An Initial Post

B.Spinoza has a new blog. From his intial posts it seems that it will be a blog worth reading. I hope he continues posting.

In his last couple of posts he talks about 'Taking Tenach Seriously'. Please read the relevant posts. I do not disagree with him regarding the need to 'Take Tenach Seriously', I would like though to say the following:

Although one is right in saying that Tenach is the original inspiration of the Jewish people, Jews are by no means the only people that can lay claim to a religion that finds its genesis in the words of the biblical prophets. So do the worlds hundreds of millions of Christains and so do the worlds many millions of Muslims. 'Taking Tenach Seriously' should be no more a requirement in understanding Judaism then in understanding Christianity.

In fact modern Judaism cannot be understood by a 'serious' look at Tenach. A 'serious' look at Tenach will more than likely throw up more questions than answers.

My claim is that Judaism can only be properly understood by studying the works of the post biblical sages. It is their interpretation of The Bible that is all important. It is their interpretation that matters. To understand Judaism we have to try and understand how they understood Tenach.

I think the point I am making is something that is missed too often. I shall try to explore this subject on this blog.