Comments on: Jewish people: Is it true that the stories of the book don’t matter?

By: SheyneinNH

SheyneinNH — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:48:59 +0000

Jews can study the text of the Torah on four levels:

* Peshat, the plain (simple) or literal reading;
* Remez, the allegorical reading through text’s hint or allusion
* Derash, the metaphorical reading through a (rabbinic sermon’s) comparison/illustration (midrash)
* Sod, the veiled meaning reading through text’s secret or mystery

One level of meaning doesn’t negate any other.
The "tales" matter, though you point out to interpret them.
References :
Me, Conservative Jew and former Hebrew School teacher

By: Yael

Yael — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:16:59 +0000

Of course the tales in the Torah (AKA Bible) matter. They are fact.

What you are referring to is called Midrash. In a nutshell- Midrash is the "prolonged version" of what really occured. While the Torah might reference an incident in just a few words, the Midrash expands on what happened, going into much more point.
Sometimes, the Midrash will take a tale out of context to described a "veiled meaning" but that doesn’t mean that the actual tale never occured.
References :
Orthodox Jew, studied Torah and Midrash

By: Gate Guardian Ruth

Gate Guardian Ruth — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:38:59 +0000

answer: Some Jews view the first part of Genesis as a teaching myth and doubt that a global flood occurred. Some Jews view the first part of Genesis as a teaching myth but all other stories as actual. Some Jews view most of the stories in the Tanakh as legends/teaching tales. Some Jews believe everything, especially in the Torah, as factual. NB is having a fit of wishful thinking, probably because Jews won't convert. I know MANY Jews who are very religious (including myself as someone converting).
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By: NewlyBorn

NewlyBorn — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:17:59 +0000

I never address the Jews because they are not religious people. They only defend their Judaic roots. The ultra conservative Jews will never show up in here! I may be incorrect… but that only in somebody’s perception…
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By: Gorgeoustx Please send rain!

Gorgeoustx Please send rain! — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:31:59 +0000

Yes, the Jews consider most of the bible to be allegory.
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By: Fireball

Fireball — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:23:59 +0000

THE BIBLE MATTERS..
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By: Panther

Panther — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:47:59 +0000

to what book are you referring ?
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