When Moses died Joshua forgot 300 laws and had 700 doubts about
the law.
Who wrote the Torah? Most scholars do not believe Moses wrote the Torah. Many scholars,
influenced by the 19th century work of Graf and Wellhausen, accept
the view that a final redactor pieced together several different
authors/layers/sources from different periods. This is called
the documentary hypothesis. Who you believe wrote the Torah will have serious impact on
how you look at the biblical text. Want to review some biblical history? Use this timeline.
There is a difference between looking at the china dishes in a
museum and going to pick out dishes from a department store. In
the former, I might admire the quality or technique, but whether
I particularly care for it, or whether it would be practical for
my family isn't relevant. In the latter, I am much more interested
if the design suits my taste, and whether it is dishwasher safe.
What is Torah for us? A museum piece we look at, or dishes we
want to use everyday?
Once the Torah assumed its final form, it has been modified in
different ways in different periods of history. In the final part
of this module, we will explore the work of the Sophrim and the Masoretes.
One last comment. Rabbi Plaut writes in his introduction to his
Torah Commentary:
The reader will therefore do well to keep in mind that the Torah
not only speaks of history but has made history by helping to
shape human thought.
The origins of Torah are one thing, its life through the centuries
another, and its ability to speak to us today yet a third.
After we explore the origins of the Torah and its life through
the centuries, we will turn our attention to its ability to speak
to us today. But that we'll leave for Module 3.
Who do you believe wrote the Torah?
How does your choice affect how you read the text?
How accurate a copy of the 'original Torah' do you think today's
text is?
Answer in the Forum.
Topic A: Canonization
The Hebrew Bible did not spring into existence all at once. The
formation of the Biblical canon was a gradual process. The word
'canon' comes from a Hebrew root that means 'reed,' using as a
measure or rule. Canon, thus means a 'standard' by which things
may be judged.
First, the Torah text was established. It became the focus of
study. Much later the 'Prophets' were added to what was considered
to be 'Holy Writ.' Finally, the writings were incorporated. The
Rabbis of the second Century had discussions as to which books
were to be included: a heated debate over the Song of Songs for
instance was won by Rabbi Akiva. Other books were not so fortunate:
Ben Sira, Judith, Tobith, and the books of I & II Maccabbees were
not included. (These books have been lost to us in the original
Hebrew, and exist in their Latin translations.) They are included
in Christian Bibles and are available as a separate collection
called the 'Apocrypha'- the 'outside' books. The book of Esther
was the last book to be included in the canon and is the only
book to have not had even a fragment found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
How did this process of canonization happen?
Classroom Forum
Topic A:
The year is 621 BCE.