it is impossible to know which commandments are more or less important than others.
What do Jews have to follow?
The ten commandments
Why do Jews believe that the commandments can't be followed outside of Israel?
We do not believe that the commandments can't be followed outside of Israel!! Jews all over the world follow the commandments! There are some commandments we can't follow such as those pertaining to animal sacrifice because we do not have a Temple in Jerusalem. But other commandments are followed by Jews from Argentina to Zimbabwe!
What did exiled Jews hang on to?
The Torah and Talmud.
What do devout Jews study?
The Torah and Talmud.
What religons keep the Ten Commandments?
Jews and Christians keep the Ten Commandments.
What is next in importance to the Hebrew Bible for Jews?
For Jews, the next in importance is the Talmud.
Does the Jews holy book have any commandments?
Yes, the Torah contains 613 commandments.
The writings of the Torah are important to?
The Jews; and to some extent, to everyone. The Ten Commandments, for example, come from the Torah (Exodus ch.20).
