Why is the Hebrew Bible important?

Answer 1

Because of its importance as the words of God (Exodus 24:12), and because it commands us to study it (Deuteronomy ch.6). The practice of learning our traditions dates back all the way to Abraham (Talmud, Yoma 28b); and the practice of reading the Torah in public was instituted by Moses (Talmud, Bava Kama 82a).

The Tanakh (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 development of the ethics and beliefs of the Jewish religion. Our tradition is that the Hebrew Bible is from God, 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.

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 development of the ethics and beliefs of the Jewish religion. The Hebrew Bible (later called the "Old Testament") is also where many important laws such as the Ten Commandments are found. And the Hebrew bible was the scripture that Jesus (Yeshua) read and believed in; Christianity, which broke away from Judaism and started a new faith, was greatly influenced by the Hebrew Bible. Thus, both Jews and Christians find great meaning in this book-- Jews still believe in the Hebrew Bible, while Christians see it as the Book that led to the New Testament and Christianity.

Further, throughout history, a number of writers and film-makers have been influenced by the Hebrew Bible-- movies have been made about such subjects as the Exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the Ten Commandments. Bible stories like David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah, Abraham and Isaac, and Noah's Ark can be found as popular images in literature, and many of The Bible stories from the Hebrew scriptures are still taught in religious schools. They are also taught in comparative religion classes (not everyone accepts these stories as true, but they can still be seen as stories which contain messages about morality and ethics).

Answer 3

The Tanakh (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?