Tanakh-versions

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“I am יָהוָה, that is My Name; and My glory will I not give to another”. Yeshayahu – Isaiah 42:8. (JPS)

Throughout this site I will use anyone of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS), 2. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), 3. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh: 1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings).

*The Ketuvim - includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Some alterations have been made relating to Names and Attributes having been corrected.

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“Read the Tanakh”

Which version is the best?

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

The make-up of our beloved Tanakh:

Hebraic Scriptures has a foundational text and it is also known as the “Tanakh” or the “Hebrew Bible” by non Jews. The Tanakh is divided into three parts, such as:

1... “Torah”, which forms the “Five books of Moshe – Moses” (It is also called the “Pentateuch”.

2... “Nevi’im” the Prophets.

3... “Ketuvim” the Writings.

Jewish tradition holds the Torah to be the direct, unmediated Word of Elohim, whereas in the Prophets men said to be divinely inspired speak in their own voices, while the writings are in the words of His prophets who were guided by the רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ - “Ruach HaKodesh” - the Holy Spirit!

What does the “Torah” and the “Tanakh” mean to us all?

Do you love to read our beloved Torah (Five Books of Moshe) and the Tanakh - being of course all of our Sacred Scriptures, and continue to learn and observe more and more about our loving Heavenly Father, אֱלֹהִים- יָהוָה (the LORD God), blessed be His Sanctified Name! For we should constantly strive and learn to know more what we are being told taught in our blessed Tanakh, in order for us to live in a full faith, it is best to follow in the footsteps as our forefathers! I pray that this will be so, may you be richly blessed with His, אֱלֹהִים (Elohim’s) love!

In regard to the versions which are available to us, personally, I cannot say that there is only one version of our Sacred writings that is the “best Tanakh” (the Hebrew Scriptures) to read. It depends on individual needs and preferences. Although for those who know Ivrit - Hebrew, I have found that the “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS) & Sefaria.org (SEF) and Mechon-Mamre.org (MEC) are the very best sources available online!

Masoretic Text:

For interest the “Masoretic Text” has become very much the standard Hebrew text we tend to use, as we have done for countless years. However, good English translations are certainly available on all of the free online versions listed below. Personally, I have found that the JPS online version has excellent Ivrit and English translations, as well an English version that is on line, as well as many other languages are available thus it is an exceptionally good Tanakh! Although, “JPS” has provided it’s version to another online Tanach programme’s being Sefaria.org (SEF), and it tends to be my most used version.

Let us take a brief look at the history and changes of our Tanakh.

The Dead Sea Scrolls:

These interesting treasures, the “Dead Sea Scrolls” they offer’s valuable insights into the much older text’s and history.

We should understand that the Ivrit - Hebrew font of today is relatively new, for the Torah was originally written in the ancient “Sinai Hebrew Paleo script” as seen below. However thereafter, there were several slightly different Paleo versions.

The Aramaic square Hebrew arrived in the scene at 458 BCE, this was followed in 600 CE with the “Masoretic” with vowels Hebrew, as we have it today.

The “Dead Sea Scrolls” are very significant indeed, as they contain some of the oldest known copies of our Tanakh as well as other writings, which provided us with invaluable insights into the history of our Hebraic faith. Dating back as far as the 3rd century BCE, they predate previously known manuscripts by centuries, offering a glimpse into our religious practices and beliefs up to, בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ הַשֵּׁנִי –the “Second Temple” period.

What version is best for You:

Below are links to obtain various versions of the Tanakh, all of which I personally use. In order to assist you to decide which one, (or download any of these versions) for personally I have four versions downloaded and they are all shown below:

If you're looking for the most authoritative Hebrew versions, see below:

1... “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS):

“Jewish Publication Society” which you can obtain direct from JPS.

https://jps.org/download-the-tanakh-1917-translation.

2... “Sefaria.org” (SEF):

Sefaria.org is excellent and it has a much improved layout version of JPS. It is available online via https://www.sefaria.org/texts/Tanakh.

3... “mechon-mamre.org” (MEM):

This is also a good version, but it is slightly more difficult to use. But it can be uploaded via: https://mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0.htm.

Now there is an all English Translation.

4... The Leeser translation (LT):

The “Leeser translation” is historically significant and it offers valuable insights into the texts. The Leeser Translation is available at; https://gratis.bible/en/leeser/.

Ultimately, the “best” Tanakh is the one that suits your personal needs for study, prayer, and religious practice. Thus as shown above I personally have JPS. MEC, MEM and LT.

A Prayer:

There is a wonderful Hebrew prayer or a blessing that focuses on studying אֱלֹהִים (God’s) Torah, the blessing goes as follows;

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יָהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לַעֲסוֹק בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה

Transliteration:

“Baruch ata Adonai Elo’hei’nu Me’lech Ha’olam, A’sher Kid’shanu Be’mitz’votav Ve’tzivanu La’a’sok

Be’div’rei Torah”.

In English:

“Blessed are You, אֱלֹהֵינוּ- יָהוָה(LORD our God), King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to engage in the words of Torah”.

Let me breakdown these blessed word’s with a Word by Word breakdown:

בָּרוּך - Baruch Blessed.

אַתָּה - Ata You.

יָהוָה - YaHVaH - Adonai Elohim’s Name according to the rabbis, not traditionally pronounced.

אֱלֹהֵינוּ - Elohim The Almighty’s attribute, who He is.

מֶלֶךְ - Melech King of the world (or universe).

הָעוֹלָם - Ha’Olam The world (or universe).

אֲשֶׁר - Asher Who.

קִדְּשָׁנוּ - Kid’shanu Has Sanctified us.

בְּמִצְוֹתָיו - Be’mitzvotav With His Commandments.

וְצִוָּנוּ - V’Tzivanu And commanded us.

לַעֲסוֹק - La’asok To engage or Immerse oneself.

בְּדִבְרֵי - Be’divrai In the words of.

תוֹרָה - Torah The Five Books of Moshe - Moses.

This blessing expresses gratitude to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim for the Mitzvah (commandment) of engaging in Torah study. It emphasizes both spiritual sanctification and active involvement in learning Divine wisdom.

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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the Conversation:

Which part of this Tanach guide or a line within it has touched you the most? And how do you feel about spending more time on your Tanakh study time? I pray that you are doing well as a faithful Jew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are upholding as many of our blessed Mitzvoth’s? I am well aware that the modern world sadly contains far too many deviations as well as problems that tend’s to get in the way. More than that, sadly there are all sorts of enticements, which is able to throw so many off track. Thus, if there are various struggles that may be taking place in your life at this or any time, I am well aware that it can have sad and cruel effects upon your life? Remember this, pray for peace, and then work on keeping as calm as possible and learn to improve your life in אֱלֹהִים. This site is also for those who need to return to our wonderful faith, thus work on your faith and pray and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, blessed be He!

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest - Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יָהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי אֲנִי יָהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יָהוָה (the LORD your God); walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יָהוָה”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom (Peace) of צְבָאוֹת-יָהוָה (the LORD of hosts) be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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