The question “Do Jewish people read the Old Testament?” is a common one, especially among those unfamiliar with Jewish tradition. The answer, however, requires some clarification. While Jewish people do read the texts that Christians refer to as the Old Testament, they do not use that term. Instead, they refer to these scriptures as the Tanakh, an acronym derived from the three main sections of the Hebrew Bible: Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

The Tanakh: The Jewish Bible

The Tanakh is the canonical collection of Jewish scriptures. It is written primarily in Hebrew, with some portions in Aramaic, and it serves as the foundational text for Judaism. The Christian Old Testament is based on the same core texts, but there are key differences in arrangement, translation, and religious interpretation.

The Structure of the Tanakh

1. Torah (The Law): Also known as the Five Books of Moses—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books form the core of Jewish law and theology.

2. Nevi’im (The Prophets): This section includes the historical books (like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings) and prophetic writings (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, along with the twelve minor prophets).

3. Ketuvim (The Writings): A diverse collection that includes poetry (Psalms), wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), and historical books (Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles).

Differences Between the Tanakh and the Christian Old Testament

1. Terminology and Religious Context

Jews do not use the term “Old Testament” because it implies a comparison with a “New Testament,” which is a Christian concept. In Judaism, the Tanakh is the complete and sacred written scripture. There is no “new” counterpart or fulfillment as there is in Christianity.

2. Order of the Books

The order of books in the Jewish Tanakh differs from the Christian Old Testament. For example, the Jewish Bible ends with the Book of Chronicles, whereas the Christian Old Testament typically ends with the prophets such as Malachi. This reordering reflects different theological priorities.

3. Language and Translation

Most Jewish communities read the Tanakh in Hebrew or Aramaic, often accompanied by traditional commentaries. Christians, on the other hand, typically read translations of the Old Testament based on the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), especially in early church history. This has led to some differences in wording and interpretation.

4. Canonical Books

While the Protestant Old Testament and the Jewish Tanakh contain the same books (albeit arranged differently), the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Old Testaments include additional texts called the Deuterocanonical books (e.g., Tobit, Judith, Wisdom). These books are not part of the Jewish canon.

Jewish Practices of Reading Scripture

1. Torah Reading in Synagogues

The public reading of the Torah is central to Jewish worship. Portions of the Torah are read aloud in synagogues during weekly Sabbath services, as well as on Jewish holidays and other special occasions. The entire Torah is read in annual or triennial cycles, depending on the community.

Each Torah portion is called a parashah, and it is often accompanied by a related reading from the Prophets, called the Haftarah.

2. Study of the Tanakh

Studying the Tanakh is a lifelong pursuit for many Jews. It is not just read but analyzed deeply with the aid of classical Jewish commentaries from scholars such as Rashi, Maimonides, and others. Yeshivas (Jewish learning institutions) dedicate years to the study of these texts alongside the Talmud and other rabbinic writings.

3. Personal and Family Study

Many Jewish families read and discuss Torah at home, especially during holidays or after synagogue services. Traditional blessings are recited before and after readings, highlighting the sacred nature of the texts.

Common Misconceptions

1. “Jews Reject the Old Testament”

This is a misunderstanding. Jews do not reject the texts of the Old Testament; rather, they view them differently. They consider the Tanakh to be the full, divinely inspired written word of God, with no need for a New Testament or a Messiah as defined by Christianity.

2. “Jews Do Not Read the Prophets or Psalms”

Another myth is that Jews only focus on the Torah and ignore the other parts of the Bible. In truth, the Nevi’im and Ketuvim are studied and revered. Psalms are used extensively in Jewish prayer, and books like Isaiah and Jeremiah are foundational to Jewish theology and ethics.

Jewish Interpretive Traditions

1. Rabbinic Commentary

Much of Jewish understanding of the Tanakh comes from rabbinic interpretations preserved in the Talmud and Midrash. These texts explore the deeper meanings, applications, and spiritual lessons of the Bible.

2. Emphasis on Law and Ethics

Jewish readings often focus on how biblical laws and narratives apply to daily life. Rather than seeing the Bible as a series of isolated stories, Jewish tradition views it as a continuous dialogue between God and Israel, with practical and ethical implications.

Conclusion

Jewish people absolutely read the texts Christians call the Old Testament, but they do so within a different framework, using the term Tanakh and approaching the scriptures through Jewish theology and tradition. These texts are central to Jewish life, worship, and identity. Understanding this difference helps bridge interfaith dialogue and enhances mutual respect between Jewish and Christian communities. While the scriptures may be shared, the interpretations and religious applications are distinct and deeply rooted in the unique histories of each faith.

In short, while Jews do not read the “Old Testament” as Christians define it, they do read, study, and revere the same foundational texts, known to them as the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh—a sacred and enduring cornerstone of Jewish faith and life.