Old Testament

Whatever the uncertainties of detail and the discussions between specialists, all agree that the books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament or First Covenant) were written in the Asian Near East, more precisely in the region closest to Africa, somewhere between the end of the 2nd millennium and the 1st century BC.

A number of the books of the Old Testament were written before and during the Judean Exile of 597 BC. Others took their definitive form during the Persian period, on the return from Exile.

However, a canon was not formulated until 98 A.D. in Yavneh (probably Jamnia in the Holy Land) when the foundations of a new worship practice had to be established after the siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of its Temple by the Roman legions (70).

History >

Biblical history begins with the creation of the world and focuses on the relationship between God and mankind, in particular with the people of Israel, who are often described as a small people surrounded by great powers. The stories include major events such as the Exodus, the conquest of the Promised Land, and periods of kingship and exile.

Biblical manuscripts >

Discover ancient biblical manuscripts: from the Qumran scrolls to the Sefer Torah, explore the history and transmission of Jewish and Christian sacred texts.

Old Testament books >

In the 4th century BC, the five books of the Torah were definitively established. The Jewish canon was established at the end of the 1st century CE. Taking the first letters of the three names, Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim, the Jews formed the word TaNaKh, by which they named the Scriptures.

Tradition of Judaism >

Judaism is a monotheistic religion with roots stretching back thousands of years. It is characterized by rituals, traditions and practices that have stood the test of time. The main concepts of Judaism include the Torah, the Talmud and the mitzvot (commandments).