Why do Jews value the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud?

Answer 1

Together, those two sources of Judaism constitute our beliefs, laws and education.

• The Hebrew Bible taught the ways of God and what He expects of us. It is important because it tells the history of the ancient Israelites, as well as giving us the teachings of such prophets as Moses, Isaiah and Jeremiah, the stories of kings like David and Saul, and the ethics and beliefs of the Jewish religion. Our tradition is that the Hebrew Bible is from God (Exodus 24:12), given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more.
• The Talmud expands upon the Hebrew Bible's teachings. The Torah-laws "as is" aren't exactly what Judaism observes. Rather, It's the Torah together with the details provided in the Talmud, which is the Oral Law that was handed down together with the laws of Moses. Otherwise, the verses of the Torah often lack enough detail to be fulfilled. For example, the law of honest weights and measures (Leviticus 19:36) does not state if any deviation is permitted. How often do the scales need calibration? What is the penalty for overcharging? Etc.

Answer 2

The Hebrew Bible is important because it tells the history of the ancient Israelites, as well as giving us the teachings of such prophets as Moses, Isaiah and Jeremiah, the stories of kings like David and Saul, and the ethics and beliefs of the Jewish religion.Our tradition is that the Hebrew Bible is from God (Exodus 24:12), given to us to provide knowledge, guidance, inspiration, awe and reverence, advice, law, comfort, history and more. It is the basis of Judaism. It crystallized, strengthened and codified our beliefs; insured our awareness and knowledge of our identity and history; and provided powerful impetus to be ethical.
It made us stand in awe of God, while also providing optimism and comfort through the prophecies of redemption. It inspired us to strive for holiness and informed us how to pray and to approach God's presence.
And it set detailed laws, practices and traditions for us forever.

See also the Related Links.

Link: Israelite prophecy

Link: How has the Hebrew Bible influenced Western society?

Link: What is the history of the Hebrew Bible?

The Talmud expands upon the Hebrew Bible's teachings. The Torah-laws "as is" aren't exactly what Judaism observes. Rather, It's the Torah together with the details provided in the Talmud, which is the Oral Law that was handed down together with the laws of Moses. Otherwise, the verses of the Torah often lack enough detail to be fulfilled.

For example, the law of honest weights and measures (Leviticus 19:36) does not state if any deviation is permitted. How often do the scales need calibration? What is the penalty for overcharging? Etc.

The laws (Deuteronomy ch.17) concerning the judges (Torah-sages; Sanhedrin) do not say what exactly constitutes bribery (Deuteronomy 16:19). Is it bribery if I compliment a judge before the court case but do not give a gift? And myriad other questions: How many judges are a quorum for Torah-courts? Is there a time limit for court cases? Etc.

The laws concerning restitution for damages (Exodus ch.22) do not tell us if payment needs to be made for emotional stress.

The key Hebrew word in Exodus 22:4 can mean either fire or cattle. Which is it? Or is it both?

In Exodus 22:5, is there a difference in restitution between deliberate and accidental spreading of fire?