Cherith May D.

Tilos
Eced2b (se2am sched 5-7pm Thursday)

HEBREW LITERATURE

Learning competencies; Students would be able to:

Learn new insight from Hebrew history and culture.
Learn about the holy bible and the story of Ruth.

Introduction
Hebrew literature refers to the body of literary works written in the Hebrew language, from 12th
century BC. Hebrew was a spoken language in Palestine, and in the 20th century it was
adopted as the official language of the new State of Israel. It has a rich and diverse history, with
influences from biblical texts, religious and philosophical traditions, and cultural and historical
events.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS OF HEBREW LITERATURE

Hebrew comes from the middle English word “ebreu” which come from the old French and
derived from the latin word “ hebraus” .
Ancestors of Samaritan and jew
Claim to be the descendants of Abraham

The history of Hebrew language is divided into 4 major period:

Biblical or Classical period were the majority of the Old Testament was written in the ancient
form of Hebrew that was used to compose the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and which the ancient
Israelites used to communicate until around the third century B.C.
Bible (Tanakh) – which are chiefly dedicated to the ancient history of the Jews, their
laws and social aspirations written Torah (Teachings of Law)
The Bible
Most widely used book in the world.
Translated into more languages and dialects than any other
Collection of 66 books.

The language of the Mishnah (a collection of Jewish traditions), written about ad 200 (this
form of Hebrew was never used among the people as a spoken language) is the primary
rabbinic codification of laws as derived from the Torah (the first part of the Jewish bible which
means instruction)
Oral Torah ( instruction)
-codification of laws (Mishna)
The most popular literature is HALAKHAH ( from the word halak which means to rule) ex .
moses
Medieval Hebrew Rabbis, academics, and poets primarily utilized it in writing; it was not widely
spoken. From about the 6th to the 13th century ad, when many words were borrowed from
Greek, spanish, Arabic, and other languages.
Modern Hebrew were Israel currently use as its official language. Languages change together
with the world.
Talmud- a collection of ancient teachings which is compiled until the modern times
Key figures in Hebrew history
Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Sarah, Moses, King Saul, King David
Selected biblical stories
Noah’s Covenant
The 10 commandments
David and Goliath
Daniel in the Lion’s den

Cultural Background of Hebrew literature

The church of Hebrew was called JERUSALEM TEMPLE and the popular drink was wine.
Jewish Religion and Tradition:
Hebrew literature has a strong foundation in Jewish religious texts, such as the Hebrew Bible
(Tanakh) and the Talmud. These texts provide a framework of beliefs, values, and moral
teachings that have shaped Hebrew literary expression. Themes such as faith, covenant,
redemption, and the relationship between God and humanity are recurrent in Hebrew literature.
Persecution
Hebrew literature has been profoundly influenced by the historical experiences of persecution.

Modernity and Secularism:

With the rise of the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) in the 18th century, Hebrew literature
began to encompass secular and modern themes. Hebrew writers have drawn inspiration from
their religious heritage, the pursuit of national aspirations, and the complexities of modernity,
creating a rich and varied literary tradition.

Characteristics of Hebrew

 Related to lived facts and personal experiences with God.

 Considered one of the most widespread works in the world.
 The bible handles historical stories and teachings .

Notable writers and their works

Moses Mendelssohn’s translation of the Hebrew bible into German inspired interest in the
Hebrew language that led to the founding of a quarterly review written in Hebrew.
Leah Goldberg noted for being a prolific writer and pioneer of Israeli children’s literature.
Hayim Nahman Bialik was one of the pioneers of modern Hebrew poets and came to be
recognized as Israel national poet.

STORY OF RUTH
The story of Ruth is found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Ruth. It is a short
narrative that centers around the lives of several key characters, highlighting themes of loyalty,
kindness, and redemption.

The story begins during the time of the Judges in ancient Israel when a famine forces a man
named Elimelech, along with his wife Naomi and their two sons, to leave their hometown of
Bethlehem and seek refuge in the land of Moab. While in Moab, Elimelech dies, and their sons
marry Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth.

Tragically, both of Naomi's sons also die, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth as widows. Naomi,
hearing that the famine has ended in Bethlehem, decides to return to her homeland and
encourages her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and remarry. Orpah decides to stay, but Ruth
insists on accompanying Naomi, demonstrating her deep loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-
law.

Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth takes on the responsibility of providing for herself and
Naomi by gleaning in the fields, a practice where the poor gather leftover grain from the
harvested fields. By chance, Ruth ends up gleaning in the fields owned by Boaz, a wealthy and
respected man who is a relative of Elimelech.

Boaz notices Ruth's diligence and kindness towards Naomi and shows her favor, instructing his
workers to leave extra grain for her. Impressed by Ruth's character, Boaz takes further interest
in her and eventually agrees to act as her kinsman-redeemer. In Jewish law, a kinsman-
redeemer was a male relative who had the responsibility to marry a widow from his family to
continue the family line and provide for her.

Eventually, Boaz marries Ruth, and they have a son named Obed. Obed becomes the
grandfather of King David, making Ruth an ancestor of the Davidic dynasty and, consequently,
of Jesus Christ according to the New Testament.

The story of Ruth serves as a testament to the loyalty and kindness displayed by Ruth towards
her mother-in-law Naomi and the blessings that come from acting with integrity and
compassion. It also highlights the theme of redemption, as Ruth's life is transformed from a
Moabite widow to a beloved member of the Israelite community, and her lineage becomes
intertwined with the royal lineage of Israel.

Activity:
Give the 4 biblical stories that we've discussed
Give the five key figures in the Hebrew history

References:
"Literature, Modern Hebrew". JewishEncyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2014-05-05
https://www.britannica.com/art/Hebrew-literature/The-period-of-retrenchment-1200-1750
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_literature
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Talmud
https://youtu.be/YIeRJmLDeQ0